Improvements at Colorado Ski Resorts: '10/'11

[ski diva]

I got the following press release from Colorado Ski Resorts and thought it had some good info about improvements at a number of places:

Arapahoe Basin
During the summer, A-Basin Ski Area began construction on Black Mountain Express, a new detachable quad chairlift that is scheduled to be up and running for the 2010-11 ski season. The new four-million-dollar lift will replace the Exhibition fixed grip triple chair located in the base area, which was installed in 1978. Black Mountain Express will have a capacity of 2,000 people per hour, a length of 2,877 feet and have a vertical rise of 719 feet. The ride time will be just under three minutes, half the time of the current lift ride from base area to mid-mountain. The top terminal of the new lift will be slightly realigned uphill and to the west away from Black Mountain Lodge. The lower terminal will remain in the same location. The Colorado-based lift manufacturer Leitner-Poma is contracted for the project. The new detachable lift will enable beginner and intermediate guests to load and unload more easily, resulting in fewer stops and starts on the ride to mid-mountain. In addition, with the new quad chairlift, Black Mountain Lodge will be more accessible for weddings and special events, such as A-Basin’s popular Full Moon Dinners at the Black Mountain Lodge.

Aspen/Snowmass
With more than $138 million invested in on-mountain improvements over the past seven seasons, Aspen/Snowmass is able to provide guests with a seamless skiing/riding experience. Improvements over that period include 11 new lifts, including two gondolas, the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, three new restaurants, additional terrain, plus the new Snowmass Base Village. Highlights of improvements for 2010-11 include:

New 12-foot Halfpipe in Snowmass: built specifically for those still learning how to ride the pipe. The new 12-foot pipe will be built by the Lowdown Park on Snowmass and will welcome guests of all levels to drop in and feel the thrill of the halfpipe just like their Olympic and X Games heroes. Aspen/Snowmass is one of the only resorts in the world to offer three halfpipes to accommodate all skill levels.

Upgraded On-Mountain Food and Beverage Offerings: More local cuisine and an enhanced dining experience.

New Technology: Aspen/Snowmass will now offer guests the ability to link their credit card to their lift ticket/ski pass; valid for use at any Aspen Skiing Company owned business from restaurants to rentals, ski school and more.

Additionally, Aspen/Snowmass is currently developing an iPad application, which will bring the resort to life from anywhere in the world. The Aspen/Snowmass mobile application – which works on 97 percent of smart phones from the iPhone to BlackBerry – is now available for download and provides live grooming, snowfall and weather information, as well as offers guests the ability to book lunch or dinner reservations from the chairlift.

Copper Mountain
Copper’s plans include $6 million in capital improvements for 2010-11 winter season. Copper will be expanding snowmaking and free parking, adding more parking and improving the arrival experience at Union Creek. This focus on infrastructure enhancements sets the stage for future on-mountain improvements.

Highlights 2010-11 capital improvements include:

Increased Snowmaking:
This year, Copper is increasing its snowmaking capacity by 25 percent. The resort anticipates better early season coverage for race camps, training, and early November skiers and riders. Also new this season, Copper purchased a 22 foot pipe cutting Zaug, which means the resort will be able to have an Olympic sized superpipe the entire season.

Expanded Free Parking:
Copper is undertaking a 40 percent increase in free parking in the expanded Corn Lot. Additional parking at the base of Union Creek will add easy access to the beginner area of Copper's naturally divided terrain. The resort is also investing in improving the arrival experience in Union Creek and The Schoolhouse.

Ski and Snowboard Camp:
Copper Mountain recently installed Woodward at Copper, the first indoor/outdoor ski and snowboard camp on the planet. The 20,000 sq ft Woodward at Copper Barn gives campers access to Snowflex® jumps, foam pits, a spring floor, trampolines and indoor skateboard features. Participants develop tricks in The Barn and progress in Copper's nationally recognized terrain parks and Superpipe. During the 2010-11 winter season, Woodward at Copper is offering Winter Camp Days, One Hit Wonder Sessions, Drop-In Sessions and Skate only sessions.

Crested Butte
The focus is on the hill this season at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR). Improvements designed to maximize the skiing and riding experience are taking place in preparation for the resort’s celebration of 50 years of skiing.

