Coppervale operation depends on weather
Coppervale Ski Area opened Martin Luther King holiday weekend Saturday, Jan. 18 through Monday, Jan. 20. However, it was not open Tuesday, Jan 21, one of its normal operating days due to high winds and rain.
Norm Wilson, manager, said Wednesday, Jan. 22 that the rain and warmer weather shrunk the snowpack six to eight inches leaving bare patches, so now he won’t open the ski hill again until there is more snow.
Although there are storms in the weather forecast, the snow level is high, said Wilson.
He advises skiers and snowboarders to check the message on the snow phone, 530-251-8841, before driving to the ski area. Also, they can follow Coppervale on Facebook.
When there is snow, the Coppervale Ski Area operates from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. However, Wilson will only open mid-week if there are at least eight people at the resort in order to cover operating expenses.
Lift tickets mid-week are $25. Weekend and holiday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and lift tickets are $30.
After 1 p.m. half-day lift tickets are $25. Skis and snowboards are loaned for a $10 donation. Lessons are by appointment.
Coppervale Ski Area has a tow rope for beginning skiers and snowboarders and a Poma Lift to take the athletes to the more expert runs from the top of the hill.
Martin Luther King holiday weekend drew a good crowd, said Wilson. However, the operation of Coppervale is in limbo dependent on winter storms.
For the most accurate updates, listen to the messages he posts on the snow phone.
