Colorado: Ski season in high gear at A-Basin

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Bob Berwyn

Spring powder nothing new for The Legend

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Skiing April powder at Arapahoe Basin, April 2010. Bob Berwyn photo.

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A skier enjoys a big powder day at Arapahoe Basin on April 23, 2010. Bob Berwyn photo.

By Bob Berwyn

FRISCO — While most of Colorado’s megaresorts closed with more snow than they’ve had on their slopes all season, a handful of areas are still open for spring skiing, including Aspen Highlands, Winter Park, Loveland and, of course, Arapahoe Basin, known for having one of the longest seasons in the country.

With 21 inches of new snow in just the 48 hours and more on the way for the next few days, ski conditions at Arapahoe Basin are peaking. A 65-inch base means great conditions all over the mountain, including Montezuma Bowl and the steeps of the East Wall. As general manager Alan Henceroth wrote in a recent blog post, “All the the little lines are filled.” (more…)

Filed under: Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, Ski Resorts, skiing and riding, Snow and weather, Summit County Colorado, Summit County snow and weather | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Spring storm sweeps through Colorado high country

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Bob Berwyn

Ski hills celebrate powder; snow snarls roads, ups backcountry avalanche hazard

A spring snowstorm noses into Colorado Saturday, April 13.

A spring snowstorm noses into Colorado Saturday, April 13.

Almost 7 inches of snow in Frisco, Colorado.

Almost 7 inches of snow in Frisco, Colorado.

By Bob Berwyn

FRISCO — Mother Nature saved her best for late in the season, as a mid-April storm dropped more than 12 inches of snow across the Colorado mountains, as well as some beneficial rain along the Front Range.

The potent storm blew in on the nose of the jet stream, with a strong and moist northwest flow blasting through the mountains Saturday night. Many areas reported their biggest single-storm snow totals for the entire season, including downtown Frisco, where 7 inches piled up overnight. (more…)

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Colorado: Weekend snowstorm delivers

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Bob Berwyn

Mountains could see a few more inches Tuesday night

Northeast winds delivered good snow to Colorado's northeastern plains.

Northeast winds delivered good snow to Colorado’s northeastern plains.

By Summit Voice

FRISCO — A storm rolling across the state Saturday night delivered the goods, with every ski area in Colorado reporting new snow Sunday morning. Totals (24 hour) ranged from 11 inches at Monarch to six inches and Wolf Creek and Steamboat, at opposite ends of the state. Most resorts in between also reported about a half a foot of new snow Sunday morning. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Snow and weather, Summit County snow and weather | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

Colorado: The storm door is open

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

“You may want to call in sick and ride blue-bird powder for a few days prior to the apocalypse … “        ~Colorado Avalanche Information Center

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A potent weather system is developing for the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

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Winter storm warnings, watches and advisories prevail across western Colorado and eastern Utah. Click on the map for more details from the NWS.

By Summit Voice

FRISCO — Dreams of a white Christmas will come true for residents of the Colorado high country, as a series of winter storms will potentially drop up to several feet of snow across most of the state’s mountains in the days leading up to Santa’s arrival.

Most of the mountain areas are under winter storm warnings, watches and advisories for the early part of the week, as the wintry weather is expected to culminate with a strong system moving through the area Tuesday night that could deliver some “eye-popping” snowfall rates, according to the National Weather Service, which may soon be issuing blizzard warnings in some mountain zones.

The snow will also drastically increase the backcountry avalanche danger, where special warnings may be issues. Check in with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center for the latest. Already, large avalanches have been reported from a few locations, including Uneva Bowl, a popular powder skiing destination near Vail Pass. (more…)

Filed under: avalanches, climate and weather, Colorado, snow, Snow and weather, Summit County snow and weather | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Colorado ski season under way at Arapahoe Basin

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Fresh snow and sunshine for opening day

Snow spray at A-Basin on opening day.

By Bob Berwyn

FRISCO — The start of the ski season, even if it’s only on one run with artificial snow, is a Big Deal in tourism-dependent Summit County and Colorado in general, where the ski industry contributes significantly to to the economy. Once again, Arapahoe Basin won the friendly race to open, firing up the Black Mountain Express with skiing on one trail on Oct. 17. (more…)

Filed under: Arapahoe Basin, recreation, ski industry, skiing and riding, Snow and weather, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news, Summit County snow and weather | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Colorado: Keystone aims to boost lodging occupancy, destination biz with a kids-ski-free deal for overnight visitors

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Keystone offering free skiing for kids under 12 this season, but not for day-trippers.

Youngsters under 12 ski free with a two-night stay at the resort; other family offerings beefed up for the coming season

By Summit Voice

FRISCO — Keystone Resort is stepping up its already strong appeal to families with season-long free skiing for kids under 12 for guests staying at least two nights at a resort property.

