Ski Resort Central: Updated Friday, Mar. 21

<b>Arapahoe Basin</b>

<i><b>Montezuma Bowl is open</b></i>

6 Lifts

94 Trails - <i>100 percent open</i>

60" Base

www.arapahoebasin.com

<b>Loveland</b>

8 Lifts

77 Trails - <i>100 percent open</i>

70" Base

www.skiloveland.com

<b>Copper Mountain</b>

21 Lifts

131 Trails - <i>100 percent open</i>

62" Base

www.coppercolorado.com

<b>Keystone</b>

19 Lifts

135 Trails - <i>100 percent open</i>

53" Base

www.keystone.snow.com

<b>Breckenridge</b>

30 Lifts

153 Trails - <i>100 percent open</i>

70" Base

www.breckenridge.snow.com

<b>Online extras</b>

Mountain Cams: http://apps.summitdaily.com/mountain_cams/

Weather: www.summitdaily.com/section/WEATHER

Road Conditions: http://apps.summitdaily.com/roads/

More Ski and Snowboard News: www.summitdaily.com/section/RECREATION01

Friday, March 21 at A-Basin

It's the second day of spring and you definitely wouldn't know it out at A-Basin today. They received a few new inches of powder last night and the east wall was great (for March). Check out a video from skiing the Basin on the second day of spring under "web extras".

<b>Wednesday, Feb. 20 at Breckenridge</b>

Today we hit up Breck and skied the Windows. A lot of snow has melted and we have not seen any new in almost a week, that was very noticable back in the trees. We documented our run through Windows with the helmet cam, check out the video at www.summitdaily.com/windows.

<b>Thursday, Feb. 7 at Keystone</b>

Not bad, not bad at all. The trees in Outback were decently covered with snow after a few minor storms came through this week. Overall though, the mountain's riding great.

Plus, on a Thursday morning, there were no lift lines.

Copper, Feb. 4 resort blog

It was snowing this morning at copper and at 5 a.m. they reported 2 in. with 4 in. in the last 48 hrs. and 24 in the past seven days. It seemed like a lot more than 2 in. out in the back bowls and in Union Bowl. Areas had knee deep powder with amazing turns and uncrowded slopes.

Check them out at www.coppercolorado.com

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Breckenridge, Jan. 25

We snuck out for a morning run to see if the resort's report of 9 inches measured up. While the upper bowls, like Horseshoe, were deep in parts, we felt like the resort got 3-5 inches instead.

That said, the place was nearly empty and we could ski right onto the lift. Not a bad way to spend an hour before work ...

Breckenridge, Jan. 22

Today was a surprise. The resort said it received 3 inches, but when we went up there this morning, there was more like 6-8 inches. We skied some of the bowls off the T-Bar, and there are plenty of hidden stashes about. Knee-deep ones, too.

Have fun out there. We only stayed for two runs (work, ugh), but it was worth it.

Breckenridge, Jan. 13 resort blog

One of the best surprises of the weekend was the sunshine and warmth that came out Sunday afternoon, which freshened the above-treeline terrain just enough. While Saturday had some bitter-cold temps, and facemasks abounded on the slopes, the snow was boot-deep, and if you could tolerate it, Horseshoe Bowl kept getting the benefit of the wind, and was untracked most of the day.

A bonus on Sunday? The crowds seemed to head out earlier than usual, meaning that warm afternoon ski was all the better ...

Arapahoe Basin, Jan. 12 resort blog

New terrain and 80 percent bigger! How can it get any better than that? Well, fresh snow always helps and the Basin had over 8 inches of it in the past few days with a 42 inch mid-mountain base.

The new Montezuma Bowl was a bit chopped up from the opening day on Friday, but there was still freshies to be found, you just have to look for them and be willing to head towards the trees. The lift ride back to the top provides spectacular views of Summit County looking over Keystone to Dillon Reservoir and Peak One, Buffalo and Red mountains.

About half of the terrain on the back side was roped off so that ski patrol could do avalanche control work off of the Zuma Cornice, but it looks like it will provide some excellent turns once it opens.

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'Better than Jersey'

<i>Powder seekers throng new A-Basin terrain</i>

There was powder to go around — and then some, as A-Basin opened Montezuma Bowl for lift-served skiing Friday. The Legend was reporting a 45-inch base, with six inches of fresh fluff in the past 24 hours as the icing on the cake.

