Vail Mountain has announced the opening of portions of its Sun Up and Sun Down back bowls, as well as the High Noon Express Lift (#5). With the addition of this terrain, skiers and snowboarders now have access to more than 2,000 skiable acres of terrain accessible by 19 lifts.
“The start of the 2013-2014 ski and snowboard season in Vail has been fantastic,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “To be adding the Back Bowls to the mix and rolling back operating hours in time for the Christmas holiday is a huge benefit for our guests and something that continues to set Vail apart from the industry. We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to open even more terrain soon.”
The new terrain opening comes on the strength of a recent spate of good weather for western U.S. ski resorts. Ski areas in California, Utah and Colorado have seen significant snowfall in the early season.
RELATED: Snow Report: Good Snow Continues in Western U.S. Ski Resorts (VIDEO)
Vail Mountain is also planning to open portions of China Bowl by Saturday, December 14, at which time lift operating hours will be extended by one half hour in the morning. The majority of lifts will open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m. Lift operating hours are posted at the base of all open lifts.
Saturday will also see the arrival of the first nonstop international flight into Vail's Eagle County Airport (EGE). Air Canada flight 1051 from Toronto Airport (YYZ) will arrive 11:45 a.m.
RELATED: Vail to Get First Nonstop International Flight December 14
All guests are reminded that they must observe all posted signs and closures, especially during the early season. Closed trails may contain hazards due to early snow coverage. Crossing an on-mountain closure is a violation of the Colorado Ski Safety Act and will result in the loss of skiing privileges and could involve prosecution and a fine.
Vail Ski & Snowboard School – Ski Girls Rock!
With the Winter Olympics less than two months away, Vail Mountain is rolling out Ski Girls Rock, a premium lesson product exclusively for girls ages 7 to teen. Ski Girls Rock was inspired and designed by Olympic gold medalist and world alpine ski champion Lindsey Vonn and is offered daily December 22, 2013, through January 4, 2014, and other select dates throughout the season. Ski Girls Rock lessons consist of no more than four students per group and are led by dedicated female instructors who focus on improving skiing skills, empowering girls through the sport and creating opportunities to build confidence and develop teamwork and social skills.
Visit www.skigirlsrock.com
Max 3 lessons offer customized learning, small-group coaching and improvement for intermediates to advanced levels. Full- or half-day tune-ups are available at Mid-Vail with a maximum of three adults per lesson.
Visit www.vail.com or call (970) SKI-VAIL
On Mountain Dining
Skiers and snowboarders currently have access to daytime dining at The 10th, Vail’s newest on-mountain table-service restaurant, as well as casual dining at Two Elk, Buffalo’s, Wildwood Smokehouse, Eagle’s Nest, Express Lift and the Golden Peak Grill. Bistro Fourteen will begin lunch service for the winter season on Friday, December 13.
Visit www.vail.com