Antelope Butte - A Season To Remember
John Kirlin, Executive Director of Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area reports on a great season, albeit one cut short. He says:
"Dear friends,
"What a season!
"I’d like to start off by saying THANK YOU to everyone who visited Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area this season, those who bought lift tickets, season passes, rentals, lessons, and merchandise, and all of those who have supported the Antelope Butte Foundation through donations, volunteering, and in-kind efforts! We could not have accomplished all we have without the overwhelming support from our community!
"It is unfortunate that we had to close earlier than anticipated due to COVID-19 precautions. We are in a time that will not soon be forgotten. However, in this time of so many uncertainties and fears, I would like to focus on the positive achievements that have been made by our community and reflect back on our mission of “providing affordable and accessible year-round mountain recreation, training, and education opportunities with a focus on youth and beginners”.
"By the numbers, Antelope Butte had a very successful season. Throughout the season, over 6,000 lift tickets were purchased which exceeded our initial season projections by nearly 2000. We saw 426 season passes, and over 3,200 rentals. These numbers alone are worth cheering about! However I would argue our biggest win was with our programming, reflecting our mission of focusing on youth and beginners.
"We were able to grow our school outreach programs from 255 students in 2019 to 458 new students in 2020. We also implemented our first ever “First Chair” program that graduated 86 new skiers and snowboarders, and our Nordic program partnership with SCSD#2 saw 28 student athletes! This was all made possible with the addition of 14 PSIA certified alpine instructors and 5 AASI certified snowboard instructors.
"This season was a building season for all departments on and off the mountain. Throughout the 2019/2020 operating season we had 35 paid and 45 volunteer positions from Big Horn, Johnson, Sheridan, and Washakie counties! We are eagerly looking forward to next season and have already begun our planning stages for staffing and additional programs.
"During this time of global crisis, please remember to support your neighbors and extend the grace and gratitude upon others that you would want for yourself. We look forward to an exciting summer full of mountain recreation and we hope to see you soon!
"Be well and God bless!
"John Kirlin, Executive Director
"Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area"
