Colorado Ski Hills Finally Strike Pay Dirt

Rick Langenberg

While many local residents were shivering and complaining about Arctic freezes recently, some area ski nuts got the chance to plot a needed escape and experience a remarkable dose of powder heaven, and vastly improving conditions at our nearby alpine retreats.

So, any talk of the current season paling in comparison to 2023 has been put to bed. That is about as truthful as a Denver Broncos Super Bowl run next year.

Yes, get those ski legs loosened up, as the 2024 season is starting to really sizzle.  Virtually all the mountains near Teller got hit with recent 20 inch or more snow bombardments within a five or seven-day stretch. The big champs for the most improved mountain conditions are Monarch and Crested Butte, which definitely reaped the benefits of recent storms after a slightly slow start.

And then there is Vail with a 50-inch-plus base and a sporting network of 245 runs. No excuse for boredom there.

Whatever ski options you pursue, remember that Colorado is the undisputed ski capital of the world. So, it’s hard to have a bad ski day, unless you want to concern yourself with national and local politics and social media reports.  So, stay away from such gibberish and hit the slopes.

The overall ski winner, and a definite gem those who may want to take a mini-winter outing, is Steamboat in the northern part of the state. Steamboat, known for its remarkable tree-skiing, has just dazzled the Colorado alpine world in the last few years. Plus, with Steamboat Springs, the resort features one of the last remaining Real Ski Towns. And although it’s tough to access, Wolf Creek in Mineral County has reportedly been hit with 150 inches of snow this season and is sporting a 70-inch-plus base.

But that said, the ski mountains closer to home, especially those in Summit County, have hit the jackpot, as far as new snow counts.

According to Colorado Ski Central website, our state boasts of 27 areas now open for skiing and snowboarding. On a statewide basis, and at the time of this writing, 89 percent of the lifts are open, along with 75 percent of available runs and trails.

On a regular basis, and with the help of local sponsor 315 Survival, your prime local spot for skin tuning, equipment and needed advice, we will provide regular ski reports. Make sure to pay them (315) a visit, prior to your next trip to the mountain. 315 is located in the Safeway shopping center and sports unique outdoor equipment, and right now is doing some prime ski tuning.

TMJ News will publish reports, based on updates from leading online sources.  If anyone has any good ski stories, or tidbits to share with us, email us at editor@mountainjackpot.com.

A couple of requirements: Don’t ever take any pointers from TMJ staff members.

Instead, talk to Eric and 315 Survival and then hit the slopes; tell your employers you are sick, as mid-week trips are the best.

 

Enjoy our many Power Days.

 

Ski Updates

The following is the most updated ski information we received regarding some of our favorite mountains, based on the Colorado Ski Country and Colorado Ski Central websites, along with our own analysis.  Enjoy.

*We have also included recent snow bombardments, based on the time of this reporting.

Monarch:  Snow Base-49 Inches, Runs Open 63, Percentage of Terrain Open 94

Comments: The locals’ favorite place for snow; shorter runs than most places, but very convenient. The big winner in recent bombardments with 35 Inches in a 6-day stretch.

Arapahoe Basin:  Snow Base-35 Inches, Runs Open 32, Percentage of Terrain Open 22

Comments:  Never a bad day at the Basin; parking sometimes a problem. Pick a day, though, with sun, as sometimes gets really cold. Got hit with 17 inches in a 7-day stretch.

Loveland: Snow Base-35 Inches, Runs Open 32, Percentage of Terrain Open 34

Comments:  Another great local gem, pounded with considerable snow and like A-Basin, stays open well longer than other mountains. 22 Inches in past 7 days.

Breckenridge:  Snow Base-38 Inches, Runs Open 134, Percentage of Terrain Open 72

Comments:  Call in sick during the week; try to avoid Breck on the weekend but can’t beat the close distance from Teller County and their local happenings. 19 Inches in past seven days.

Keystone: Snow Base-35 Inches Runs Open 108 Percentage of Terrain Open 76

Comments:  Ideal mountain for families and kids.  Underestimated for the great amount of tree runs. 13 Inches in past 4 days.

Copper Mountain: Snow Base-42 Inches, Runs Open 122, Percentage of Terrain Open 76

Comments:  Probably the best laid-out mountain; great back bowls, although access is sometimes tricky. 25 Inches in past 7 days.

Ski Cooper: Snow Base-22 to 28 Inches, Runs Open 43, Percentage of Terrain Open 67

Comments: Secret gem for telemark skiing; and for advanced intermediates, check out the Snowcat tours. Can’t beat the small, family atmosphere, almost brings back memories of skiing before the big resorts. 17 Inches in past 7 days.

Vail:  Snow Base-52 Inches, Runs Open 245, Percentage of Terrain Open 89

Comments: Colorado’s biggest and most well-known mountain resort. Great, but try during the week due to the crowds. 28 Inches in past 7 days.

Aspen (Aspen and Snowmass):  Snow Base-38 Inches, Runs/Trails Open 104, Percentage of Terrain Open 100

27 Aspen Highlands: Snow Base-35 to 48 Inches, Runs Open 107, Percentage of Terrain Open 88

Comments:  Check out Aspen Highlands for diversion and views from the top.   Snowmass, meanwhile, is probably the best mountain in state for blue skiers. .

Crested Butte: Snow Base-49 Inches, Runs Open 102, Percentage of Terrain Open 64

Comments:  The acclaimed T-Bars, access to the Butte’s Extreme Limits Terrain is now open.  Tours are often provided to this section, under guided supervision. Worth checking out, if you are an advanced intermediate-plus skier. 30 Inches in 7-day stretch.

Telluride: Snow Base-36 Inches, Runs Open 109, Percentage of Terrain Open 75

Comments:  Their blacks are definite blacks, so Plunge down the Plunge run with care. No mountain in Colorado rivals the views at Telluride. 20 Inches in past 7 days.

Winter Park: Snow Base-46 to 53 Inches, Runs Open 139, Percentage of Terrain Open 83

Comments:  A great mountain and easy drive from Denver if ever up that way. 22 Inches in past 7 days.

Steamboat: Snow Base-56 to 84 Inches, Runs Open 173, Percentage of Terrain Open 88

Comments: A great ski town if you want to take a several-day excursion, and unbelievable tree skiing, just don’t take a tree limb with you during a crash.

If anyone has info they would like to submit for our ski reports, contact us at editor@mountainjackpot.com.