Terrain Expansion:
CBMR is adding Columbine trail from the top of Painter Boy/Gold Link to the base area. The addition includes 15.3 acres of intermediate terrain on the main mountain. Crews also are in the process of glading Horseshoe Springs – opening up the area and making the terrain more accessible to upper intermediates.

Increased Snowmaking:
Guests to CBMR also will note increased snowmaking capabilities resulting in earlier terrain openings and a better late season base. Increased snowmaking at the base area will allow for Peachtree beginners lift and the Camp CB teaching area and magic carpets to open on the first day of the season. The resort is also eager to utilize its $40,000 National Ski Areas Association grant, which will translate to 10 new high efficiency tower snow guns.

Park Profile Update:
Park riders rejoice – there are new features on the Cascade trail planned for 2010-2011. A new park and pipe will allow for a full on-mountain adventure experience with its proximity to the kids’ park on Painter Boy and the Prinoth Snowcat Experience, also located in this area.

A new NASTAR race arena located on the Canaan trail just above the Paradise Warming House will be another notable change on the mountain for the coming season.

Base Area Activity:
Finally, CBMR has added a new base area activity to the existing Adventure Park. The Flying Gopher 18 hole mini golf course is located under a weatherproof dome, which will convert to an ice skating rink during the winter season.

The resort recently unveiled Mountaineer Square, the new base area village at Mt. Crested Butte, featuring the Lodge at Mountaineer Square, new dining options, the Adventure Center, and distinctive shops. In addition, the new Elevation Hotel & Spa opened, providing a new luxury option at the base of the mountain. Also committed to on-mountain improvements, Crested Butte opened the Teo 2 and Teo 2.5 ski area expansions in Teocalli Bowl.

Echo Mountain
New Terrain:
Echo Mountain Ski and Snowboard Area recently announced planned expansion resulting in the addition of a top-to-bottom beginner run and increased access to glade skiing for 2010-11. The new terrain brings the total number of named trails to 16 and marks the entry into Phase II of Echo’s ten-year master plan.

The beginner-friendly, “easiest way down” will branch off the existing Creightons to just below LC1. The trail will extend through Hideout, and new terrain will be cleared to the west of Echo’s current area boundary. In addition to the new beginner trail, the expansion will also increase access to gladed terrain in Lower Westside Glades.

The project includes minimal tree clearing, and the lumber will be reclaimed for erosion control, trail marking and feature construction. The expansion will not impact Echo’s summer business as a private rental facility for weddings, receptions and special events.

Of the 240 acres of private property on which Echo is situated, approximately 35 percent of the land is currently developed for skiing and riding. This expansion is the next step as the ski area continues to grow.

Eldora
Eldora is investing in the skier experience this season with a focus on introducing new skiers and snowboarders to the sport by improving learning facilities. In addition, Eldora continues to emphasize and enhance the day-in, day-out quality of it’s snow surface.

New Lift: For the 2010-11 season, the resort is installing a new conveyor lift, otherwise known as ‘magic carpet’, to help get first-time skiers up the mountain before they are ready to try a traditional chairlift. The new lift will replace the existing lifts Tenderfoot 1 and Tenderfoot 11. The new magic carpet will simply be called “Tenderfoot.”

Improved Snow Maintenance: Eldora recently added two new Snow Cats to their fleet of groomers to improve the quality of the snow surfaces. One of the Snow Cats is a Winch Cat by Piston Bully.

Gladed Skiing: Eldora is making a substantial effort to improve glade skiing and snowboarding through thinning and tree removal on expert terrain.

Loveland
New Technology: Loveland has made a significant improvement to it’s commitment to the overall guest experience by replacing their ticketing and point-of-sale system throughout the ski area. For the 2010-11 season, the resort is updating to a fully-integrated system that will facilitate a seamless guest transition throughout all departments.

Enhanced Snowmaking: Additionally, Loveland is working to upgrade and expand its snowmaking systems in its dedication to providing a quality early-season riding experience.

 

[ski diva]

Part 2:

Monarch Mountain
Enhancing the family experience tops the list at Monarch Mountain. The ski area is investing $1.2 million in area improvements for the 2010-11 season.

