ASHLAND, Ore. — Ski and snowboard enthusiasts may be disappointed if they expect to head for our nearest mountain this weekend. Mt. Ashland will be closed April 6-8, according to a statement from the ski area's management.

Heavy rains have degraded snow conditions this week, and ski area managers see more in the forecast for this weekend, according to the statement. They cite a National Weather Service forecast that predicts rain and wind will continue through the weekend, but may change to snow as the week continues.

Mt. Ashland staff hope to reopen April 13 if snow conditions do improve over the week.

“We still have an abundance of snow on the mid, and upper mountain. To preserve that snow, we have chosen to delay our re-opening to Friday, April 13," said general manager Hiram Towle. "The snow will need time to drain and solidify before we can get the snow cats out to groom surfaces again. It is likely we will need to farm snow to successfully re-open the lifts.”

Two events scheduled for this weekend—the Season Pass Renewal Party, which had been scheduled for this Saturday, and the ACCESS Ski and Ride Against Hunger event that would have been on Sunday—will be rescheduled for Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 22, respectively.

"Our team and board of directors continue their strong commitment to providing the most skiing and riding possible every year," said Towle. "The support we have received and the kudos for a wonderful season have been inspiring and humbling. The fact that the Spring Season Pass Sale has started at such a good pace is a testament to that support and we thank all of our skiers and riders for standing by their local mountain.”

Mt. Ashland is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ski area owned and operated by the Mt. Ashland Association under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service.

CLICK HERE for our weekend weather forecast, which includes high wind warnings.