With only 3 inches of snow on the slopes, Hesperus Ski Area announced it will delay its opening, which had been set for Friday.
The date for the first day will not be scheduled until enough powder has accumulated for skiing.
The small ski area, 11 miles west of Durango on U.S. Highway 160, does not have snowmaking capabilities, so it relies on natural snowfall, said Amanda Anderson, marketing director with Purgatory Resort.
Mountain Capital Partners of Durango owns both Purgatory and Hesperus. Hesperus opened in 1962. It has a summit of 8,800 feet with a 700-foot vertical slope.
“Our mountain team is working hard and continuing to prep the mountain for opening day, which we’ll announce once we’ve received sufficient snow,” Sam Williams, senior director of mountain operations at Hesperus, said in a news release issued Monday by Purgatory Resort.
Mountain Capital Partners executives are working with San Juan Basin Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on a COVID-19 operating plan.
Skiers can expect new procedures and protocols, required mask-wearing and social distancing while visiting the resort, according to the news release. Details about the COVID-19 operating plan will be released on approval.
Hesperus has 13 trails, one chairlift and 60 skiable acres. It offers 30% beginner, 20% intermediate and 50% advanced terrain. Its tubing hill is popular with families with small children. It also has the largest night-skiing operation in the Four Corners.