Snowbowl Scheduled to Open Amidst Accusations
Snowbowl, a year-round recreation area in Missoula, is gearing up for its anticipated opening on December 8, subject to Forest Service approval. The ski hill, which spans over 950 acres, has been a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders during the winter months, and offers a variety of outdoor activities during the summer [1].
Recent events have raised concerns regarding the safety of Snowbowl's lifts. Last season, there was an incident involving a four-year-old who fell from the Snow Park chair. In response, the Forest Service requested Snowbowl to hire a third-party engineer to review all the lifts, including Snow Park, to ensure compliance with new industry standards. An experienced aerial tramway engineer was hired, and their evaluation on all lifts at Snowbowl, including Snow Park, has been completed [2].
Snowbowl has been proactive in addressing these concerns. They have implemented numerous changes to improve overall safety. This includes extra staff training, changes to loading procedures, new tools and technology, and better communication [3]. All corrections recommended by the engineer have been completed by Snowbowl [4].
In the event that Snowbowl is not allowed to open, all passes and coupons will be refunded in full [5]. The Forest Service shut down the Snow Park chair for an in-depth inspection following the incident in the late 2022-23 season, and it has since been inspected and corrected by Snowbowl [6].
Operating under a Special Use Permit, Snowbowl is required to undergo yearly inspections of its lifts and amenities by the Forest Service [7]. Snowbowl has a history of operating responsibly, working towards an as-expected opening for the 2023-2024 season.
References: 1. Snowbowl's Official Website 2. Missoulian 3. KPAX 4. KPAX 5. Missoulian 6. KPAX 7. Snowbowl's Special Use Permit
- Despite some concerns about the safety of Snowbowl's lifts, particularly the Snow Park chair, following a four-year-old's accident last season, Snowbowl has been proactive in addressing these issues.
- Operating under a Special Use Permit, Snowbowl is mandated to undergo annual inspections of its lifts and facilities by the Forest Service, ensuring that all necessary safety measures are in place for the upcoming winter sports season.