The program is aimed at boosting occupancy and also helps Vail Resorts segment its Summit County business, potentially shifting a bit of business from hyper-crowded Breckenridge to its sister resort on the other side of Summit County.

Numerous other resorts also offer special deals to entice kids, but Keystone is differentiating its program by emphasizing the no-strings, no-blackout aspects.

“With the introduction of a Kids Ski Free offer that’s really restriction-free, we’re letting families travel as their schedule allows,” said Keystone VP and general manager John Buhler.

Keystone says it has also enhanced it s Kidtopia program with daily animation and entertainment all winter long, including the third installment of what the resort bills as the world’s largest snowfort, street performers in the base area commercial zone, kids’ apres gatherings, a weekly Kidtopia parade, on-ice dance parties at the resort’s two ice skating rinks, and the new Snowed-In Festival. (more…)

Filed under: business, Colorado, Keystone, recreation, ski industry, Ski Resorts, skiing and riding, Summit County Colorado, Vail Resorts | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Colorado: Copper Mountain starts snowmaking

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Ski team speed center to open late October; passholders have a chance to win a preview session with the team

Picabo Street helps open the U.S. Ski Team speed training center at Copper Mountain in Nov. 2011. Photo by Bob Berwyn.

Opening day of the 2011-2012 season. Photo by Bob Berwyn.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — With a seasonable October chill in the air, Copper Mountain has fired up its snowguns, aiming to open the U.S. Ski Team speed training center by sometime in late October is favorable snowmaking weather persists.

The ski area is scheduled to open for the public on Nov. 2, but a few lucky passholders can win a preview session with the U.S. Ski team by entering on Facebook for VIP access that includes lift access for two, a venue tour from a U.S. Ski Team athlete followed by open skiing and riding and lunch with the Team.

In a press release, Copper said 87 snow guns will be dedicated to covering the speed training venue of the Super Bee lift, prepping a full-length alpine racing venue that will help top-level World Cup racers get ready for early season tests at Beaver Creek and Aspen.

Entries to the Speed Center VIP Preview Contest will be accepted until Oct. 28. The official event day will be announced on the U.S. Ski Team and Copper Mountain Facebook fan pages. You must have a Copper Mountain Season Pass, Copper Four Pack, Rocky Mountain Super Pass, or Super Pass Plus to enter. (more…)

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Colorado resorts feel the pain of low-snow year

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Powder days were few and far between at Colorado ski areas. PHOTO BY BOB BERWYN.

Visits at Colorado Ski Country USA resorts drop by 790,000 from last season during dry winter

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Skier visits at Colorado Ski Country USA resorts dropped by about 790,000 from last year, mainly because of sparse and inconsistent snowfall, according to industry leaders gathered for the trade group’s annual meeting.

Early snow helped some resorts open ahead of schedule, but the heart of the winter was dry, and visitation dwindled, especially during the crucial spring season, when March was reported as one of the driest winter months on record.

“Fortunately, seasons such as the one just ended have proved to be historically rare and the ski industry has exhibited a remarkable ability to bounce back after poor snow years in the past,” said CSCUSA president and CEO Melanie Mills. (more…)

Filed under: business, Colorado, economy, Ski Resorts, skiing and riding, Snow and weather, Summit County snow and weather | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Vail skiers visits drop 12 percent, revenue holds steady

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Ticket sales, international visits help stabilize business in tough season

Vail Resorts had a tough season, but managed to sustain revenues with season pass sales and high lift ticket prices.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Vail Resorts reported a 9.8 percent drop in skier visits for the third quarter of the fiscal year, as poor snow conditions across the West kept skiers home in droves. For the season, skier visits at Vail Resorts were down 12.1 percent.

But the resort company, with major holdings in Colorado and California, was able to increase ancillary per-skier skier revenue by more than 11 percent and total mountain net revenue over last year, with increases in ticket-sales revenue and ski school operations. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, ski industry, Ski Resorts, Summit County news, Vail Resorts | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Breckenridge Ski Area extends season

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Two extra weekends of turns — and free parking — on tap for Colorado skiers

Spring season extended at Breckenridge Ski Area. PHOTO COURTESY VAIL RESORTS/JACK AFFLECK.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY— For the first time since merging with Vail Resorts, Breckenridge Ski Area will extend the season in response to a flood of requests from loyal skiers.

The area’s high-altitude should ensure good conditions through late April. Breckenridge often stayed open into early May back in the 1980s, when old-timers can remember celebrating Cinco de Mayo with late-season turns on Peak 8.

The two-weekend bonus season will include only Peak 8 terrain, including the Imperial Express SuperChair, for  two additional weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 20-22 and April 27-29, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. In addition, the resort will have a special 50th season extension day ticket price of $50 for those without passes and free parking in the gondola lots. (more…)

Filed under: Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado, Ski Resorts, skiing and riding, Summit County news | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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