The good round of weather continues this ski season in the western United States. Starting early this week resorts in Colorado, California and Utah experienced additional snowfall just in time for the holiday travel season. Here's a roundup of the latest new opening dates and early-season deals.
A Snowy Start to December from Northstar California Videos on Vimeo.
Northstar California Resort
Northstar California Resort received six inches of fresh snow Monday, and more is expected to fall. Check out the video above on how the terrain at the resort is shaping up.
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Visit www.northstarcalifornia.com
Enthusiastic skiers line up this morning to get first tracks! Photo: Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Crested Butte
Crested Butte has enjoyed 12 inches of snow as of Wednesday morning. The Silver Queen Express lift opens this Friday and the East River Express Lift on Saturday. Additionally, this Saturday Crested Butte Mountain Resort is opening the Silver Queen lift 15 minutes early for Peak Pass, Peak Pass+, and Choice Pass holders (at 8:45 am) so they can get first tracks.
Crested Butte is also offering a ski and stay deal through December 17 for $79 per person with the Early Season Package. The offer is based on double occupancy for one night of lodging and one day of skiing per person.
Visit www.skicb.com/earlyseason
Vail Mountain
Vail Mountain likewise saw five inches of snow as of Wednesday morning. Currently skiers and snowboarders have access to more than 800 acres of terrain across the front side of Vail Mountain. With the addition of new snow, the resort anticipates opening up more terrain soon, including Golden Peak and the Riva Bahn Express Lift (#6), Game Creek Bowl and the Game Creek Express Lift (#7), and the Sourdough Express Lift (#14).
Visit www.vail.com
Colorado Ski Country
Other ski resorts across Colorado are also reporting accumulations of up to 16 inches.
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Wolf Creek has received 19 inches of new snow, Monarch and Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort measured 18 inches with snow still falling and Ski Cooper reported 15 inches.
Elsewhere in the state, 15.5 inches of new powder fell at Loveland, Arapahoe Basin reported 14 inches of new snow, Aspen/Snowmass received more than a foot of new snow, with more expected through tomorrow, Sunlight recorded 12 inches of new snow, Steamboat received 9.5 inches with more on the way, Winter Park and Eldora each received 9 inches, Howelsen recorded 8.5 inches, Powderhorn received 8 inches, and Copper reported 7 inches.
Recent weather patterns have accelerated the scheduled openings of several CSCUSA member resorts. Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort will open for the season on Friday, December 6, Powderhorn will open Saturday, December 7, and Ski Cooper will open this weekend and will open for the season on Saturday, December 14.
Visit www.coloradoski.com
Photo by Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort near Park City, Utah, also got new snow on Wednesday, allowing the resort to open this Saturday, December 7. The resort's The Mariposa Restaurant opens Friday, December 6, offering a small plate menu. The restaurant will have a special through the first two weeks of the ski season. Diners who purchase two or more small plates will receive an additional one free from December 6 to 20, 2013. Each item is a tasting size portion.
Here's a list of the chairlifts scheduled to open:
Burns
Snowflake
Carpenter Express
Silver Lake Express
Jordanelle Express Gondola
Mountaineer Express
Homestake
Sterling Express
Wasatch Express
Judge
Viking
Quincy Express
2013/2014 early season single day lift ticket rates:
Full-Day Half-Day
Adult $85 $71
Senior $61 $51
Child $54 $44
Tot $17 $15
Additionally, here are the opening dates for the resort restaurants:
Restaurant opening dates:
Deer Valley Grocery~Café
Open year- round, 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Mariposa
Friday, December 6
Open Tuesday through Sunday, dinner only, 5:45 – 9 p.m.
Silver Lake Restaurant
Saturday, December 7
Open daily for breakfast and lunch
Snow Park Restaurant
Saturday, December 7
Open daily for breakfast and lunch
Empire Canyon Grill
TBD
Seafood Buffet
Friday, December 13
Open Thursday through Sunday, dinner only,
6:15 – 9 p.m.
Royal Street Café
Friday, December 13 for lunch
Friday, December 20 for dinner
Open daily for lunch, après-ski and dinner
11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fireside Dining
Saturday, December 14
Wednesday through Saturday, dinner only, 5:45 – 9 p.m.
EBS Lounge
Saturday, December 7, for wine, beer, cocktails and appetizers.
Live music on the weekends
Monday through Friday, 2:30 – 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, noon – 6 p.m.
Snowshoe Tommy’s
Saturday, December 7, for Turkey Chili, sweets, espresso drinks, and hot and cold beverages.
Open daily, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Visit www.deervalley.com