Rick Langenberg
Alright boys and girls and fans of the mighty Colorado snow powder, ski fever has exploded with area mountain hubs of joy getting hammered in the last week, courtesy of what some media outlets are describing as the “Perfect Storm.”
Travel to and from some of our acclaimed resorts was heavily restricted recently, with several key passes being shut due to avalanche warnings and such. TMJ itself was quite impacted with our regular distribution route from our press partially closed from these storms. Thought we may have to rent a mountain lama for transportation help.
But the end product now has netted a real bonanza for winter conditions on the slopes, rivaling even the best of 2023.
Now, could offer a prime time to visit area mountains, with ski thoroughfares getting fully reopened and driving possibilities returning to normal, well at least for Colorado. Yes, get those ski legs loosened up, as the 2024 season is definitely sizzling. Virtually all the mountains near Teller got hit with recent 20 and 30 inch or more snow bombardments within a five or seven-day stretch.
The big gold winners, based on our recent reports, are Copper Mountain and Crested Butte. The latter of the two actually was awarded with a 43-inch bombardment over a seven-day period. But Vail, Monarch and other fairly accessible ski hills hit the jackpot as well. In the last few weeks, Monarch has probably reaped the benefits of nearly 70 inches of the white stuff, even if it meant extended closures of the Monarch Pass at times.
And as far as a total base, Steamboat, located in the northern part of the state, just outside Steamboat Springs (the last of the great ski towns) just can’t escape a regular powder invasion with a 200-plus inch snow invasion since she opened. And again, Wolf Creek in Mineral County, if you can find it, continues its streak as the top dog for ski conditions.
And then there is Vail, which is now sporting more than 250 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.
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, 91 percent of the lifts are reported open, along with 83 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 included recent snow bombardments, based on the time of this reporting.
Monarch: Snow Base-54 Inches, Runs Open 65, Percentage of Terrain Open 97
Comments: The locals’ favorite place for snow; shorter runs than most places, but very convenient. Another stellar week with 31 inches in a 7-day stretch.
Arapahoe Basin: Snow Base-50 Inches, Runs Open 84, Percentage of Terrain Open 58
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 38 inches in a 7-day stretch
Loveland: Snow Base-42 Inches, Runs Open 56, Percentage of Terrain Open 60
Comments: Another great local gem, pounded with considerable snow and like A-Basin, stays open well longer than other mountains. 35 Inches in past 7 days.
Breckenridge: Snow Base-48 Inches, Runs Open 148, Percentage of Terrain Open 79
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. 24 Inches in past 7 days.
Keystone: Snow Base-47 Inches, Runs Open 122 Percentage of Terrain Open 85
Comments: Ideal mountain for families and kids. Underestimated for the great amount of tree runs. 37 Inches in past 7 days.
Copper Mountain: Snow Base-56 Inches, Runs Open 151, Percentage of Terrain Open 104
Comments: Probably the best laid-out mountain; great back bowls, although access is sometimes tricky. 40 Inches in past 7 days.
Ski Cooper: Snow Base-31 to 37 Inches, Runs Open 64, Percentage of Terrain Open 100
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. 30 Inches in past 7 days.
Vail: Snow Base-60 Inches, Runs Open 253, Percentage of Terrain Open 92
Comments: Colorado’s biggest and most well-known mountain resort. Great, but try during the week due to the crowds. 35 Inches in past 7 days.
Aspen (Aspen and Snowmass): Snow Base-37 Inches, Runs/Trails Open 104, Percentage of Terrain Open 100
27 Aspen Highlands: Snow Base-41to 47 Inches, Runs Open 110, Percentage of Terrain Open 90
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-64 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. 43 Inches in 7-day stretch.
Telluride: Snow Base-38 Inches, Runs Open 126, Percentage of Terrain Open 86
Comments: Their blacks are definite blacks, so Plunge down the Plunge run with care. No mountain in Colorado rivals the views at Telluride. 21 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-55 to 81 Inches, Runs Open 177, Percentage of Terrain Open 93
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 information they would like to submit for our ski reports, contact us at editor@mountainjackpot.com.
