Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
EDEN, Weber County — Nordic Valley is operating, at least partially, in the wake of a devastating fire that destroyed the barn at the ski resort.
"We're trying to do what we can for people," said Debi Mumpower, a Nordic Valley employee. The Eden-area resort reopened Thursday to season pass holders, and she said plenty were on hand.
The barn that burned down housed ticketing operations and, until resort officials implement a means of selling tickets, Nordic Valley remains closed to the general public. The situation at the resort is ever-evolving and Mumpower doesn't have a timeline for the broader reopening. "Everything is on a daily basis, minute by minute, day by day," she said. Resort managers hope to open Saturday for those with valid lift tickets purchased online, but uncertainty remains.
The fire early Monday morning was confined to the barn, but the structure served as the heart of Nordic Valley operations, housing a restaurant, bar, ticketing offices, retail space and administrative offices. The investigation into the blaze, overseen by Weber Fire District, continues and officials haven't yet identified a cause.
For now, portable toilets serve as bathroom facilities and there are no concessions or equipment rentals, Mumpower said. The resort's lifts weren't impacted by the blaze, however, and fire officials gave Nordic Valley the go-ahead to resume operations, at least for season pass holders. For now, the facility is operating from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no night skiing.
To allow for the broader reopening, Mumpower said a pair of modular trailers are being brought to the Nordic Valley grounds to serve as ticketing and administrative offices. "We are evaluating on a day-by-day basis of when we will be able to welcome all guests back to the mountain," the resort posted on its website.
As the smallest of three resorts in Weber County, Nordic Valley received an outpouring of support in the wake of the fire. Snowbasin and Powder Mountain are also located in Weber County.
"The community is what makes Nordic Valley so special, and we feel very grateful to be supported and uplifted as we navigate through this unprecedented situation," reads the online message. Likewise, Mumpower said the tragic turn of events has been overwhelming, but the resulting show of support from customers and area residents has been heartwarming.
"It's just a really stressful time right now," Mumpower said.
The barn damaged in Monday's blaze, though not completely destroyed, will have to be torn down, Mumpower said. Damage caused by water and snowstorms since the fire has led to the collapse of more floors and ceilings, and the structure's remnants have been fenced off. "It's falling apart right now," she said.