More snow kept falling throughout the day. With another six inches possible by Saturday morning, day two could be just as good as the first.

And patience turned into a powder frenzy when ski patrollers finally dropped the rope on the new terrain for the first time at 11 a.m., leaving the high alpine bowl quickly marked with tracks, and more than a few craters as some skiers and snowboarders floundered in the nearly bottomless snow and sketchy visibility.

“I just saw it on Fox News this morning before I left the house,” said Denver resident Kevin Benton. “I just decided to head up to check it out.”

Benton wasn’t the only one. By mid-day, the ski area was parked out, and staffers were sending cars back down the hill to Keystone.

Along with plenty of locals and Front Rangers, out-of-state skiers were equally thrilled by the new addition.

“We came out to get a variety,” said Chad Knowlton, on a week-long visit from New Jersey. “It’s been great. We hit the Back Bowls at Vail yesterday, and made it up here today to check out Montezuma Bowl.”

“It’s really windy and kind of a white-out, but the snow is great,” said his buddy, Joe Glasser.

The pair was leaving the parking lot around lunchtime to check out Keystone.

“It might me a little more sheltered down there in the trees,” Knowlton said. “Either way, it’s better than Jersey.”

A-Basin managed to open about 50 percent of the new bowl Friday, said general manager Alan Henceroth. The area was set to open even more of the new terrain the day before, but the storm that rolled in Friday morning delayed those plans. Most of the terrain to skier’s right of the chair was open, but another big swath of steep cornice shots and wide-open bowls on the other side of the lift remained closed.

Henceroth said the biggest challenge getting the new bowl open was the short summer constructions season.

“You have three or four months, and then it’s winter again,” he said.

The most rewarding part of working on the expansion was being able to spend time in the bowl every day.

“It’s so beautiful back here,” he said, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he surveyed the new terrain from the chair.

Vail, Jan. 8 resort blog

Leaving the county? With all the resorts to choose from in Summit it is hard, but sometimes you have to venture out of the county and experience something a little different. A trip to Vail is a quick way to accomplish that. They have had more than 25 inches in the past week, so conditions are excellent. Ten inches yesterday and nine more today left powder all over the resort. And there is more on the way!

I didn't get up on the hill till later in the afternoon, but there were still fresh tracks to be had. If you are one to stay on the groomers, those are nice and soft for your enjoyment. Vail has a base depth of 40 inches and they are 100 percent open with 192 trails and 32 lifts to get you there.

Don't forget, you'll have to pay to park at Vail, unless the lots are full and you have to park on Frontage Road. But, it's worth the vast terrain you'll have to choose from once you get to the top of the lift.

Find out more about Vail at http://vail.snow.com/winter/

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Breckenridge, Jan. 7 resort blog

Powder day!

The end of the holidays brings short lines and fortunately, fresh snow. Turns all over the mountain were blessed with 6+ inches and when 6 Chair and Imperial opened, everyone rushed to make tracks.

More snow is expected Sunday afternoon and night, so if you didn't get out on the hill today, maybe tomorrow you might just come down with snow fever and need to "stay home from work."

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Breckenridge, Jan. 5 resort blog

The snow is great over most all parts of the mountain and more is coming. It was much warmer on the hill today than earlier in the week and the lines were not that bad in the morning for a Saturday. As the day progressed the lines built up at the major lifts and base areas, but if you headed over to Peak 10 and the Falcon Superchair the wait was minimal.

Snow began to fall around 10 a.m. and the county can expect six to eight inches through the weekend to increase the base levels at all the resorts.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. </i>

Breckenridge opens Park Lane Terrain Park, Dec. 22

With snow falling and cold temperatures allowing for prime snowmaking conditions, Breckenridge Ski Resort will open the first of its new Park Progression System, Park Lane Terrain Park. Located on Peak 8, Park Lane is an intermediate park, which caters to a larger group of skiers and riders than advanced parks. Park Lane will feature six medium-sized jumps including a double and triple line. “We are so excited to get this park open; it’s going to start the best season ever in our parks,” said Eric Armfield, terrain park manager for Breckenridge. “Skiers and riders should also look for rails and boxes to be added shortly.”



