FIRST MAJOR SNOWSTORM OF THE
SEASON ROLLS THROUGH COLORADO
Resorts Reporting Double Digit Accumulations, Prepare For Openings
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.
Photo: Powderhorn
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.
Photo: Echo Mountain
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.
Photo: Arapahoe Basin
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.
Photo: Copper Mountain
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.
Photo: Winter Park
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.
Photo: Eldora Mountain Resort
Photo: Crested Butte
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.
Photo: Aspen/Snowmass
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.
Photo: Telluride
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.
Photo: Durango Mountain Resort
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.
Photo: Sunlight
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.
Media Note
Photos and Photo Credit:
Arapahoe Basin
Copper Mountain
Crested Butte
Durango Mountain Resort
Echo Mountain
Eldora Mountain Resort
Powderhorn
Aspen/Snowmass
Sunlight
Telluride
Winter Park
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Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing 22 Colorado ski & snowboard resorts. CSCUSA is the global voice of the Colorado ski industry. The Association's primary functions are concentrated in marketing, public policy and public relations. Information about CSCUSA and its members can be found at www.ColoradoSki.com, on Twitter @ColoradoSkiUSA and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColoradoSkiCountryUSA. This release and other press information can be found in the online press room at http://media-ColoradoSki.com.
Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing 22 Colorado ski & snowboard resorts. CSCUSA is the global voice of the Colorado ski industry. The Association's primary functions are concentrated in marketing, public policy and public relations. Information about CSCUSA and its members can be found at www.ColoradoSki.com, on Twitter @ColoradoSkiUSA and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColoradoSkiCountryUSA. This release and other press information can be found in the online press room at http://media-ColoradoSki.com.
