Thankful

The forecast does look really good and we could see an extensive run of snowmaking.  Our plan is going to follow a similar campaign as last year with Sundance & Exhibition debuting for our top to bottom runs with plenty of learning terrain available from Mystery to Hot Cocoa.  Aspen is also going to be lit up first for those looking to grind some steel and maybe even hit a jump first thing.  

When is opening day then? 

I'm not telling.  We have a goal in our head and are moving towards that date but given that forecasts change all the time and even a few degree difference can make or break our plans I'd prefer not to put any expectations out there.  What I do know is that you can enjoy the Holiday Weekend with friends and family and unfortunately not on the slopes of Granite Peak.  

Our snowmakers are certainly going to be busy on Thanksgiving but the good people over at Rockford's Catering are going to feed our boys with two full dinners during the day and at night for our hungry team.  

Snowmaking is exciting.  I personally love it as it's a beautiful sight to see these machines in action but please keep your distance and refrain from making hikes up the hill.  These machines have lots of moving parts, electricity and water all flowing through them at high volumes. They are cool to look at but keep your distance!  

As the temperatures hovered near 60 this past week it did allow our team to do an extensive clean up of our base area including putting up some new fence, stain, removing tree limbs and in general just getting our place spick and span for your arrival.  New garbage containers are in the process of being developed and the Sundance Chalet has a new recycling center that our staff will maintain for the season.  More on this prior to the season. 

Without snow we can't really have a rail jam. While we'd love to keep this tradition alive it's more important we put all of our efforts towards snowmaking at this time and that means all hands on deck including our park crew. Don't pout as we're moving our Cranberry Jam back a few weeks and renaming it to the Jingle Jam. This will take place across our Christmas Family Festival weekend and will take place at dusk. Look for Christmas Trees, lights, yes Christmas Carols, and more as competitors take to the hike venue for a fun early season competition full of plenty of presents and joy for all to watch! Followed by a Fireworks Show!!

Looking to grab that special skier or snowboarder in your life some Granite Peak gear? Our retail & logowear shop will be open on Friday 11/24 and Saturday 11/25 for Black Friday / Small Business Saturday sales.  The shop is full of great apparel once again and those spending over $100 bucks will have the chance to win additional swag items from the store as our way of saying thank you for your business.  The shop will be open 9am - 5pm along with our administration office for those of you looking to pick up passes or inquire about any other program we have available.  

A guest posted on our social media the other day that while it's too bad we won't be skiing and riding this year it will give our team and staff members the opportunity to be with friends and family.  

I'll certainly be having some fun with friends with a Turkey Trot Thursday morning then some football & food for sure. My kids and wife took off for Thanksgiving in Ohio with family and while I'd love to be there and could have been - I simply couldn't leave our beloved snowmaking team!  I hope to enjoy a few bites of turkey with them on Thanksgiving.  

From our entire Granite Peak family to yours I want to wish you all a wonderful & HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  

Greg 

Granite Peak General Manager