Soon to follow Park Lane will be Trygve’s Terrain Park for beginners and Breck’s legendary Freeway Terrain Park. All three parks will be a part of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s brand new Park Progression System on Peak 8. By building parks for all three levels in one place, skiers and riders will be able to move seamlessly from Trygve’s beginner park and pipe to Park Lane’s intermediate-sized jumps and rails while watching the pros hit Freeway. In addition to the system on Peak 8, beginners and intermediate park lovers can still enjoy Country Boy and Eldorado on Peak 9 which opened earlier this season.

Breckenridge, Dec. 17 resort blog

The snow and weather conditions changed drastically from top to bottom and peak to peak today. Some areas had great snow coverage and others you had to watch out for thin spots, even on the groomers. The weather was mild with blue skies at times, then gusting wind and blowing snow 20 minutes later.

No lines today, but watch out for the crowds coming in for the holidays.

A quick parking note: If you don't want to pay for parking at the base areas, or in the lots near town (including the lots on either side of the gondola), then plan to get to the hill early and look for the Gold Rush lot across the street from the gondola. Otherwise, don't come all the way to town and park at the Airport Road lots which can be accessed via Coyne Valley Road off of Highway 9, north of town.

Want a quick bite to eat in the morning before your turns? Try Clint's Bakery and Coffee on main street and fill up with a cup of coffee and, I'd suggest, a raisin bagel with vegie cream cheese. Mmm Mmm Good!

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Friday, Dec. 14, resort update

<b><i>Ideal snowmaking conditions prompt more terrain openings</i></b>

As winter storms continue to roll through Colorado, local resorts are getting closer to being completely open.

Last week’s storm prompted huge openings, such as Breckenridge’s Peak 8 and Keystone’s North Peak and Outback terrain.

With more snow in the forecast and colder temperatures, conditions are ideal for snowmaking. Breckenridge Ski Resort opened Independence SuperChair and the terrain on lower Peak 7 Friday. On Saturday skiers and riders will be able to access Peak 10 terrain on the Falcon SuperChair, bringing the resort’s total open terrain to more than 1,700 acres.

Arapahoe Basin opened the Pallavicini chair Friday with access to South Chute, Slalom Slope, North Chute, Powder Keg, Grizzly Road, Scudder, Challenger and Radical. The advanced terrain directly under pali chair will not be open.

Copper Mountain opened Resolution lift and Union Creek on Friday bringing their total open terrain to more than 800 acres and 79 trails.

Keystone Ski Resort continues to open more terrain on North Peak and the Outback, including the A51 Terrain Park which opened Friday. Today the resort brought their total open runs to 103 and 2,761 skiable acres.

Loveland Ski Area took the time between snowstorms to get more of their advanced terrain open. Loveland has opened Chair 4 and several expert runs accessed by Chair 1, including: Cat’s Meow, Tiger’s Tail, Holy Cat, and Busy Gully. This will boost their total open terrain to more than 50 percent, not including the Ridge.

Keystone, Dec. 9 resort blog

Ooh, when the ropes drop on Outback Bowl ... Anyway, you caught us remembering. We were there again this year on Sunday and the trees off Wolverine were spectacular. In fact, at one point, we wondered if we had ventured too far, as all we saw were knee-deep powder lines and nobody in sight.

And, amazingly enough, even on the way down it wasn't crowded at all. Strange, huh? Maybe we can thank the Broncos' game for those good turns, as well.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. </i>

Breckenridge, Dec. 9, resort blog

The skiing and riding is spectacular with over two feet of fresh snow in the past few days. Breck opened more terrain this weekend and patrol was bombing to get more open soon.

6 Chair had the longest line, but the turns were well worth the wait! Horseshoe Bowl was open, but watch out for the rocks, I may have put a few core shots in my skis today.

The Superpipe at the base of Peak 8 is now open and ready for you to show your best tricks.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. <b>Enjoy the freshies!</b></i>

Friday, Dec. 7, resort update

<b>Local resorts open more terrain</b>

<i>Check out a video from Breckenridge as they open Peak 8 and hear from communications director, Nicky DeFord, talk about the snow at www.summitdaily.com/peak8.<;/i>

SUMMIT COUNTY — Thursday night’s snow storm dumped nearly another foot on Summit County ski resorts, prompting more terrain and lifts to open.

