SKI & SNOW: 2009/2010 SKI SEASON DEBUT
Fresh snow is beginning to blanket peaks and slopes as skiers and snowboarders delight in Colorado’s fresh powder. Two perennial Colorado favorites have already opened for the season, Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin Ski and Snowboard Area. And in a few short weeks, thousands of acres of skiable terrain will also open, as dozens of high-speed lifts ferry snow enthusiasts to the pinnacle of picturesque runs. With on-mountain fun, as well as off-mountain events, including fairs, festivals and big-name concerts, the Colorado ski and snowboard season perpetually provides the perfect winter experience. Discover each of Colorado’s 26 ski and riding areas by visiting Colorado.com.
And this year, the excitement grows for Colorado’s winter season with a free vacation for a lucky few. If you’ve never seen or experienced snow, then Snow at First Sight is something you want to enter. This once-in-a-lifetime contest allows entrants the chance to submit videos, explaining why they deserve to finally experience vacation-defining snow. The winning entrant will be whisked away to Colorado for an ultimate vacation. Visit Snowatfirstsight.com for more information on how to enter and win.
A Quick Look at Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin Ski and Snowboard Area
Loveland Ski Area
Skiloveland.com
Opening Day: 10/07/2009
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm; Sat.-Sun. and holidays 8:30am-4pm
Terrain Difficulty: 13% beginner, 41% intermediate, 46% advanced
Map It: I-70, exit 216, Georgetown, CO 80444
Phone: 800-736-3SKI
Arapahoe Basin Ski and Snowboard Area Arapahoebasin.com
Opening Day: 10/09/2009
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-4pm; Sat-Sun., 8am-4pm
Terrain Difficulty: 9% beginner, 38% intermediate, 53% advanced/expert
Map It: 28194 US Hwy. 6, Arapahoe Basin, CO 80435
Phone: 888-ARAPAHOE
Ski Swaps and Deals on Last-Season Items
Buying items from last season is a great way to save a little green before you hit the white stuff. Check out Colorado’s many outdoor stores for deals and ski swaps to equip yourself for winter. Remember, last-season deals only take place at the very beginning of a ski season, so late fall or early winter is the best time to buy. Visit Colorado.com for a list of outfitters.
More Than Just Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are the perennial favorites, but white-capped mountains and snow-covered hills offer more than just these popular staples. Telemarkers, sledders, tubers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers and even ice climbers eagerly await a good dose of flakes. If you want to learn a new snow-bound skill, sign up for lessons at any one of Colorado’s resorts or tour companies. Visit Colorado.com to get started.
General Facts
- Colorado has the highest skiable peaks in the United States.
- Colorado has the most skiable terrain in North America (more than 40,000 acres, nearly twice as much as Utah’s).
- Colorado has on average 300 days of sunshine.
- Total number of Colorado ski areas: 26
- Skiing in Colorado can run for up to nine months (October through June).
Warren Miller's Newest Movie: Dynasty
Warren Miller premieres are an experience, a party and a phenomenon not to be missed. “Dynasty,” the latest film by the crew at Warren Miller Entertainment, highlights Colorado’s most gripping explorations and ultimate challenges. All of the action in this 60th anniversary edition is set to an unmatched, innovative soundtrack, including music from Incubus, Silversun Pickups and Band of Horses.
This year’s film follows Colorado natives Max Mancini and Matt Luczkow as they hit the road on an ambitious snow-chasing trip across the state. Their journey reveals new challenges, exposes new terrain and teaches new lessons about what Colorado’s natural landscape has to offer. From camping in the southern Colorado desert to checking out the state’s cool mountain-town lifestyle through special spring events and music festivals, and from getting freestyle skiing and girlfriend guidance from skiing icon Klaus Obermeyer to kayaking down the Colorado River’s most audacious rapids, these determined athletes cover many of Colorado’s most impressive settings. This is an exciting showcase of Colorado’s deepest stashes, most thrilling terrain parks and infamous spring skiing stunts, all set against a backdrop of the state’s signature bluebird skies. Check out Warrenmiller.com for information on where to catch a show, as well as inspiring videos, photos and more.
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