No, we are not going anywhere.
I understood when I made the partially-insane decision of buying a ski resort that often we would be beholden to the weather. We have always planned for uncertainty, with plenty of business contingencies in place. Unfortunately, we were only open 27 days this season and received 150 inches of snow to date (compared to 66 open days and almost 400 inches last season).
Old Man Winter has awoken from his long slumber. While we are grateful for his (late) season arrival, we’ll be having a stern talk about our expectations moving forward (and buying him a new alarm clock).
Recent storms have provided at least 24” of snow, and the operations team has been working day and night to prepare the resort for guests to begin making memories during this winter season.
Regrettably, Eagle Point will not begin winter operations on Thursday, December 21 as planned. Our expectation at this time is that the slopes will not open for skiing and riding before December 26.
After another record breaking winter 2016-2017 season that saw a 35% increase of resort visits compared to year prior, near or at capacity lodging virtually every weekend, and 327 inches of Utah’s “Greatest Snow on Earth”®, Eagle Point Resort, located in the majestic Tushar mountains of southern Utah, plans to focus on continuing to improve the on and off mountain guest experience.
While enjoying some of our hikes, don’t forget to look around at the variety of flora all around you. From the beautiful purple of the Utah Columbine, or the bright reds of the Indian Paintbrush, to the simple Manzinita shrub, there is something to excite the eye everywhere you look. Spend the day at Puffer lake surrounded by Utah’s state tree, the Blue Spruce, or relax in one of the many Aspen Grove surrounding Eagle Point. No matter which direction your legs take you there is a little something for everyone.
If it’s wildlife you are looking for then look no further. Enjoy a day at Puffer Lake watching the Bald Eagles fish, or the bright and beautiful colors of the Mountain Blue Bird. Head to the mountain meadows of Big Flat to get a good look at majestic Elk, or bring your binoculars and head up one of the surrounding peaks to try your luck and finding a Mountain Goat. One thing is for sure, there is no shortage or wildlife around Eagle Point should you choose to find it.
The Tushar Mountains surrounding Eagle Point Resort offer hundreds of miles of trails for mountain biking, ATV riding and hiking, while the valleys beneath the 12,000 foot peaks provide serene backdrops for canoeing and fishing on the many lakes and streams. Guests can rent mountain bikes from the resort, and a return-shuttle assists those riding down the many single track trails on the resort property.
All of us at Eagle Point would like to thank you, our friends and guests, for all the smiles, the laughter and the compliments to our amazing, passionate staff. And yes, thank you for the feedback as well on how we can continue improving the guest experience. Thank you for keeping the fire burning in the Lookout Warming Hut on cold days. Thank you for driving up slick roads on powder days, and packing the kids in the car to arrive from Southern California for a long weekend that is never long enough.
After all of those memorable ski trips renting a condo, staying at your friend’s place or in a hotel, you may be considering buying your own mountain property. There are certainly benefits to owning versus renting including convenience and pride of ownership, not to mention the possibility of appreciation. However, there are also several points to consider with such an investment.
