Hesperus Ski Area Won't Open For 23-24 Season
Hesperus Ski Area, a beloved winter destination for locals, regrets to announce the closure of Hesperus for the 2023/2024 ski season due to a mechanical failure of the Bighorn Chairlift gearbox.
Hesperus Ski Area encountered a major mechanical failure during preparations for the 23/24 ski season. Specifically, the gearbox for the Bighorn chairlift has failed, and a compatible replacement cannot be sourced. The gearbox is the lift’s transmission, as it connects the motor to the drive bullwheel and is crucial for the lift’s operation. The only viable option is to re-manufacture the original gearbox, making it impossible to open Hesperus Ski Area for the 23/24 season.
Prior to the gearbox failure, Hesperus Ski Area had invested over $100,000 in capital improvements for lift maintenance in preparation for the season. Resort officials understand the significance of Hesperus to the local ski community and are actively exploring all available options to ensure that Hesperus remains an affordable and accessible skiing destination in our region.
Hesperus Ski Area wishes to express its deepest gratitude to its loyal passholders, guests, and employees for their ongoing support. We understand the disappointment that this closure may bring, and we are determined to address the current challenges and welcome skiers and riders back to Hespie in the future.
Hesperus Ski Area is working with Purgatory Resort to provide alternative options for passholders to ski and ride this winter, and to make the exchange or refund process as streamlined as possible:
Hesperus Ski Area encountered a major mechanical failure during preparations for the 23/24 ski season. Specifically, the gearbox for the Bighorn chairlift has failed, and a compatible replacement cannot be sourced. The gearbox is the lift’s transmission, as it connects the motor to the drive bullwheel and is crucial for the lift’s operation. The only viable option is to re-manufacture the original gearbox, making it impossible to open Hesperus Ski Area for the 23/24 season.
Prior to the gearbox failure, Hesperus Ski Area had invested over $100,000 in capital improvements for lift maintenance in preparation for the season. Resort officials understand the significance of Hesperus to the local ski community and are actively exploring all available options to ensure that Hesperus remains an affordable and accessible skiing destination in our region.
Hesperus Ski Area wishes to express its deepest gratitude to its loyal passholders, guests, and employees for their ongoing support. We understand the disappointment that this closure may bring, and we are determined to address the current challenges and welcome skiers and riders back to Hespie in the future.
Hesperus Ski Area is working with Purgatory Resort to provide alternative options for passholders to ski and ride this winter, and to make the exchange or refund process as streamlined as possible:
- Hesperus Value Passholders will have the choice of a direct exchange for a 2 Day My Weekday Pass to Purgatory Resort for the 23/24 season. Alternatively, pass holders can opt for credit toward another 23/24 pass product at the original spring 2023 on-sale rate or a 24/25 pass product.
- Other Hesperus Season Passholders will have the option to receive credit toward a 23/24 Purgatory Season pass product at the original spring 2023 on-sale rate or credit toward a 24/25 Hesperus pass.
- Uphill Passholders have the option to receive a full refund or apply the credit to another Purgatory pass product or a 2024-25 Hesperus season pass product.
To redeem these options, passholders should submit this form, indicating their preference. Starting on Thursday, December 28, Purgatory will begin to address these requests on a first-come-first-served basis.
Hesperus is also working with Purgatory to identify opportunities for Hesperus Volunteer Ski Patrollers and employees. These initiatives will allow patrollers to maintain their credentials, continue training, and contribute to the local ski community during this temporary closure. Additionally, Hesperus employees are encouraged to explore the possibility of working at Purgatory Resort this season. Visit purgatory.ski/careers to apply.
Hesperus Ski Area is located 11 miles west of Durango on Highway 160. Hesperus has 13 trails, 1 chairlift, and 60 skiable acres, offering 30% beginner, 20% intermediate, and 50% advanced terrain. Hesperus features a lodge and snack bar, rental shop, ski and ride school, and tubing hill, and is the largest night skiing operation in the Four Corners Region. Opened in 1962, the summit is 8,800 ft., base is 8,100 ft. with a 700 foot vertical. Average snowfall is 150 inches annually.
Hesperus is also working with Purgatory to identify opportunities for Hesperus Volunteer Ski Patrollers and employees. These initiatives will allow patrollers to maintain their credentials, continue training, and contribute to the local ski community during this temporary closure. Additionally, Hesperus employees are encouraged to explore the possibility of working at Purgatory Resort this season. Visit purgatory.ski/careers to apply.
Hesperus Ski Area is located 11 miles west of Durango on Highway 160. Hesperus has 13 trails, 1 chairlift, and 60 skiable acres, offering 30% beginner, 20% intermediate, and 50% advanced terrain. Hesperus features a lodge and snack bar, rental shop, ski and ride school, and tubing hill, and is the largest night skiing operation in the Four Corners Region. Opened in 1962, the summit is 8,800 ft., base is 8,100 ft. with a 700 foot vertical. Average snowfall is 150 inches annually.
