Resorts Reporting Double Digit Accumulations, Prepare For Openings
October 28th, 2009
DENVER, Colo. - Oct. 28, 2009, Snow accumulations are mounting at Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) resorts as the first significant snowstorm of the ski season is leaving its mark on Colorado. Snow started falling in the foothills and mountains last night and continues to come down today. Every CSCUSA resort is receiving snow from this storm.
Today's storm combines with pre-season snowfall from previous storms to enhance resorts' early season snow conditions. This snowstorm adds to the momentum of Colorado's ski season which is already four weeks old with two resorts officially open.
Wolf Creek will open for the season on Saturday with powder and packed powder conditions. The resort has received more than eight new inches of snow today and 30 inches to date this winter season. Skiers and riders will access runs with early season conditions served by the Nova, Treasure and Bonanza lifts.
This storm will ensure that Powderhorn has a solid base for its December 17 opening, as that ski area is reporting an impressive 21 inches of snow received, and the snow continues to fall there.
Located just outside Denver, Echo Mountain is preparing for a December 2 opening. The fresh 20 inches of new snow there will enhance the resort's snowmaking efforts, which began earlier this month.
With five new inches so far and more expected throughout the day, Arapahoe Basin, which had its earliest opening ever on October 9, is reporting powder and packed powder conditions.
Loveland Ski Area is reporting four new inches and is expecting continued snowfall accumulations throughout the day. Loveland was the first in North America to open for the season, on October 7, the earliest that resort has opened in 40 years.
Copper Mountain, which plans to open on November 6, is unofficially reporting five inches of new snow with predictions for another five to eight on the way. On the north side of Berthoud Pass, Winter Park Resort has received eight inches from the storm and plans to open for the season on November 18.
As the storm lingers over the Front Range, so far it has dropped more than 12 inches at Eldora Mountain Resort and will leave a nice base for when the resort opens on November 20.
The storm stretches from the Front Range to the central mountains and has already left six inches on the runs of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Due to open on November 25, Crested Butte is expected to receive an additional eight to 16 inches today through Thursday night.
Located on Monarch Pass, Monarch Mountain is benefiting from today's storm with a fresh coating of natural snow. The new snow from today's storm will add to the resort's base as they plan to open on November 25.
In the northwest region of Colorado, both Steamboat and Howelsen Hill are benefiting from the storm with fresh snow accumulating on the ground. Steamboat is set to open on November 25 and Howelsen Hill sometime in December.
With more than five inches of new snow and more predicted for the area, Aspen/Snowmass will likely begin snowmaking earlier than planned. The resort is slated to open for the season on Thanksgiving Day weekend, when it will host the Women's Winternational World Cup, one of several Olympic qualifying events happening in Colorado.
Snowmass will open on November 26 with Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk to follow on December 12.
Ski Cooper will also open on Thanksgiving Day. Perched on top of Tennessee Pass, today's snowstorm continues to add to the pre-season accumulation at Ski Cooper.
In the southwest region of Colorado, Telluride Ski Resort has received seven inches of new snow in the last 24 hours and has a 17-inch base at the summit. Favorable temperatures allowed snowmaking to begin October 22 and the resort is scheduled to open on November 26.
Also located in the San Juan range, Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort is the recipient of more than six inches from today's storm and expects another three to five additional inches before the storm ends. The resort will open on November 27.
More than half of a foot of fresh snow has covered the runs at Sunlight. Runs will be open on December fourth. Also opening in December is Sol Vista Basin at Granby Ranch. That resort has already received half of a foot of new snow.
An official opening at Silverton is slated for December 5, however, with robust snowfall accumulations in that part of the state already, tracks can be seen on some of the resort's runs.
For up to date snow reports, information on Colorado Ski Country USA resort opening dates, CSCUSA, or any of its 22 member resorts, please visit www.ColoradoSki.com.