Lift Improvements: A new base terminal for the Garfield Chair Lift leads the list of this season’s improvements. A new and improved loading station, drive units and hydraulics will create an entirely new base terminal at Monarch Mountain’s most popular chair. The new base terminal will allow Garfield to run more efficiently with fewer stops for skiers and riders getting on and off the lift. The Pioneer quad chair lift will see a new unloading ramp at the top, helping ease the unloading process. Both Garfield and Pioneer lift mazes will see new lane dividers to facilitate the flow of maze traffic.

Food, Beverage and Base Lodge Upgrades:
The “highest Starbuck’s in the free world” will get even higher. Starbuck’s will be relocated to the top floor of the main lodge so customers can easily enjoy a snack or beverage with family and friends. A new deli will inhabit Starbuck’s former location at the mid-level corridor. The deli will be ideal for guests looking to get a quick sandwich, salad, snack and a drink and get back out on the slopes.

Last years installment of the “Hydration Station” on the top level of the main building was such a success, two additional ones will be installed for this winter. The Picnic Room on the lower level of the main lodge and the Rental/Lesson center building will now have Hydration Stations.

Rental/Lesson Center Equipment Additions: Rental and Lesson Center guests will appreciate the addition of 600 sets of new Head rental skis, boots and bindings. These will be complemented by new snowboards and demo skis. New boot dryers will be added to the rental shop and the reservation counter will be remodeled to speed up the delivery of reserved equipment.

Just for Kids: Kids are “kings” at Monarch Mountain, so several improvements and upgrades are aimed at the younger generation. A new Yurt for the junior mountain program will be used for registration and as a warming hut for the older offspring. The Children’s Center will be remodeled to better serve the younger tikes.

Beginners will find a new gentler access point paralleling Romp which will make it easier to ski or ride to the terrain on the west side of the mountain. Tilt, the popular kids’ terrain park, will acquire several new “features”, keeping it fresh and fun. The “Organic” K2 Terrain Park will also have several new “all natural” features and a new log entrance (all features and the entrance are made from downed trees at the area). The addition of a new Prinoth Bison Snowcat will let allow the cat drivers to groom more terrain and lay down Colorado’s only “all natural” corduroy for skiers and riders to enjoy.

Powderhorn
Terrain Park Redesign:
Powderhorn is investing in creativity as Joe Pope, terrain park manager, is focused on building features for a new natural terrain park to open this season. An expert in natural feature construction, Pope is the mastermind behind the unique terrain park at Sleeping Giant Ski Resort in Wyoming. At Powderhorn this winter, guests will find beginner to advanced natural features located in three terrain parks on the mountain. The new features will be built from Aspen deadfall and other wood. A pre-season rail jam and kickoff party will be held in November, giving park riders their first taste of the new features.

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
New Terrain: Following up on last season’s Legends terrain expansion, which added 30 percent more expert terrain, Durango Mountain Resort is adding even more new terrain for 2010-11, this time on the front side of the mountain. The new, gladed section of the mountain will be known as “The Ambassadors Glade,” named after resort owners Chuck and Sue Cobb, who served as U.S. ambassadors to Iceland and Jamaica, respectively.

Terrain Park Advancements: Also new this winter, Durango Mountain Resort is ramping up its terrain park offerings by constructing the park features out of dirt. By building hits and carving pipes from earth instead of snow, less snow will be needed to open the parks, which then can be opened earlier in the season and maintained consistently throughout the season.

New Learning Center and Rental Fleet:
For the kids, Durango Mountain Resort is now a Burton Learn-to-Ride Kids Center, with new instructional programs and an upgraded rental fleet of 215 new kids’ snowboards in sizes ranging from 80 cm to 140 cm. New adult alpine skis have also been added to the rental fleet, and the Expert Edge retail store will have the latest skis and boots from manufacturers including Blizzard, Dynastar, Nordica, Rossignol, K2, and Volkl, available for demo and purchase.

Snowmaking Improvements: Durango Mountain Resort also is expanding its snowmaking capabilities on Pandemonium, an extremely popular signature run. Improved snowmaking will ensure a quality skiing experience from early to late season, regardless of cooperation from Mother Nature.

