Not-So-Tropical Depression
As we head in to our seventh day of single-digit and sub-zero temperatures, many of us are wondering when Mother Nature will give it a rest!
Hearty mountain folk are accustomed to cold weather, but it’s incredibly depressing when it’s this cold, for this long, and there is not enough snow to start skiing. Ever the optimist, I’ve been scouring the different forecasts for the best outlook as I watch my snow-loving brethren plunge into depression. (Yes, your Facebook status updates give you away, my friends.)
Alas, there is some hope in this weekend’s forecast, and we truly are in better shape here at Brundage Mountain than we were at this point last year. So, restless natives, indulge me as I attempt to look on the bright side…
First off – the forecast. Those percentages next to the pretty snow icons are growing larger…especially starting Saturday night.
Second, we have significantly more snow on the mountain than we did this time last year, so we are ‘closer’ to the holy grail of an acceptable snow base.
Third, this insanely cold weather has, so far, prevented that base from melting, AND it’s given our skillful mountain crews an opportunity to do some impressive prep-work on the slopes.
So please, wipe away the tears so you can read the official status update:
The winch cat that we invested in last year has done wonders for our pre-season preparations. Because of its unique ability to climb steep slopes, our ever-vigilant mountain crews have managed to track-pack all of our primary runs, with the exception of Main Street, Engen, Bear and the very top of Alpine. 
What is track packing? Track packing is when we run the SnoCat over the slope without engaging the grooming blades.
Why track pack? First of all, it squishes down the existing snow into a more compact, consolidated base layer. That prevents melting and keeps the surface snow from blowing away to some degree. Second, we have a nifty tool we connect to the winch cat, which we call a ‘flail mower’. This apparatus allows us to mow down whatever brush is left on the slopes after our summer mowing.
So far, we’ve used the mower on North, middle-Alpine, Beeline, Race Course, 45th Parallel and Dropline.
Here’s a close-up of what a slope looks like after it’s been mowed.
As you can see, we still need a bit more snow to cover the remains of the brush. BUT, if you look to the left side of this next photo, you can see how tall the brush was before mowing. It’s easy to see how much LESS snow we need to cover the slopes now.
So now, you’re probably wondering why we didn’t try this track-packing-flail-mowing magic trick on Main Street, Engen and Upper Alpine. Unfortunately, those slopes have suffered more wind effects than the others. A lot of the snow that fell was blasted right off those open faces, so what’s left is not deep enough to support a SnoCat just yet. As for Bear, it gets a lot of sun and has seen more melt-off than the rest of our major slopes.
But rest assured, we are on the case and ready to spring into action just as soon as that next blast of snow comes our way. So before you give up hope, remember, we’ve definitely had it worse. Besides, those tears of sorrow will just freeze your eyelashes together anyway.
- April
December 8th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
when do u guys think brundage will open
December 8th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Hi Jake!
From where we stand right now, we need at least 12 inches of fresh snow. If we lost some of our current base to melting, we would need a bit more. I sure wish I knew when that next 12 inches was coming, but without psychic powers, we just have to wait and see.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I am VERY impressed April with the diligence and maximizing of what Brundage DOES have. It really will not take much more to get us up and running.It really is snow farming!!
December 8th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Thanks, Tim! We appreciate the feedback. Of course, we are at nature’s mercy when it comes to the amount of snowfall, but we’ve figured out a few tricks to make the most of our situation. Hopefully that next blast of snow will be here soon!
December 9th, 2009 at 5:56 am
lets see a picture of the winch/flail in action! Leedom rocks! Gettin’ er done…
December 9th, 2009 at 6:00 am
Hey Colin –
Good to hear from you! We’ll work on that – and yes, Leedom does rock!
December 9th, 2009 at 9:58 am
this makes me feel better. i was gettin nervous but now im not so much. keep up the good work
December 9th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Thanks, Will!
December 9th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Mother nature needs to get to work and just let it dump:( WE NEED SNOW
December 9th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I am headed to the warmer clime of Santa Cruz. Hopefully, when I return on Tuesday, the slopes will be open!!!!! School is out and I have a month off!
December 9th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Maybe Brundage could get a good deal on some used snowmaking equipment from Tamarack. Early season skiing every year..
December 10th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Hi Chris!
With the late snowfall this year and last year, there’s been a lot of talk about snowmaking. While we have no reason to believe that Tamarack is interested in selling its assets, we have certainly considered investing in snowmaking. The biggest obstacle there is obviously the expense. Industry reports estimate it costs $60,000 to install snowmaking equipment ON ONE RUN. That’s just the initial investment. Operating snowmaking equipment can amount to 50% of a ski area’s total operating costs. We’ve done the math, and at this point, we feel our visitors would rather have affordable passes and lift tickets than to pay twice the cost for the benefits of snowmaking. Thanks for taking the time to write in with your suggestions – we are always looking for new ideas and options!
