Sipapu Extends Season to April 18
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sipapu Extends its Winter Season - Last Resort to Close in NM
Vadito, NM – Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, New Mexico’s year-round destination for family-friendly, family fun, announced today it will extend the 2009-2010 skiing and riding season one more weekend – closing day is now scheduled for Sunday, April 18.
By extending its winter season, Sipapu once again clenches the title of last resort to close in the state. For the seventh consecutive year, Sipapu has been the first New Mexico resort to open and the last to close.
This spring, Sipapu has experienced the best snow conditions in over a decade: the resort has logged a substantial 186 inches of snow so far and, more importantly, temperatures have been consistently cold. From November 10 until April 1, temperatures dipped below 30 degrees every single night, which means the snow pack has held extremely well, said John Paul Bradley, Sipapu’s general manager.
“This has been an incredible season – it’s like winter just doesn’t want to end,” he said. “The warm temperatures that come with spring skiing usually begin in March, but we’ve seen only hints of those conditions recently.”
Resort officials say the outstanding snow conditions – plus the forecast for more cold temperatures and additional snow expected in the upcoming days – made the decision to stay open an easy one.
“The skiing has been tremendous this year – and the conditions continue to be amazing,” Bradley said. “We’re pretty excited to make them available even longer at Sipapu.”
Located 20 miles southeast of Taos and just over two hours north of Albuquerque, Sipapu is open Saturdays and Sundays through April 18; lifts are open from 9:30-4:30.
Sipapu began weekend-only operations on April 3. Last weekend, all lifts and all trails were 100 percent open. Bradley expects all lifts and nearly all runs to be open to guests for the upcoming April 10-11 weekend, and mountain crews will work hard to keep as much of the mountain open for those looking to squeeze in a few more turns during Sipapu’s record-breaking season.
This winter, skiers and snowboarders have flocked to Sipapu: the resort has seen more than a 20 percent increase in skier visits.
“Our guests have given us yet another record-breaking year,” Bradley said. “They’re telling us they want to keep this epic winter going. So, as a token of our gratitude, we’ll keep the lifts turning as long as we can.”
Bradley added that he may consider keeping the mountain open beyond April 18, weather and conditions permitting. Visitors are encouraged to visit www.SipapuNM.com for the latest information.
In addition to the extended season, guests will also enjoy discounted lift tickets: adult and teen lift tickets are $25; kids and seniors pay just $10. Fourth graders (proof, such as report cards, are required), kids ages six and younger, guests who are 40 years old and seniors 70 or better ski and ride free everyday at Sipapu.
For the remaining weekends, visitors can also take advantage of the guest-favorite Free Lodging Days deal, which offers free slope-side lodging for up to four guests with the purchase of one $39 lift ticket.
Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort entered the 2009-2010 ski season as the fastest growing resort in New Mexico, yet visitors still won’t wait in line for a lift. For complete information about the Sipapu, visit www.SipapuNM.com.
About Sipapu
Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort is New Mexico’s fastest growing ski resort. Located just 20 miles southeast of Taos and two hours north of Albuquerque, Sipapu offers family-friendly, family fun to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Family-owned and operated since 1952, Sipapu is home to New Mexico’s longest ski season and the best deals in the Rockies. The resort is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Carson National Forest, and features over 40 trails, four lifts and two terrain parks. On-site amenities include slope-side lodging, a full-service ski shop, ski school and gourmet home cooking at the Riverside Café.
