Huff Hills Ski Area to remain open
Last season North Dakota's Huff Hills ski area announced it would be their last, and they were closing after 33 seasons. Good news for skiers and snowboarders in that area. They have announced they will be opening for their 34th season.
At the time they had announced that the land owners would not sign a new lease. Fortunately for snowsports enthusiasts in that area it has changed, and they will reopen this year.
Huff Hills was recently granted $650,000 as part of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum's $25 million Destination Development Initiative. It's one of only four ski areas scattered across this large state and would require those in the area to drive at least three hours to reach other ski areas.
Mountain manager Andrew Beck has said they are hoping to find a long term solution, but at least it will remain open this year.
The ski area operates on 450-foot ski hill, which is a decent vertical for this area of the country. It offers 16 runs with snow making, three lifts, a rope tow and a terrain park.
The Development grant will be used to make much needed improvements. One of those areas was adding night skiing for the first time, and replacing their snowmaking capacity and re-figuring some of their buildings for rental shops and a welcome center. They will also move the pond for snow making to the top of the hill, which will allow more room for future developments.
The Beck family owns the chairlifts and ski area infrastructure located at Huff Hills, which means it is possible for them to pack up equipment and move to another hill. The lease extension is only for year to year, which make it hard when you have to secure year-to-year leases for a business like a ski area.
Season passes are on sale at https://www.huffhills.com
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