December 10th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
its so nice to see these photos and snow in the forecast! we’ll be cruisin runs in no time…hopefully.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Hi Torrey!
We sure hope you’re right – keep the faith!
December 10th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Please, please, please, please let it snow! I’ve been a really good girl this year… well, OK, not really, but I’m really sorry… if only it would snow!
December 11th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I also wish it wouild snow!! But apart from that i would really love Brundage to have a better terrain park!! With Tamarack out of business so far this winter It would really do Brundage some good to put up, and invest in a larger better park! I love the Pow at Brundage (when ever it finaly gets here) but it needs more appeal to the younger, and more adventurous group. And a REAL park would do that, not the normal 2 jumps 2 rails Brundage puts up. PLEASE Brundage!! I’ll Pray for Snow if ya do!! Well actually I’ll probably do that anyway. Im tired of looking at my Season pass sitting on my desk…
December 11th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Hi Brendan –
We are planning to expand our terrain park this year. In addition to the beginner park on Griz and the park on Lower Rodeo, we’re planning to put terrain features on Upper Rodeo, just as soon as we get enough snow to build them. We also have a new park crew hired to maintain the parks regularly, so as long as Mother Nature cooperates, you should have more features to choose from this season. Thanks for your input, we always love to hear from our enthusiastic visitors!
December 11th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
winter weather headed our way! dem skis better be waxed everyone. this storm should be enough to get us goin
December 11th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Just check out the forecast for the next week, folks, and keep your fingers crossed!
December 12th, 2009 at 11:16 am
im getting my jones on to hit the slopes very soon. This is the first time in 32 years of skiing that i havent hit the slopes the week after thanksgiving
. I might have to hit Targhee or SV if it doesnt happen soon.
December 12th, 2009 at 11:49 am
every inch counts
December 12th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
i went and did me a couple laps in my corral on our 2 inches and im super pumped! build it and they will come…but they will come anyways
December 12th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
hey um april what is the chance of you guys opening the 19th
December 12th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Hi Jacob –
Every inch that’s falling gets us closer to that goal. Our mountain crews will be out assessing the slope conditions on Monday to see where we are after this weekend’s storms. It also looks like there is some snow in the forecast this week, so lets keep our fingers crossed, we are getting very close!
December 12th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Glad to hear to hear the Brundage is considering the economics of the clientele in the decision, at this point in time, to NOT invest in snowmaking equipment. Let’s keep the costs at a level that a broader range of folks can afford. Thanks!
December 12th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
hey april the new additoins to the terrain park sound bigger and better so i cant wait to hit the new features. all we need is some more snow. if the conditions are good are you planning to open some time next week
December 13th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Hi Shane!
We plan to open as soon as we get enough snowfall, and the forecast is looking encouraging for this weekend and the rest of the week. We still have not hit that ‘magic’ number, but keep checking back here on the website, we would like to get open as soon as possible so everyone can spend their holidays up here!
December 13th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Wow! Great work. I was getting worried as the family and I are flying out from Atlanta, GA to ski your beautiful mountain after Christmas. Being a southerner, I had no idea about all the prep work that happens. With all ya’lls work and a little luck, I beleive we are going to have a wonderful time! Great Job!!!
December 13th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Thanks, MJ! Last week’s cold snap gave us a chance to pre-prep the slopes, so hopefully we’ll be up and running soon!
December 14th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Everyone it’s time to do your snow dance. I think RC should lead one and it should be posted on the main page. Snow SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW
December 14th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
That would be a sight, wouldn’t it?
December 14th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Thanks so much for your communication and updates as well as the new stuff – extra mowing and packing the snow down. Waiting and praying for much new snow for the area. Looking forward to another great year of skiing and my husband and I agree that if making snow is so costly – lets keep our Brundage mountain open to more people and families. Take care April and the rest of the staff and hope to see you all soon!
December 14th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
you post it i’ll dance it. Everything helps. I’ll do watever it takes because I plan to snowboard 8 days after christmas.
December 14th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
April you have the most upbeat and professional answers I have ever read. Keep up the good work. Scott
December 15th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Thank you ALL for taking the time to comment. Our team works hard to do the best we can and balance the different needs and desires of our visitors. It looks like Mother Nature may be cooperating this week, so stay positive!
December 15th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Will they be opening thiss weekend its snowing hard outside
December 15th, 2009 at 11:25 am
if this storm keeps up we’ll be shreddin in a week!
December 15th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Its been raining all day in Boise. i hope Brundage gets enough snow to open soon.
December 15th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Hi Rob –
It has been snowing all day here at Brundage, so we’re getting closer. Keep your spirits up!
December 15th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I will be at Brundage Dec. 27 through the Jan. 2 Any chances Brundage will be open for some boarding?
December 15th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Hi Brandon –
We’re not ready to announce an opening just yet, but we are in the middle of a storm right now, so be sure to check back tomorrow to see if anything’s changed. We’re still 12 days away from your visit, so there’s plenty of time for more snow to come our way!