More Terrain Opening!

This latest storm has done much to improve already above average early season conditions. Aspen Mountain received 10”, which softened up open terrain and allowed patrol to open some of my favorite runs, including Back of Bell 2, Red’s Run, Percy and FIS. Aspen Ski Co. has said it plans to open up the FIS chair, Ruthie’s chair, and the lift 1a chair on Saturday the 12th, which will add a lot of fun terrain to what is already open. Snowmass Mountain received 15”out of our latest storm, allowing patrol to open Sam’s Knob and Sheer Bliss. Snowmass patrol plans on opening both the Alpine Springs and High Alpine lifts this coming Saturday. Both of these lifts will allow me to access some of my favorite parts of Snowmass, so I’m very excited about these openings! What is perhaps even more exciting than the openings on Aspen and Snowmass Mountains is the fact that both Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are set to open this Saturday. Aspen Highlands has received two feet of snow in the past 7 days, including 15” in our latest storms. Considering the only people that have been up on Highlands this season are patrollers and boot packers doing avalanche control, and the occasional person who “skins” up, you can assume that Highlands is poised for an incredible opening with plenty of untouched powder. Highlands patrol plans on opening the G-zones and B-zones in the bowl, as well as most of the terrain in Temerity and Olympic Bowl. The Exhibition, Loge, Cloud Nine, and Deep Temerity lifts will all start spinning at 9:00 A.M. As far as dining goes, Cloud Nine, the Merry-Go-Round, and ZG grill at the base will all be open. All the park enthusiasts and those with an affinity for wide open groomers are very excited about the opening of Buttermilk. Nearly 100% of Buttermilk will be open as of Saturday and all lifts on the mountain will be spinning. There are five intermediate park features and five for beginners as well. In addition to these features, there will be a small terrain park set up on Upper Spruce. The world renowned half-pipe is scheduled to open on 12/16, as crews are still cutting the pipe to perfection. All these openings will bring the total open terrain to 2742 acres, which is 450 more than this time last year. According to Skico spokesman Jeff Hanle, this acreage is “far more than any resort complex in the state.” Now that’s the "Power of Four!"