CBMR begins snowmaking in preparation for winter season

New uphill access protocols in place

[  By Kendra Walker  ]

The recent wintry weather wasn’t the only snow coming down on the mountain this week, as Crested Butte Mountain Resort began snowmaking on Sunday night, October 25, in preparation for this upcoming winter season.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Crested Butte Mountain Resort began making snow Sunday night for the first time this season,” confirmed CBMR senior communications specialist Will Shoemaker. “The recent cold snap is providing a weather window with optimal temperatures expected to extend through the middle of this week.”

Snowmaking has started near the top of Warming House Hill and will follow a similar schedule to previous years, with terrain and lifts opening similar to previous seasons and dependent on weather and conditions. Shoemaker also noted that compared to previous years, this start to snowmaking is about a week ahead of schedule. Over the summer, CBMR also made some upgrades to the snowmaking system, including adding some new hoses and snowmaking guns.

Despite low water levels in the East River, Shoemaker said that snowmaking hasn’t been impacted. “We pay very close attention to our water right on the East River and so far, we have been able to get off to a successful start for snowmaking,” he said.

Uphill access changes

Uphill access is currently closed at CBMR, and pre-season access will not be allowed due to snowmaking and grooming operations. However, the resort plans to permit uphill access during the winter season before and after operating hours on designated routes, with some new safety protocols in place to minimize interactions with mountain operations and area wildlife, said Shoemaker.

Beginning this year, pets will not be allowed on the mountain at any time, including outside of operating hours during uphill access, said Shoemaker. “This allows for increased safety for both other uphill users and mountain operations, especially outside of normal resort operating hours when snowmobiles and snowcats are present to prepare and maintain the mountain.”

Snowshoeing and hiking will be permitted during operating hours via the designated route from the base area to the Umbrella Bar at Ten Peaks and Bubba’s Ski Way. However, no uphill ski touring or splitboard travel will be allowed during operating hours. “Equipment suitable for downhill travel may not be used or carried for uphill access during operating hours,” added Shoemaker.

“Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable ski and ride experience to our guests amid COVID-19, which means focusing our resources first and foremost on our mountain operations,” he said. “While we are pleased to offer uphill access at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, we ask that those who want to partake in that experience please follow the new protocols that were designed to safely manage demand this season.”

CBMR is still scheduled for opening day on November 25.