First Opening Of The Beavers

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.

Towards The Gore Range

I was just up on the Summit and did a little tour down the Cornice Run. This image is looking West - Northwest across The Beavers towards the Gore Range. The good news is that the Gore Range is obscured by clouds. Our storm is just starting to roll in. A few flurries have just started to fall in the base area. I am very anxiously waiting for this one !!!

Marnie's

Be sure and visit Bumpy at Marnie's.

Steep Gullies Hike Back Trail

The snowcats and snowmobiles have made it down The Steep Gullies Hike Back Trail to Rendezvous Point. This really speeds up our avalanche mitigation and trail preparation work.

We now have a good, wide, hikeable, skinable path for people to travel on out of The Beavers and The Steep Gullies. The Grand Portage is a clear and established, West to East traverse from The Bald Spot across the bottom of The Steep Gullies terminating at Rendezvous Point. From Rendezvous Point, skiers and riders have an easy 20-30 minute walk back to the bottom of Pali Lift.

When you hit the Grand Portage or The Steep Gullies Hike Back Trail, take a right, enjoy a pleasant tour through the woods and follow the signs.

With snow in the forecast, we may need this soon.

F#*K CANCER

Join us for a fun evening and a special fundraiser Wednesday, January 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 in the A-Frame. Two of our employees, Tim Finnigan and John Catrambone, have spent much of that last year in personal battles with cancer. On Wednesday, this community event will lend a hand to our good friends and give everyone a chance to scream "F#*K CANCER."

Check out the details below or go to arapahoebasin.com.

Another Compaction Roller Image

Here is another cool image of the compaction roller working in Zuma Bowl. You might recognize the big rock feature in MGD. Check out the snowcat tracks in the top left corner. The cat drivers have made it all the way to the bottom of Zuma Lift. The bowl is packed and poised and waiting for new snow.

Compaction Roller In Montezuma Bowl

We had a team working the compaction roller in Montezuma Bowl today. A winch operator is in the snowcat lowering the roller and a snow safety team member is on the ridge steering the roller remotely. Today they had a big impact in portions of MGD and West Zuma.

NYE @ BML

Last night the Food and Beverage team brought in the New Year at Black Mountain Lodge. Lobster, filet, great music and a bright, bright moon made for a stellar evening. Celebrating the New Year in New York (10 PM Colorado time) and being home in bed when the clock struck midnight was especially good.