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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Woman facing charges in death of daughter pleads not guilty ... Phoenix teen sentenced to prison for gang-related shooting ... Kasich to make campaign stop in Medford ... Woman facing charges in death of daughter pleads not guilty ... Phoenix teen sentenced to prison for gang-related shooting ... Kasich to make campaign stop in Medford ... SKI AREA Abundant snow puts Mt. Ashland in the black Comment By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 20, 2016 at 3:56 PM Updated Apr 20, 2016 at 6:23 PM By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 20, 2016 at 3:56 PM Updated Apr 20, 2016 at 6:23 PM » Social News ASHLAND — Mt. Ashland Association has more than $1 million in savings and checking accounts after a successful 88-day season that saw 68,860 visits by skiers and boarders to the nonprofit ski area. “It proves that this mountain, when Mother Nature cooperates, can turn a profit and be a very successful place,” said Hiram Towle, ski area general manager. Revenue through March of the fiscal year that began July 1 was $2.14 million against a budget of $1.4 million. The money will be used for maintenance on lifts, snow-grooming equipment and the lodge, and to cover operating expenses. Mt. Ashland will continue to operate with a lean off-season staff, said Towle, an approach that began after the ski area stayed closed in 2013-14 and opened for just 38 days last season because of lack of snow. Less maintenance was performed on snowcats and the lodge following the last two years, said Towle. More money will be spent in those areas this summer. “We hope to have that come out of the operating budget and continue to fundraise for the capital projects for the summer,” said Towle. About $180,000 has been raised so far. Repair of the lodge roof is a top priority for the campaign. Water sometimes gets into the lodge, Towle said. Trail-trimming work will continue, which will allow more grooming during low-snow winters. A $750,000, low-interest, 25-year loan from the Small Business Administration taken out after the winter of 2013-14 requires about $3,000 per month. Revenue this winter allowed the area to pay off a higher-interest $60,000 loan for a snowcat. “Debt to net worth is actually looking pretty good at about 33 percent at the end of March,” said Towle. There won’t be a need to use a line of credit, he said. In past years the credit was used until revenue was generated by opening. Grooming operations for the season went over budget, because more work was done on less-often prepared runs, including Bottom, Pistol and Upper Tempest. But that allowed more skiers to enjoy those runs, said Towle. “The comment I got a lot was, ‘There seems to be a lot more families here,' ” said Towle. Marketing efforts were targeted to attract families and included the “World's Largest Lesson” day Jan. 8 and “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month,” also in January. An expanded parking lot that added 100 spots in 2013 meant fewer visitors needed to park in the back lot. On five days lots were full and visitors had to circulate until spots opened. Storms provided plenty of snow, beginning with 53 inches at the base for opening day, Dec. 14. A total of 278 inches fell during the season. Weather or electrical problems closed the area five days and two half-days. Night skiing was held 22 evenings. “The good snow and everything was great, but the employees were the tops,” said Shady Challman of Ashland, who has skied the mountain for 42 years. “I thought it was the best group of lift operators they ever had at Mt. Ashland.” Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association’s State Alpine Championships brought more than 200 high school racers and 300 parents and support personnel to the area March 2-4. “We had people from all over the state visit who had never been here before,” said Towle. “It helped the town and spread the word.” Operations were extended to include Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18. About 300 skiers and boarders, enough to cover expenses, came to the ski area each day, Towle said. A preseason pass sale, which offers savings of up to $200 over in-season prices, ends April 30. Sales are above previous levels, but most purchases will be made in the last two weeks, said Towle. Pass information can be found at www.mtashland.com . Tony Boom is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 20, 2016 at 3:56 PM Updated Apr 20, 2016 at 6:23 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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