February 8, 2015
Our area manager Chris Nason and the Phoenix Mountain Alpine Ski Society (PMASS) Board of
Directors made a very difficult decision yesterday. The heavy rainfall has done a number on our
slopes. Because of the low snow on our groomed runs and warm temperatures, we made the
decision to cease mountain operations in hopes of preserving the remainder of our season.
If Phoenix Mountain continued operations over the holiday weekend, we would have accelerated the
loss of our base. Now, when the weather cools off and snow falls again, we may have some snow
left for a base. Our groomers have been doing everything they can to keep the hill open so you can
enjoy, but we simply do not have the snow available to stitch snow from other places and snow farm
anymore.
The zone race for the Phoenix Mountain Racers and Nancy Greene program was scheduled for today
and it was cancelled due to lack of snow on the slope the race was going to be held. We had a free
Family Day event sponsored by Roxul scheduled, but warm temps (and rain) continues to be
forecasted below 1700 meters. Today the temperature was super warm and lucky it didn’t rain. Our
summit is about 1500 meters. We had school programs scheduled for Tuesday and Weds and
again, the conditions are forecasted to stay unseasonably warm. We have temporarily suspended
the school program scheduled for next week.
A priority for Phoenix Mountain is safety. We also needed to consider the complete saturation of our
snowpack contributing to increased opportunity for skiers and riders to hit downed trees, rocks and
brush, with the possibility of falling completely through the snow pack to obstacles that could be very
injurious.
We plan to give you an update about opening as soon as we can. Phoenix Mountain area manager
Chris Nason will be evaluating for next Saturday, February 14 but with the long term forecast not
including colder temperatures and additional precipitation we are not sure what will happen.
Hang with us Phoenix Mtn fans. We want winter to come back as much as you do. Think cold temps
and snow! Take advantage of going outside and getting exercise for more snow to come.
Stay tuned to our facebook site: www.facebook.com/phoenixmountainbc
______________________________________________________________________________________
* Phoenix Mountain * Box 2428, Grand Forks, BC, V0H 1H0 * www.skiphoenix.com *
* Ph (250) 444-6565 * fax (250) 442-5090 * skiphoenix@gmail.com *