Warm and snow-free weather has forced Hesperus Ski Area to suspend ski lift service a week after opening on Jan. 28.
Lift service will reopen when there is additional snowfall and lower daytime temperatures, according to the ski area. The ski area reported an 18-inch base Thursday.
The tubing area will remain open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Uphill access remains available for users with a pass that must be displayed. Uphillers must stay clear of snowcat grooming operations. Dogs are welcome as long as owners clean up after them.
Uphillers are instructed to park on the east end of the parking lot near the rental shop. Uphill access is allowed only outside of normal operating hours. No services or ski patrol will be available.
An uphill pass can be purchased at Purgatory Sports in Durango, or online, for $40.
“Any and all snow dances are welcome,” according to a statement from the ski area.
According to the National Weather Service, high temperatures for the nearby town of Hesperus are expected to be in the low to middle 30s Friday and Saturday, and 40 degrees on Sunday. There is a chance of snow Monday.