The Rotarun Ski Area expansion has taken another step forward with the purchase of two mobile snow guns.
Rotarun Ski Club President Jeff Smith announced the purchase at a County Commission meeting Tuesday, June 8, as part of Rotarun's annual report. The guns will provide reliable snow cover for the hill west of Hailey, he said, which in turn may boost revenue.
Though the full system will include up to 12 permanent snowmaking guns, Smith said the snow cover provided by two mobile units would be enough to allow Rotarun to open in November, regardless of weather conditions.
"I am convinced that with the installation of even a few guns, the place will totally change," Smith said. If the snow guns can be installed this season, Smith hopes to see the area open as early as Nov. 5, potentially giving Rotarun a two-week advantage over Bald Mountain.
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This advantage could make Rotarun a training ground for skiers looking to get a "leg up" on ski season. Smith hopes reliable snow cover would lead to an increase in early-season skiers who may be willing to pay training fees and provide a new source of income for the club.
The timeline for the system's completion is still uncertain. Rotarun has been planning a snowmaking system since 2007, but expansion was delayed by debates over water rights with nearby subdivision Sage Creek.
Installation has stalled again, this time due to lack of funds. While the system's pumphouse and supply pond are fully funded and being constructed, Smith said the club is still short at least $60,000 to pay for a supply pipe and its installation.
Smith said the board is "within striking distance" of gaining needed funds, which they hope to raise through donations and fundraisers this summer.
"The whole thing is about money," he said.
Previous donations and community support, including a grant from the Deer Creek Fund, have made the purchase of the snow guns possible. The guns were acquired at a 50 percent discount from Johnson Control Snowmaking.
Katherine Wutz, kwutz@mtexpress.com
Rotarun fundraising
The Rotarun Ski Club is actively seeking donations to defray operating and snowmaking costs. Past fundraising efforts included:
A letter-writing campaign that raised $12,000 in 2009.
The Deer Creek Fund challenge grant, which donated $10,000 to match Rotarun's independent fundraising.
Rotarun Ski Club Board of Directors Secretary Sarah Budson said the club always accepts private donations. The club can be reached by phone at (208) 788-1173, or donations can be sent to the Rotarun Ski Club, Inc., P. O. Box 2083, Hailey, ID, 83333.
