In early September, the serene slopes of Mountain High ski resort in Wrightwood, California, became the frontline in an intense battle against a raging wildfire. As the Bridge fire rapidly approached, resort staff and firefighters joined forces in a desperate attempt to save the beloved winter destination from destruction.
Ben Smith, Mountain High's general manager, first spotted the ominous red glow of the fire from the resort's summit. Initially believing they had a day's grace, Smith and his team were caught off guard when the blaze suddenly exploded, engulfing tens of thousands of acres in mere hours.
As ash and burning debris rained down, Smith sprang into action. He directed his staff to strategically position snowmaking guns around the resort's perimeter. These snow cannons, typically used to enhance ski conditions, were repurposed as a last line of defense against the approaching inferno.
With visibility reduced to less than 100 feet and the air thick with smoke, most employees evacuated. Smith, along with a handful of dedicated staff members, stayed behind to activate the snowmaking system. As flames crested the ridge, towering over 300 feet high and roaring like a jet engine, the team raced to turn on as many snow guns as possible.
The situation grew increasingly dire as power outages silenced the water pumps, leaving only gravity to feed the defensive water spray. As phone lines burned and explosions shook the ground, Smith found himself alone, making a harrowing escape with flames flanking both sides of the resort.
Remarkably, when Smith returned the next morning, he discovered that the majority of Mountain High had survived. The snowmaking guns were still pouring water onto the resort's edge, having played a crucial role in its preservation. While some minor structures were lost, the main facilities remained intact.
The resort's survival is a testament to the quick thinking and bravery of Smith and his team, as well as the vital partnerships forged with local firefighters over the years. Mountain High has often served as an operations hub during wildfires, providing its buildings, parking lot, and water reservoirs to support firefighting efforts.
Now, as the resort prepares to reopen for its 100th anniversary season, the scars of the Bridge fire serve as a reminder of nature's power and the community's resilience. Mountain High plans to commemorate the event by donating a portion of season pass sales to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief, honoring those who helped in their time of need.
As winter approaches and the first snowfall blankets the landscape, visitors to Mountain High may find it hard to believe that just months ago, this peaceful alpine retreat stood on the brink of destruction. The resort's survival stands as a powerful symbol of hope and determination in the face of California's increasingly challenging wildfire seasons.