This terrain enhancement comes after years of steady growth at the resort. In the last five years, Durango added a new $50 million base area anchored by Purgatory Lodge and improved its snowmaking capabilities, effectively doubling the resort’s ability to make snow on the mountain.

The resort is making steady progress in implementing its master plan, which includes replacing several chair lifts, adding new lifts, and building a new ski and ride school on the mountain.

Silverton Mountain
Lift Expansion: The ski area is increasing its lift capacity by 50 percent for the 2010-11 ski season, adding an additional 30 chairs to the line on its one lift, bringing the total number of chairs on the line from 59 to 89.

 

[ski diva]

Part 3:

Steamboat
Over the past five years, Steamboat has poured nearly $30 million into on-mountain improvements. The momentum continues as Steamboat prepares for the 2010-11 season.

New Dining Facility
For the 2010-11 season, the beach comes to Steamboat. Visitors can catch some rays at the new Burgess Creek Terrace and Umbrella Bar on the Bear River Bar & Grill Deck located slopeside in the base area adjacent to the Gondola entrance.

The outdoor patio is fully heated, with a centrally located fire pit to gather around and stay toasty. The newly designed deck features terraced steps for guests to lounge on in addition to appointed tables. The steps will also be the best place to watch Steamboat’s Rock the Boat free concerts in the spring.

Snowmaking Improvements: Snowmaking pump changes will result in a 27 percent increase in water flow as three 52-horsepower pumps are upgraded to two, 200-horsepower ones, moving the gallons per minute from 3300 to 4200. Couple the increased flow with the purchase of 40 high-efficiency, low-energy tower guns, and early season snow production will augment the number of trails available at the beginning of the season. The HKD tower guns, which use 30 percent less energy than conventional guns while producing the same amount of snow, are now strategically located across the mountain on Heavenly Daze, Rudi’s Run, Lightning, Upper Vagabond, Ego, Sitz as well as Stampede, Lil’ Rodeo, Preview, Right-O-Way, See Ya, See Me, Voo Doo, Vogue, Lower Vagabond, Tornado Lane and Buddy’s Run.

New pumping capacity will greatly speed up snowmaking production in Mavericks Superpipe. The resort’s system covers nearly 360 acres of top-to-bottom terrain (3,668 vertical feet) and includes a network of more than 600 available hydrants, four pump houses across the mountain, 150 high-efficiency guns and a state-of-the-art digital operating system.

Pine Beetle Mitigation: A dramatic change has taken place across the lower mountain as a result of extensive pine beetle mitigation. For the better part of a decade, the resort has been dealing with this epidemic moving from individual tree treatment to mass removal of dead trees. The ski area enjoys a diverse forest in that Steamboat is fortunate that the forest cover on the mountain is comprised primarily of Engelmann Spruce, Subalpine Fir, Lodgepole and Aspen as well as a few Douglas fir. Fifty acres of trees have been removed below Rough Rider Basin and another 30 acres on the Thunderhead Express and Burgess Creek lift lines are currently being removed.

New Rails/Features in Terrain Parks: Ranging from small to large, 30 new and refurbished rails/features will pop up this season across the resort’s four progressive terrain parks. Designed with input from pro riders, a variety of small, 8 foot to 12 foot, low-to-the-ground and shaped boxes will provide the opportunity for learning the basics in transitions and kinked sensations. In the medium park, a new 16 foot picnic table and several 24 foot shaped boxes will be unveiled for a variety of down/up and double kinked riding opportunities. A new wall ride, several additional large features, as well as a new entrance in the advance park complete the full spectrum of progression from beginner to advanced.

Kids Vacation Center Magic Carpet Relocation and Corridor:
Last winter, the newly renovated Kids’ Vacation Center opened to rave reviews. The relocation and realignment of the Buckaroo magic carpet lift ensures a better learning environment in the new One Steamboat Place snow area. A magic carpet is a state-of-the-art conveyor lift that has revolutionized kids’ programs by quadrupling the number of runs kids take per hour.

