The fall weather is rolling in and it is beautiful. We’re putting the dusty days of summer behind us and leaning in to some long-awaited rain and mellow temperatures. As you’ve probably already heard, this year the park will be open seven days a week through the month of September. Our COVID-19 restrictions are still in effect and all day passes must be reserved online in advance. Please make sure you’re planning ahead!
SEPTEMBER LIFT HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm
*Open 10am-7pm on Friday, 9/4 (last day of summer hours)
*Open 9am-5pm on Monday, 9/7 (Labor Day)
Saturday – Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Summer may be slowing down, but we sure aren’t. There’s plenty of fun to be had at the mountain this month. Keep reading for updates on Lower NE Style, the Virtual Brodown Showdown, an outdoor movie premiere, Wednesday night racing, the Women’s Freeride Festival, and more!
The first phase of Lower NE Style is complete and ready to shred! This is the first time in a few years that we’ve opened a new trail, and to say that we’re excited doesn’t really cover it. If you’re someone who loves the thrill of fresh, flowy berms and big jumps: this trail is for you. We’ve heard it described as “a roller coaster you get to control yourself” and really, what’s better than that?
We’ll continue to open up Lower NE Style in phases as Trail Crew works their way down the mountain. The next section is expected to open up sometime within the next few weeks, and will route you directly to Tombstone.
In addition to continued construction on Lower NE Style, the crew is working on existing trail maintenance. High-traffic trails are being treated to morning tune-ups as we work to combat the last few months of aggressively dry weather.
Next up on the event schedule is the Brodown Showdown! As always, this mountain-wide jam is open to absolutely anyone who wants to throw down. We’re going virtual for 2020: show us your best, most creative fifteen-second clips from Tombstone, the dirt jumps, and the slopestyle course for a chance to win fabulous prizes.
The first submission deadline is Friday night. Don’t miss your shot at eternal glory! (Eternal glory in this case may or may not take the form of swag packs, fresh gear, and gift cards.)
This weekend we will be hosting two outdoor screenings of ACCOMPLICE, the latest film from Teton Gravity Research. Come hang out in the backyard, enjoy a great movie, and support a good cause! Both nights will feature music and a silent auction. Revenue from Saturday’s screening will be donated to Wings for Life, and revenue from Sunday’s screening will be donated toward the recovery fund for longtime Highland Family member Jon Moreau, more commonly known as “Kona Jon.”
Tickets are available here.
Speaking of the Highland Family: if you haven’t seen the first episode of our Highland Is Home video series yet, it’s worth a watch. This month we talked to staff members Nick, Joe, Josh, and Cari about their place in the Highland Family and why they’ve all chosen to build their lives around this mountain. Tune in for a little bit of Highland history, behind-the-scenes insights, and an exciting announcement.
Check it out here.
The 2020 Friday Night Race Series wrapped up at the end of August, and it was one for the books. Congratulations to Speed Team members Jake Anderson, Andrew Driscoll, Matt Driscoll, Tania Lillak, and Riley Miller for taking home the trophies! Results and photos from all seven weeks of racing can be found here.
We’re having so much fun with our new chip timing system that we decided to add a few more opportunities to race this fall. Last night saw our first-ever Wednesduro race, and despite the rain we all had a great time. We’ll be racing again during next week’s Wednesduro, so get your legs ready. More information here.
Also coming up this month is the 10th annual Women’s Freeride Festival! Join us September 19 and 20 for a weekend all about getting more women out on the mountain. Whether you love trail riding, the thrill of gravity-driven terrain, flowing technical jump lines, or hitting features that put body and mind to the test, this weekend is sure to please.
We are offering great discounts as well as group clinics Saturday and Sunday. Women save big with half-off day passes, Find Your Ride™ packages, and rentals all weekend.
We’re looking forward to another great month of riding. See you out on the mountain!
OTHER NEWS:
- We are now taking deposits on our 2020 rental bike fleet
- New jerseys, hats, socks, and mugs are available in the Flagship Store
- Spots are available in the next Adult Ayr Academy, September 18-20
- Several departments are currently hiring for the fall
