<\/p>\n
Chapman Hill opened last weekend to anyone who wanted to ride a tube down the snow-covered hillside.<\/p>\n
For the first time, the Durango Parks and Recreation Department rented tubes to anyone who wants to ride down Chapman Hill from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, said Cathy Metz, director of the department.<\/p>\n
The hill opened from the top of the Little Tow Rope to the building at the bottom of the slope. Renting a tube cost $15 inside the pavillion at the hill.<\/p>\n
The Parks and Recreation Department started making snow Nov. 25. City workers in past years have pumped about 1 million gallons of water through city-owned snow-making machines, which turn the water into a mist that freezes in the right conditions, Metz said.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s conditions have been exceptional, she said.<\/p>\n
Cold nights and low humidity have made for great snowmaking conditions on the hill.<\/p>\n
A few early snowstorms have put a thin blanket of snow on the slope. And the hillside faces north, giving it shade from the mid-day sun.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve made some good snow; we\u2019ve had some really good cold temperatures,\u201d Metz said.<\/p>\n
The rest of Chapman Hill may open a bit sooner than usual, she said. The good conditions have made the prospect of opening the hill before Durango School District 9-R lets out for winter break on Dec. 21 promising.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe actually are considering opening a little early because it\u2019s going really well,\u201d Metz said.<\/p>\n