Telluride
New Family Program:
The Telluride Ski Resort announced the inception of Telluride Eco Adventures last season, to enhance the guest service experience. Offering tours and activities for the entire family, Eco Adventures features a winter and summer Nature Center especially for kids. Aimed at connecting guests to all the region has to offer both in winter and in summer, Eco Adventures aims to meet the diverse needs of a family on vacation. Activities offered include: snowmobiling through the forest to hot springs; beginner to expert ice climbing excursions; fly fishing on serene mountain streams; river rafting; gliding through bluebird skies; and heli skiing with the first helicopter ski operation in Colorado.

The Telluride Ski Resort announced the development and implementation of a guided backcountry skiing program late last season. Incredible terrain in both nearby Bear Creek and Alta Lakes are now accessible for guided backcountry skiing with Telluride Backcountry guides. Guests participating in the guided backcountry program can set up an itinerary and book a trip through Telluride Eco Adventures. Participants must be expert skiers and boarders. All backcountry equipment, including shovel, beacon and probe, is available at Eco Adventures.

Easier Access to Hike-To Terrain: Reflecting a European skiing experience, the Telluride Ski Resort airlifted a new bridge and staircase to the left shoulder of Telluride’s spectacular Palmyra Peak in the spring of 2010. Heliqwest, a helicopter company based out of Canada, airlifted two steel staircases and bridge over the ski resort to its final resting place – the span between Gold Hill Chutes 8 and 9. The two sets of stairs measure 48 and 54 feet, and weigh 3304 and 3324 pounds, respectively. The bridge measures 24 feet in length and weighs 2750 pounds. All three components measure 30 inches wide, feature hand railings on both sides and a serrated grated steel walking surface. Together, the stairway and bridge combine make up 126 linear feet ascending Telluride’s magnificent Gold Hill.

Winter Park
While still developing the recently completed Village at Winter Park, the 2010-11 season will reveal investments in infrastructure and raising the level of guest service throughout Winter Park Resort. Enhancements include the purchase of two new snowcats, additions to the ski, snowboard, and bike rental fleet, trail maintenance, new mountain web cameras, and upgrades in IT and on-mountain infrastructure.

Improved Parking: A significant project for 2010-11 includes paving 822 marked spaces at The Vintage Hotel parking lot to improve guest experience as they walk from free parking to the Village Cabriolet. Attention will also be given to updating the resort’s radio system with technologically advanced radios, in turn improving internal communication and with emergency management personnel.

Dining Facility Improvements: The Lodge at Sunspot will be receiving a facelift both inside and out. Stonework, entry doors, environmentally friendly deck and exterior stain, and new carpet and furniture will be completed in preparation for The Lodge at Sunspot’s 20th anniversary in 2012.

Pine Beetle Mitigation: Pine Beetle mitigation is another major on-mountain investment. Along with capital, Winter Park and local water provider stakeholders were awarded a grant from the Colorado Community Forest Restoration Pilot Grant Program to improve forest health. The objective is to decrease fire hazard, encourage new tree growth for a healthy, stable watershed, and reduce safety hazards to skiers and mountain bikers. Environmentally, Winter Park is increasing efforts in recycling programs for guests and employees, composting, and reduction of water waste.

Wolf Creek
Lodge Renovation: The Wolf Creek Lodge, Wolf Creek’s main day lodge, is serving it up this season with a new kitchen and new carpeting. Homemade menu items will be prepared each day in a remodeled kitchen featuring new flooring, siding, counter tops and appliances as well as new carpeting throughout. The restrooms on the lower level have been improved replacing older water saving facilities with newer ones as well as new partitions. Additionally, the water-free, composting restrooms on the top of Treasure are scheduled for completion this season.

New Web Site: A new look will also greet skiers on the Wolf Creek Web site launching in early September. The site continues to be user friendly and visually exciting. Popular features of the old site are available including the live webcam, daily snow report and calendar of special events, but the new site will enable season pass holders to purchase their season passes online as well as by phone and at the mountain. This will be the first time season passes are sold on-line.

In continuing with the Wolf Creek tradition, every attempt is made to keep skiing affordable to the general public. Lift tickets and season pass prices will remain the same as last season. Fifteen Local Appreciation Days, specially priced days open to all guests ($31 adult all-lift ticket, $18 for seniors and children) — are scheduled throughout the busy season.

 

[Nadine_A]

Wow...there are so many resorts!