Sleeping Giant to remain closed

POWELL (WNE) — Citing the lack of snow and the loss of seasonal staff, Sleeping Giant Ski Lodge will not open this year. 

“With a heavy heart we are announcing that Sleeping Giant will not be opening for the 23/24 winter season. We would like to thank everyone for their support and patience as we battled this terrible weather year,” said Nick Piazza, owner of the lodge. 

The lodge is planning to refund season pass holders who opt out for the season. 

However, those who hold on to their passes will receive benefits from “friendly competitors” who have reached out to help Sleeping Giant as it faces the loss of their season. 

Snow King has decided to honor its offer of three free days of skiing “regardless of the fact that we’re not going to be open,” Piazza said. “That’s a $300 value right there.” 

Red Lodge Mountain is also extending a helping hand, offering Sleeping Giant season pass holders to ski at half price for the whole season. 

Any complimentary passes for the 23/24 season automatically carry over to next season. The same applies for passes that were part of any promotion, charity giveaway or raffle. 

“We will go lick our wounds, and — I am confident — come back stronger,” Piazza said. 

The lodge had a breakdown of underground pipes late last year, making it impossible to make enough snow to open over the holiday season, which accounts for the majority of revenue for the entire year. 

Sleeping Giant invested $100K for new snowmaking equipment recently, but the aging piping network for water on the mountain now needs to be replaced.