In Colorado, Arapahoe Basin's Montezuma Bowl expansion, scheduled to open for the holidays in late December, will increase the ski/snowboard area's terrain by 80 percent. The new terrain of the 400-acre Montezuma Bowl, on the backside of Arapahoe Basin, will include blue, black and double black slopes for a total of 36 additional runs with cornices, chutes, glades and wide-open bowls. Several runs will be groomed nightly, providing the intermediate guest with additional cruising terrain. Hike-back terrain past the lower lift terminal also will be available for the adventurous skier or rider who has more interest in experiencing a remote, back country feel.
Construction of the $3 million project is approaching completion and is said to adhere to environmental standards to maintain the terrain. Installation of the new fixed-grip quad Zuma Lift is progressing on schedule with all concrete and foundation work completed. The lift is expected to be completed by October 2007. The Zuma Lift will be 4,100 feet in length and will rise 1,100 vertical feet. The ride time will be nine minutes and the lift will have a capacity of 1,800 skiers per hour. Wind-generated energy will be used to operate the new chairlift, ensuring a carbon neutral operation of the lift. Visit [www.arapahoebasin.com].