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We probably should have seen it coming.

The transformation of the Mt. Ashland Ski Area into a popular summertime destination spot is one of the most obvious, and yet surprising, developments in the quest to expand the Rogue Valley’s attraction options.

The summers continue to be brutally hot, and the mountain’s elevation offers an easily accessible respite — one that doesn’t require a long drive, or packing for more than a day trip.

The lodge increased its hours of operation, giving visitors a chance to settle in for a moment to drink in the view and a variety of beverages. With hiking trails, youth activities, musical acts and new activities such as a disc golf course, a trip to the top once the snow pulled back was an appealing alternative to staying indoors.

“We were a little surprised at how busy it got,” ski area General Manager Andrew Gast said. “Our goal was to test it out and see how the public responded.”

The success of the effort — an expected goal of breaking even on operational costs was exceeded — placed Mt. Ashland in line with similar efforts being held across the county and around the world, as ski areas adjust to condensed seasons impacted by the effects of climate change.

The trend has helped resort towns economically challenged during the height of the pandemic stay afloat. Many have found that by diversifying their offerings and presenting the potential to be full-time, 12-month operations.

The summer numbers — an estimated 4,000-6,000 visitors came to the mountain this summer, Gast said — was gravy for the Mt. Ashland Association, as it came following what was a historic winter.

Thanks to the fifth-snowiest winter on record locally, the ski area was open for weeks past what had become the usual closing date and finished with a record-breaking 128,625 guest visits.

“We love the winters on Mt. Ashland,” Gast told the Times at the end of the ski season in April, “but it’s an amazing place to be in the summer.”

Those who made the trek discovered just that. Along with hiking and riding trails, the most popular offering turned out to be the disc golf course, which expanded twice during the summer — first from three holes to nine, then again to a full 18 holes.

“We saw immediately,” Gast said, “that there was a very large appetite for it.”

The question for the Mount Ashland Association becomes just how to build on this surprisingly successful leap into becoming a summer venue.

Gast said that youth camp attendance might have suffered by insufficient promotion early enough to reach its intended audience. That’s the sort of setback that can be corrected from lessons learned this time around.

Ashland, in particular, is a community that depends on tourist dollars to fortify its year-long economy. With a marketable natural resource like Mount Ashland just sitting there, it makes too much sense not to consider ways to take advantage of it during peak-travel season to supplement the city’s entertainment, dining and shopping reputation.

With the success of this year’s trial run, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see Mount Ashland appear on the summer things-to-do list for tourists, and residents, alike.