The increasingly common trend of forest fires threatening ski resorts in recent years, which has seen ski areas in Australia, Spain and the US severely damaged by fires, is beginning to make its presence felt for 2024 now too.
The fires, which started on June 17th, have so far burnt 25,000 acres, killed at least two people, destroyed over 1,400 buildings and led to over 10,000 people being forced to evacuate their homes in the ski town of Ruidoso in New Mexico.
The local Ski Apache ski area suspended summer operations as the fire came perilously close last week. The resort had already suspended its planned summer opening in May due to a previous wildfire.
"For the safety of our visitors and staff Ski Apache will be CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, Due to proximity of South Fork wildfire," a post on the resort's website advises.
It has suffered serious damage over the past week including the destruction of the Alto Ski Shop and Bar and the Swiss Chalet Inn hotel, established in the early 1960s, both located in Alto, just north of Ruidoso, which was completely consumed by the raging wildfire. The ski shops owners say they will rebuild.
The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrests and convictions of those responsible for the fires.