This morning we reported 4 inches of new snow and had a bit more after report time. That was just enough for us to get our first official opening of The Beavers terrain. For about 1 1/2 hours in the middle of the afternoon, the Ski Patrol opened Loafer, Alex, Jaeger and part of Beaver Bowl. About 100 skiers and riders checked it out. The two laps that Kay and I had out there were exceptional (only if you like skiing powder). As you have seen us do in the past, we manage our snow carefully. Today's opening was just a start. You will continue to see "soft openings" like this for a while. We want to pack the snow down gently mixing this snow in with the snow of our next storm and the following storm and the following storm. There won't be a big marketing pitch just yet. For now, let's ski it in and savor the moment.
THIS IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. Whenever terrain is opened for the first time, the snow can be variable and there are more than a few obstacles. On top of it all, you have a 20-30 minute hike to get out of there when you are done. There is a certain segment of our guests that absolutely love stuff like this. If that is you, join the fun. If you don't go gaga over my description, you might want to wait for the lift next season.
Today's opening is the very beginning of some extraordinary skiing we will enjoy for decades and decades. Thanks to everyone that made this happen. Over the years, hundreds of people have been involved in this project. A great deal of time was spent planning, designing, working on approvals and, of course, building the expansion. We still have a lot to do this summer (maybe next summer too), but today we are off to a fine start.
I can tell you, this afternoon I saw a lot of very happy people. It made me smile.