“It’s been a slow start to the ski season, that’s no big secret. We would have been happy with any kind of snowfall—to get this much was just a godsend,” said Nicky DeFord, communications director of Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Breckenridge reported 14 total inches of snow from the storm as of 6 a.m. Friday morning, mid mountain. On Friday they opened 12 trails on Peak 8 and plan to get more of Peak 8 open this weekend as weather permits. Breck now has a total of 40 trails and 18 lifts open.

Arapahoe Basin reported 9 new inches of snow since Thursday night. Friday they opened five new intermediate runs including the High Divide terrain park, bringing their total to 14 trails and four of seven lifts open.

Copper Mountain Resort reported 8 new inches since Thursday night. Friday they opened Timberline Express chair, which services more intermediate terrain. On Saturday, Copper expects to have more than 33 total runs open.

Keystone Resort reported 9 inches of fresh snow which allowed them to open North Peak on Friday. They plan to open The Outback Saturday, bringing their total open acreage to 1,354. The Keystone Nordic Center at The River Course is also now open for cross-country skiing.

While over at Vail they plan to open Blue Sky Basin and portions of China, Sun Up and Sun Down bowls on Saturday, along with the debut of the new Highline Express chair. Over the weekend Vail’s total open terrain will jump to more than 3,500 skiable acres, and 145 trails serviced by 23 lifts.

Breckenridge, Dec. 6, resort blog

It's a powder day!

I managed to be one of many people who rushed over as ski patrol dropped the rope to Devil's Crotch and Mineshaft. It got tracked out pretty quickly, there were still a few rocks and trees but I managed to get into some shin-deep powder and it was well worth it.

Skiers and riders were definitely in high spirits out at Breck with the much needed snow falling all morning, and no sign of letting up anytime soon.

More crowds than I expected for a Thursday, but with 7 inches reported at 5 a.m. this morning I should have known better. I brought my video camera along and as I asked a group of men if anyone would like to tell me how their morning of powder was, one man replied, "I can't, I'm not even supposed to be here, I should be at work." I'm sure he's not the only one.

Breck plans to open Peak 8 Friday.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. <b>Enjoy the fresh snow!</b></i>

Copper Mountain, Dec. 3, resort blog

A bit windy, but the temperatures were in the high 30s, so it was not that bad. The groomers were all that was left from the storm this weekend, but the guns were pumping and you could hear the pop of the bombs in the bowls where patrol is preparing more terrain.

No lines on a Monday. Mid-week is a great time to get out and enjoy the open slopes.

Superpipe is rocking with riders practicing their tricks and the Super Bee lift allows access to Andy's Encore from the East Village.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. <b>Enjoy the fresh snow!</b></i>

Breckenridge, Dec. 2, resort blog

<i><b>POWDER!! </i></b>

First pow day of the season and the legs were feeling it. The 11 inches of now snow tracked out very quickly with the limited amount of runs and the usual large weekend crowd. But the turns we got it were a great way to start the day.

The tracked out runs will give a solid base for the next storm and should allow them to open more terrain.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. <b>Enjoy the fresh snow.</b></i>

Breckenridge, Dec. 1, resort blog

Lines, lines and more lines. Busy day at Breck. The snow was great and terrain was opening throughout the day. But the lines were very long and I got only 3 runs in two and a half hours.

Terrain park was packed with riders hitting rails boxes and two jumps.

The snow was heavy at times and now and then the sun poked through. Snowing heavily as I headed back to the full lots at the gondola mid-day.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. <b>Enjoy the fresh snow.</b></i>

Saturday, Dec. 1, Copper Mountain update

<b>Copper gets 4 inches and opens new terrain</b>

Copper received 4 inches of fresh snow overnight and it continues to snow throughout the morning. Copper currently offers 228 acres of skiing and riding with 6 lifts and 13 trails.

The Super Bee lift and Andy’s Encore trail opened this morning, marking the opening of Copper’s East Village for the winter season. Additional terrain, including advanced trails CDL and Mine Dump, will be available to skiers and riders on a delayed opening.

Friday, Nov. 30, resort update

VAIL — Winter has returned to the Colorado High Country and thanks to a series of recent snowstorms and cold snowmaking temperatures, Vail Mountain is set to be open with 550 acres and 14 lifts will be open starting today.

