Rick Langenberg
The Colorado ski season is heading into its final stretch, as we move into the last days for most popular resorts. So, if you aren’t taking in a Colorado Avs or Denver Nuggets playoff game this week, (and you know they are going to break our our hearts in the end; that is my prediction), think about getting your last days of ski magic in the High Country, without any crowds.
A number of places have closed, mainly due to leases they have with the Forest Service and yes, labor shortages. It is certainly not due to a lack of snow.
But fret not, there are a handful of areas that will remain open for an extended period, such as A-Basin, Loveland, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain for those who don’t want to retire their downhill legs for a few months. And yes, spring skiing is an ideal time, with warmer temperatures, still great snow (at least on sunny days) and more happy people and no crowds. Spring skiing is my favorite time to hit the mountains, as it is often too muddy for golf and hiking. Guess I have turned into a fair-weather outdoor buff. Just remember your sunscreen as you can get toasted in the resort hills.
Conditions are still relatively good, with Vail and Aspen getting the gold medal in the last week or so for total snow bombardments. As for closures, the latest updated list includes Monarch, Keystone and Ski Cooper. Crested Butte and Telluride ended their respective seasons earlier; which is too bad, as they featured stellar seasons with eye-bursting snow totals every week.
If you can endure the long drive, Vail is a prime trip, as this is their final weekend. And based on recent reports, they have recorded regular bombardments.
Insiders are calling the ski conditions in the Colorado high country as the best ever in five years. This is the product of snow patterns that pounded our high mountain areas, while leaving us rather unscathed this year, at least until recently.
On a regular basis this season, and with the help of local sponsor 315 Survival, your prime local spot for ski tuning, outdoor equipment and needed advice, we are featuring regular ski and outdoor reports. Make sure to pay them a visit, prior to your next trip to the mountains for any type of outing. 315 is located in the Safeway shopping center and sports unique outdoor equipment, and right now is doing some prime ski tuning and is offering new gear for the spring and summer, including some great hiking boots. They were recently named as the Best New Business in Teller County.
Don’t waste any time, talk to Eric and 315 Survival and then hit the slopes; tell your employers you are sick, as mid-week trips are the best. If you get into trouble, just blame it on TMJ.
Enjoy our remaining Power Days.
The following is the most updated ski information as of last weekend, regarding some of our favorite mountains that are still open for spring downhill thrills, based on the Colorado Ski Country and Colorado Ski Central websites, along with our own analysis. Enjoy, but act fast, as many hills are slated to close in the next couple of weeks. We also have provided the estimated closing dates for the mountains that are still open for ski play.
Arapahoe Basin: Snow Base-59 Inches, Runs Open 116 Percentage of Terrain Open 80
Comments: Never a bad day at the Basin; parking sometimes a problem. Pick a day, though, with sun, as sometimes gets really cold. An absolute great place for spring skiing; in fact, could rank as the prime spring and early summer king in Colorado. 3 inches of snow earlier last week. Projected closing day – June 4
Loveland: Snow Base-56 to 59 Inches, Runs Open 84, Percentage of Terrain Open 89
Comments: Another great local gem, pounded with considerable snow and like A-Basin, stays open well longer than other mountains. Springtime sometimes the best for a Love Bash. 3 inches of snow in past three days. Projected closing day – May 8
Breckenridge: Snow Base-63 Inches, Runs Open 175 Percentage of Terrain Open 94
Comments: Call in sick during week; try to avoid Breck on the weekend, but can’t beat the close distance from Teller County and their local happenings. 8 inches of snow in last 72 hours. Projected closing date – May 28
Copper Mountain: Snow Base-60 Inches, Runs Open 155, Percentage of Terrain Open 100
Comments: Probably the best laid-out mountain; great back bowls, although access is sometimes tricky. 8 inches of snow in last few days. Projected closing date – May 7
Vail: Snow Base-68 Inches, Runs Open 195 Percentage of Terrian Open 71
Comments: Colorado’s biggest and most well-known mountain resort, but act fast as the all and mighty mountain is closing for the season after this weekend. 8 inches of snow in past 72 hours. Projected closing date – April 23
Aspen : Snow Base-61 to 64 Inches, Runs Open 67 Percentage of Terrain Open 88
Comments: Most diverse slopes, ranging from some definite killer hills. 9 inches of snow in last three days. The neighboring mountains, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass, have closed for the season. Projected closing date – April 23
*Monarch, Keystone, Ski Cooper, Crested Butte and Telluride have closed for the season.
If anyone has info they would like to submit for our ski reports, contact us at editor@mountainjackpot.com.
