Australians Also Appreciate Aspen
The Australian | December 2023
Loveland Hosts L’il Learners
GEORGETOWN, CO – Thirty-seven fifth graders from Laredo Elementary in Aurora, Colorado, hit the slopes at Loveland Ski Area on Tuesday, December 5, thanks to a partnership between the ski area and the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project.
Founded and led by Chris Anthony, a Colorado native and Snow Sports Hall of Fame inductee, the Project’s mission is to enhance quality of life by introducing youth to educational enrichment opportunities. In addition to placing mentors in classrooms, connecting students to experiential opportunities beyond the classroom, offering financial support, and creating educational tools that enhance the overall classroom experience, the 501(c)(3) foundation brings students like the lucky fifth graders of Laredo Elementary to the mountains.
Since they teamed up in 2018, Loveland Ski Area and the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project have made it possible for nearly 700 elementary students to experience skiing on the snow, many of them for the first time. The Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project has multiple trips planned at Loveland Ski Area each month of the 2023–24 season.
For more information about the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project, visit www.chrisanthony.com.
Learning to Ski Means Learning the Code
Monarch Will Open December 6
SALIDA, CO – After reporting nearly two feet of snow over the December 2–3 weekend, Monarch Mountain will open for 2023–24 season on Wednesday, December 6.
As one of the few remaining ski areas in Colorado that does not make any snow, Monarch relies completely on natural precipitation to open its 800 acres of terrain. With a base elevation of 10,790 ft, they see an abundance of all-natural snow throughout the ski season. The resort will announce the amount of terrain and number of lifts they plan to open this week.
Notable developments made at the ski area over the summer include restrooms in the Paradise Parking lot, gladed terrain in the Mirkwood zone, improvements to the base area, and the acquisition and remodel of the Monarch at the Crest property. The visitor center and sports shop, located two miles west of the ski area, will be open on the weekends and peak times, with continuous shuttles running throughout the season.
Opening day lift operating hours will be from 9:00 am–4:00 pm. The Rental Shop, Sidewinder Saloon, Java Stop, Ski and Ride School, and Elation Sports will all be open.
Kaleidoscope Tubing Park remain closed.
For more information, visit skimonarch.com.
Loveland Gets a Lovely Layer
There’s No Business Like Snow Business
GEORGETOWN, CO – Snow came down hard at the end of a snow-stacked weekend in Colorado Ski Country USA, with Loveland Ski Area reporting four inches in twenty-four hours. Reports from the top of the hill suggest it’s getting deep up there.
POV: You Have The Greatest Job In The World
A-Basin Opens Upper Ramrod
DILLON, CO – Arapahoe Basin received over five inches of fresh snowfall on Sunday, December 3, allowing their team to drop the rope and open upper Ramrod for the season.
Snow was still coming down and expected to continue into Monday early morning, as of this report.
POW! Purgatory Picks Up 11 Inches
DURANGO, CO – Nearly a foot of snow fell at Purgatory, with a total of 11 inches in three days, including two inches on Sunday night.
Thirty-seven trails are now open, including access to the backside of the mountain, and Lift 3 is open, making a total of seven lifts in operation.
For He’s a Jolly Good Skier
‘Tis the ski-son, savvy skiers!
This month, catch a run with the Big Man—or the Mrs., who is, this author happens to know, the better skier—and then catch fireworks or free cookies or a cuppa hot chocolate, and let the spirit of the season lift you like a snowflake on the breeze.
Click below to find out where the winter holiday happs are happening around Colorado Ski Country USA.
Cooper
Eldora
Hesperus Ski Area
Howelsen Hill
Sunlight
Photo courtesy of Nathan Bilow
Rent the Gear. Own the Powder.
Visit Christy Sports for a Peak Experience, then head for the chills
Christy Sports believes that with great snow comes great responsibility. And you may be asking yourself, With a big El Niño winter coming, should I be taking advantage of every. single. storm. this season?
We. think. you. should. And Christy’s is here to help. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice eager to take on the mountain, Christy Sports will provide you with everything you need for an unforgettable ski trip this season.
Book in advance online this December and get 20% off all daily rentals. You can skip the lines, grab your gear at any of Christy Sports 30+ locations in Colorado (some at the base of your favorite mountain, so you can’t miss ’em!), and hit the slopes promptly on your next winter vacation. Spend less time waiting and more time carving. It’s snow wonder Christy’s is a Colorado favorite.
Visit Christy Sports to see all that they have on offer for snow lovers like you!
Telluride Will Open December 2
TELLURIDE, CO – Telluride will open on Saturday, December 2, with Lift 4, the Chondola, and wall-to-wall coverage on the following runs:
- Village Bypass to Lower Boomerang;
- Access in and out of Gorrono, Upper Misty Maiden, The Meadows, and both magic carpets;
- Ski-out access from the Village parking garage via Double Cabins.
A bonus run off Lift 4 is possible. Stay tuned for more terrain updates this week.
Gorrono Ranch, the ski school, and Cubs Camp will also open on December 2.
Visit telluride.com for more up-to-the-minute information.
Photo courtesy of Telluride
Powderhorn Prepares to Open
MESA, CO – Powderhorn Mountain Resort is set to kick off the 2023–24 winter season on Friday, November 24, marking one of the earliest openings in the resort’s history. Powderhorn guests will enjoy skiing and riding on Bill’s Run and Peacemaker, serviced by the Flat Top Flyer high-speed quad chairlift, with the Lower Dude beginner area accessible via the Discovery conveyor lift. Lifts will be in operation seven days a week from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and the resort plans to expand available terrain as soon as conditions permit.
Boasting a gravity-fed snowmaking system recognized as one of North America’s most energy-efficient, Powderhorn has operated the system at full capacity since late October whenever conditions permitted. Supplementing strong snowmaking production, Powderhorn has received 33 inches of natural snowfall to date, setting up the resort for additional terrain openings soon.
To celebrate Opening Weekend, Powderhorn is offering a special deal: complimentary ski or snowboard rental equipment packages with the purchase of a day ticket, valid Friday through Sunday only. Early season lift ticket rates will be as follows: adults and teens: $79 and juniors: $39. Powderhorn also offers $29 season passes for children 5 and under and seniors 75 and older. Guests can purchase Mission Affordable 4-Packs—four fully transferable day tickets—for only $279 until November 27; prices go up to $319 from November 28 until December 18.
The resort’s facilities, including the newly renovated Sunset Grill, Rental & Repair Shop, and the Outdoor Elements retail store within the Base Lodge, will be open to the public. Additionally, guests can book accommodations at the 300 Lakes Village Tiny Homes.
For real-time updates on conditions, lift operations, and trail openings, visit the Powderhorn Snow Report or download the Powderhorn mobile app. Please note that all operations are subject to weather conditions.