I heard they might keep Alpental open into June if the crowds keep coming. Since Crystal and Alpental don't compete with each other, late seasons might become more of the norm. I'm sure it is cheaper to run Alpental late then Crystal since they only need to operate 2 lifts for the entire mtn.
Hyak Ski and Snowboard Adventure
On the World-Wide-Web since 1997
I've heard several theories about closing days for ski areas:
1. Ski areas close when the crowds stop coming.
2. Ski areas close when their staff leaves for their summer jobs.
3. Ski areas close when their liability insurance runs out.
4. Crystal Mountain and Steven's Pass close around April 15 because they are required to close then by their agreements with the Forest Service. Alpental can stay open later because it is based on an old mining claim.
You are completely wrong about the Elk and the Forest Service. It is a clever trick for the ski area managers to try though. The only ski area that the forest service forces to close on a particular date is Jackson Hole because it is so close to Grand Teton National Park. Call the Crystal Mountain snowphone right now (1-888-SKI-6199)and you will hear that they are considering reopening for weekends in May. The Forest Service has nothing to do with it.
