2016-09-22


Photo by Scott DW Smith

Ski Day & Night in Durango, Power Pass Now Includes Free Skiing at Hesperus

Resort officials with the largest ski area collective in the Southwest announced the acquisition of Hesperus Ski Area, joining Purgatory Resort (CO), Arizona Snowbowl (AZ), Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort (NM), and Pajarito Mountain (NM). Hesperus Ski Area is located 11 miles west of Durango, Colo. on US Highway 160.

James Coleman, a Durango, Colo. businessman and managing partner of an investment group that owns four other ski resorts, will acquire the Hesperus Ski Area operations from Jim Pitcher, affectionately known as “Pitch.” Since 1988, Pitcher has held a lease agreement with private landowner, S. & I. Scott & Co., started by Sandy and Iola Scott. The corporation is now held by Jack Scott, Katy Scott Moss, and John Scott. The acquisition includes the Hesperus Ski Area’s lodge, rental shop, and tubing hill, in addition to its 160 acre lease.

“We’re very happy to bring Hesperus Ski Area into our family of ski resorts in the Southwest,” stated James Coleman, managing partner. “Hesperus offers incredible fall line skiing at a great value and is a natural fit in our portfolio of ski resorts.”

Coleman, an avid skier and mountain enthusiast, is committed to maintaining Hesperus as an affordable, family-friendly ski area. Hesperus is a favorite of locals wanting to ski after a workday, families living in the region seeking an affordable ski experience, and those wanting to learn to ski or snowboard.


Photo by Scott DW Smith

Previous owner, Pitcher, operated Hesperus Ski Area for 28 years. “I’m thrilled to pass the baton to James Coleman who is passionate about skiing, and have confidence that his team can make improvements to take the Hesperus Ski Area to the next level,” stated Pitcher. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the people and businesses that have supported me and the Hesperus Ski Area for all these years.”

“The Scott family has shared our property with winter sports enthusiasts for well over 50 years now, and is excited to work with James as he continues to grow the sport of skiing in the Southwest,” stated Jack Scott. “We believe Hesperus Ski Area is an important asset to the community and look forward to the future of Hesperus under James and his team’s management.”

Hesperus enlists a volunteer ski patrol, and offers ski and ride school, including an after school learn to ski and snowboard program for kids. Coleman plans to operate Hesperus through the end of the winter season and then evaluate what future improvements should be made at Hesperus after talking with employees and guests.

“One of our top priorities is to make skiing more accessible and affordable to families. Bringing Hesperus into our family of resorts is a win for everyone, including the community, its employees, and the Four Corners Region,” stated Coleman. “We want to maintain the unassuming small ski area ambience while enhancing the overall skier experience in the future.”

Scheduled to open mid-December through March, weather permitting, Hesperus features 26 trails, a double chairlift on 160 acres. Hesperus Ski Area is the largest night skiing operation in the Southwest region. Consistent with previous years, the ski area is scheduled to offer night skiing 4pm to 9pm Monday through Friday, with weekend operations, Saturday, 9am to 9pm, and Sunday, 9am – 4pm, plus holidays.

“Hesperus is a true gem in the Southwest and the Four Corners area,” stated Coleman. “Power Pass holders can now ski day and night in Durango with access to unlimited skiing at Hesperus Ski Area.”


Photo by Scott DW Smith

Ski Day and Night! More Pass Options at Hesperus!
Hesperus Ski Area is now part of the Power Pass with unlimited skiing and snowboarding at five resorts: Purgatory Resort, Pajarito Mountain, Arizona Snowbowl, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, and Hesperus. The Power Pass is currently available for $749, which is the lowest available price through Sept. 30. The pass can be purchased online or at Purgatory’s town office, 327 Camino del Rio. For details, visit PurgatoryResort.com.

New Lower Prices at Hesperus for Skiers & Snowboarders with Even More Benefits!
Ski enthusiasts can now get reduced pass prices at Hesperus with added benefits! Starting at $319 for adults through Sept. 30, the Hesperus/New Mexico Pass includes unlimited access to Hesperus, Sipapu, and Pajarito, plus three free days at Snowbowl and partner resorts, and discounted lift tickets at Purgatory. For $449, the Hesperus/New Mexico Pass PLUS includes unlimited skiing at Hesperus, Sipapu, and Pajarito, plus three free days at Purgatory and Snowbowl, and other resorts. Pass sale ends Sept. 30. More details can be found online at Ski-Hesperus.com.

Power Cards and Power Packs Offer Discounted Lift Tickets & are Now Available at Hesperus!
Power Cards and Power Packs now include Hesperus Ski Area, offering lift tickets at a reduced rate. The Power Card is available for $50 and includes one free day of skiing, and up to five discounted lift tickets at 30% off adult window rates at each of the five resorts. Power Packs are available for $149 (adults), valid for up to six lift tickets at Hesperus, Sipapu or Pajarito, or up to three days at Purgatory or Snowbowl. The Power Pack Plus is $229 (adults) for up to 10 lift tickets at Hesperus, Sipapu or Pajarito, or up to five days at Purgatory or Arizona Snowbowl. Power Cards and Power Packs are available for purchase at Purgatory’s town office, 327 Camino del Rio through Nov. 18, or at one of the special fall events and ski shows, including the Hesperus Ski Swap on Nov. 5 in Durango, which benefits the Hesperus Ski Patrol. For details and the event schedule, visit the Purgatory website.

For more information on the Hesperus Ski Area, visit Ski-Hesperus.com

The post James Coleman Acquires Hesperus Ski Area appeared first on Club Colorado Ski Blog.

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