Document text
Mount Shasta Ski Park opens with 19 inches Snow has been scarce around the lower reaches of Mount Shasta so far this winter, but that didn't prevent the Mount Shasta Board and Ski Park from opening Wednesday. Ski-park managers have been running their snow-making machines for more than two weeks to lay down enough snow to open the mountain, said marketing director Tim Larive. Larive said clear, cold nights provided ideal conditions for making artificial snow. "We have been making copious amounts of snow," he said. "We've put 4.5 to 5 million gallons of water on the runs." There was 19 inches of snow at the lodge late Wednesday, and 30 inches at the top of the highest ski trails. Larive said about 800 skiers visited the mountain Wednesday to open the resort's 15th season. He said the artificial snow pack is not deep, but the trails are safe to ski because they are laid out mostly on rock-free slopes. "Nobody needs to be afraid to bring their new gear," he said. Larive said the ski area has added five new trails and expanded the parking lot for the 1999-2000 season. The new trails include one expert run, one beginner run and several shorter connecting trails between existing beginner runs. Three hundred parking places have been added to provide space for 1,150 vehicles. Lift tickets cost $31 on weekends and $26 Monday through Friday. Tickets for children age 8 to 12 are $17 on weekends and $16 Monday through Friday. Children age 7 and under ski for $3. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA