JACKSON, Wyo. — Snow King Mountain is ready to rock for another winter season, a full week ahead from when the hill had initially anticipated its 2022/23 opening.
That’s a whole lot better than last year.
In November 2021, snowfall was scarce on the King. Even by early December, only a light dusting coated the mountain. But this year things look different.
“Thanks to a good snowstorm and cold temps this November, Snow King Mountain will open a week prior to our planned opening day. Saturday, Nov. 26,” announced Snow King today.
On Saturday, the Cougar lift and base area magic carpet will open for the season. The resort plans to open more lifts and terrain as conditions permit. The Cowboy Coaster is slated to open on Dec. 17 and King Tubes is on track to open in the coming weeks.
As it was in 2021, Snow King (SK) was an active construction site throughout the summer months. During this time, the mountain undertook a number of improvement projects.
“We got a lot accomplished this summer and there’s still a lot [ahead],” said Ryan Stanley, general manager at Snow King Mountain.
One of the more visible things operations on the mountain this summer was the installation of a new snowmaking, sewer, water and gas line down the Exhibition ski run. SK also added a new tunnel for the Alpine Slide that goes under Kelly’s Alley ski run and a new surface tow to make access on the back side of the hill a bit easier.
“It’s like a modern-day rope tow on the ridge that goes from the saddle to the top of the gondola so people who are skiing the backside can get back to the top of the gondola or to the easy way down the road,” said Stanley.
This season, SK boasts 10 new tower snowguns on the top of the mountain and partially completed a snowmaking line on back side.
Additional accomplishments during the summer 2022 construction season include:
- Some grading on the ski tunnel to make it more beginner friendly
- Grading for an easy way down from the mid station over to the Rafferty side
- New patrol shack at the top of the Cougar lift
- New cover for summit conveyor
- Hydroseeding of the Way Home Road
- Kelly’s Alley & Towers ski runs enhancements
- Utility improvements at base of gondola
- Landscaping at base of gondola
- Summit building construction progress
- Observatory and Planetarium construction work
Hours of operations will remain the same on SK this season as they have in years past. A few changes have been made to the mountain’s trail maps. Take a look below.
Construction on Snow King Mountain is an ongoing process. To read more about the progress made in recent months click here.
