Big Snow Dumps on Colorado Resorts
News
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Boulder, CO, Nov. 1, 2000–A storm system passed through Colorado’s high country on Tuesday and Wednesday dropping off a white fluffy treat for area resorts. The storm, which started dumping snow around 3 P.M. Tuesday, was strong enough for the National Weather Service to issue a winter storm warning for Rocky Mountain National Park and Summit County lasting through today.
Telluride Ski Resort appears to have received the brunt of the storm, reporting 11 inches of new snow in the last 48 hours and two feet in the previous week. This recent snowfall is a promising sign that Telluride will be able to stick with their planned opening date of November 21.
An inch of new snow landed at Keystone Resort, which opened last Saturday, adding to their mostly man-made 18-inch base. The resort is currently operating with only one intermediate trail open, but hopes the recent snowfall will help open more runs.
“We’re hoping to open more terrain as soon as possible,” said Bill Miller, director of mountain operations. “We just need Mother Nature to continue cooperating with us. Then, we’ll be able to open more trails.”
Vail and Beaver Creek also received snow, with Beaver Creek reporting over 15 inches of snow and Vail reporting a foot and counting. The snow is especially significant for Beaver Creek, which plans to open a portion of the mountain for the national ski team training camps from Nov. 6-16.
“Thanks to this recent snow and our snowmaking efforts over the last week, I think we’ll be in good shape for the teams to come in and train,” said Jim Roberts, Beaver Creek director of mountain operations.
Two areas planning to open this weekend, Breckenridge Ski Resort and Copper Mountain Resort, received a light dusting from the storm while Wolf Creek Ski Area, open since Oct. 28, received around a foot to boost their early season snowfall depth to 53 inches at the summit.
The storm should last throughout Wednesday, with scattered snow showers forecast over the weekend in the high country. Be sure to check back with SkiNet for updated weather conditions and further opening day coverage.
