Paoli Peaks general manager Chris Shadid is looking forward to the resort’s 45th-anniversary season, following warm weather that caused the resort to end last season early. The ski resort was open for 22 days last year.
The ski resort upgraded water pumps to increase snow making capability. It also added new rental ski boots. This is in addition to more than $1 million in upgrades since Vail Resorts acquired Paoli Peaks in 2019.
Shadid said the water pump upgrades will enhance snow production, which will increase the resort’s days open this season. Paoli Peaks historically opens in late December and closes in early March, but the timing is based on weather variables.
“For southern Indiana, we're really skirting right around that ‘make or no make’ line,” Shadid said. “A simple wind blow… depending on what direction it's blowing, could make that chance [to build up the snow] go.”
The other Indiana ski resort, Perfect North in Lawrenceburg, has had longer seasons than Paoli Peaks in the past. Shadid said that temperatures and water sourcing can play a part in this, as well as the location of the slopes.
Colorado-based Vail Resorts purchased Peak Resorts, which owned Paoli Peaks and 16 other properties in the Midwest, in 2019.
Read more: Paoli Peaks' season ends with complaints resort is going downhill
Shadid is excited to open up the ski trails and the tubing that were not able to run last year. He is also planning a midnight ski on Dec. 30, with the potential for additional dates. He said they also will bring back discounted lift and rental, listed below:
- Monday: Education employees
- Tuesday: Hospitality/tourism workers
- Wednesday: County residents
- Thursday: Healthcare personnel
- Friday: College students
Customers can stay up to date with the resort through its Facebook page.
