Fire-Threatened SoCal Ski Resort to Reopen This Weekend
Mt. Baldy Resort, located near Los Angeles, California, isn't "100% in the clear just yet" from the raging Vista Fire, but resort officials are slowly starting to celebrate as it appears they "dodged a bullet".
Courtesy Mt. Baldy Resort
The Vista Fire broke out on July 7th, 2024 near the popular southern California ski resort, and had been slowly inching its way closer with each passing day. As of July 12th, 2024, the Vista Fire has affected 2,810 acres and is 13% contained.
Mt. Baldy announced via social media on Thursday, July 11th, 2024 that the fire risk had subsided enough to potentially re-open for scenic chairlift rides this weekend, but a previously-scheduled 5k race will be postponed until September. Full message below:
"Well we are not 100% in the clear just yet, but it appears that the greater Mt Baldy area has dodged a bullet.
We have reason to believe we will be able to operate this weekend for scenic rides to the Top of the Notch, however the 5K has been postponed.
We expect to release a date for late September next week.
In the meantime the area is still under an evacuation order and we will be closed Friday and expect good news sometime tomorrow morning."
Officials at Mt. Baldy have been keeping their followers informed with descriptions of fire fighting efforts, videos of planes dropping fire retardant, and photos of fire and smoke eerily approaching the resort. The effort hasn't gone unnoticed.
The Mt. Baldy faithful have been showing their appreciation for the group of employees and wildfire fighters who saved their beloved resort from the fire:
"Happy tears!!! Thank you to everyone working so hard around the clock to save our beloved mountain and trails, especially for saving all the homes, businesses, and livelihoods."
"Well done, Baldy crew and firefighters!!!!"
"Hallelujah! My prayers have been answered!"
Mt. Baldy is the most recent ski resort to avoid substantial damage from a wildfire, but these situations don't always play out so favorably.
Notably, Sierra-at-Tahoe was devastated by the massive Caldor Fire during the summer of 2022. The ski area was forced to rebuild many of its lifts and remove thousands of trees in order to reopen.
Stay informed by following Mt. Baldy's Instagram page, or by checking their website for details regarding the re-opening of summer activities.
UPDATE July 15, 2024: Mt. Baldy did not reopen this past weekend due to the Vista Fire. Mt. Baldy's operating status for the remainder of the summer is pending.
Courtesy Mt. Badly Resort
Mt. Baldy Stats/Info
Vertical: 2,100 ft.
Skiable Terrain: 600 ac.
Average Snowfall: 117 in.
Lifts: 4
Trails: 26
Snowmaking: YES
Night Skiing: NO
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