Those eager to ride their sleds at the Paradise snowplay area will have to wait before the runs are groomed. Plans call for the area to open Dec. 19, said Chuck Young, the park’s chief ranger.
“The reason is the machine we use to groom the run needs to go in the shop and made ready for the season,” Young said. “We’re also doing the hiring for the extra rangers who man the area.”
Young said he understands people are eager to use the area, especially with more than 80 inches of snow on the ground at Paradise.
“Normally we don’t get this amount of snow until a month later than now,” he said. “We like to have a good 5 foot base that is going to stick around for the season. If we get a good warm spell, it could melt or rain could bring the snow level right down.”
While crews dealt with blizzard conditions early this week, the Paradise area should be open for the holiday weekend, weather permitting.
Young said the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday.
Jeffey P. Mayor, The News Tribune
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