The Vail Snowsports School will expand its locations for adult private and group instruction to the Vail Village and mid-Vail locations in addition to Vail Square/Lionshead.

Vail Snowsports children’s group and private lessons will be offered at Golden Peak and will continue at the Vail Square/Lionshead location. The Small World Nursery at Golden Peak provides childcare for ages 2 months to 6 years.

Lift tickets will be $72 for adults, $62 for seniors and $52 for children.

Plenty is going on in Summit County as well. Keystone’s annual 36 Hours of Keystone runs until 9 p.m. with live music and a gaming tent in addition to skiing and riding under the lights. Keystone has five lifts and 162 acres of terrain open.

Copper Mountain remains the only local mountain with a Superpipe open, and also plans to re-open the Super Bee lift this weekend with top to bottom access on Andy’s Encore — the first advanced terrain to open at Copper this weekend. Copper will have 210 acres open this weekend with 12 trails and six lifts.

Breckenridge Ski Resort is open 215 acres, and will open C Lift today and the Gold King trail. The resort has also expanded the number of jumps and rails available. Arapahoe Basin has four of its seven lifts operating, six trails and 110 acres.

Depending on how much snow falls this weekend, local resorts may open additional terrain.

The National Weather Service is calling for periods of snow today with possible accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Tonight, there is a 40 percent chance of snow followed by a 20 percent chance of snow on Sunday.

Breckenridge, Nov. 30, resort blog

I agree with the below post. Was an empty morning up at the resort — we got 3 runs in in 30 minutes, and then off to work.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. <b>Drive safe.</b></i>

Breckenridge, Nov. 30, resort blog

It was a quite morning at Breck today. The weekend storm was starting to blow into the peaks at about 9:30 a.m. and the groomers were fast. A new jump is set up in the terrain park and the snow guns are blasting across much of the mountain.

The traffic headed into Breck was a bit stronger at 10 a.m. as skiers and riders head in for the weekend with the hopes of new snow.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. <b>Drive safe.</b></i>

Arapahoe Basin, Nov. 27, resort blog

Descent snow and wide open trails were the scene at A-basin today. The main parking lot was only half full at 12 p.m. and the lines at the lifts were non-existent.

We are all wishing for more snow, but when you can make turns without any interference, it's not so bad having only a few trails mid-week. Enjoy it while you can.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. <b>Think Snow!</b></i>

Friday, Nov. 23, resort update

<b>Snow prompts more openings at local ski areas</b>

Copper Mountain Resort will open its Superpipe today

SUMMIT COUNTY — A fresh blanket of snow this week boosted base depths at local ski resorts and spurred the opening of new terrain.

Copper Mountain becomes the first mountain to open a Superpipe in North America for the third year in a row today as the season begins at the Main Vein Superpipe.

Copper Mountain reported four-and-a-half inches over the past week, and is open with six lifts, including SuperBee in East Village, and eight trails covering more than 159 acres of terrain.

Breckenridge Ski Resort opened two more lifts and two more trails this week bringing the total acreage to 140, or about six percent of the mountain. Keystone Resort opened its second base area — Mountain House — this week, as well as the Peru chairlift. The resort will be open until 8 p.m. tonight for night skiing.

Arapahoe Basin has 102 acres open and a base depth of 18 inches. Over at Loveland Ski Area, the Loveland Valley Ski & Ride School has opened, and 137 acres, three lifts and 11 trails are available for skier and riders.

The new snow this week helped Vail Mountain open on Wednesday and Beaver Creek start its season on Friday. Vail Pass Recreation Area also opened on Friday.

The National Weather Service is calling for a 10 percent chance of snow showers on Monday and Tuesday and a 20 percent chance of snow on Wednesday.

Arapahoe Basin, Nov. 20, resort blog

Compared to Breck yesterday, the lines were non-existent at the Basin. It may be the spot to get away from the crowds this Thanksgiving holiday week.

The snow was decent from top to bottom with only a few thin spots. Be sure to walk the short catwalk from the top towards the new Montezuma Bowl. No snow yet, but you can get a great view and start planning your lines for later in the season.

<i>Want to comment about your day on the slopes? Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to add your own blog entry. <b>Think Snow!</b></i>