Starting Saturday, March 7, Steamboat Ski Resort will move to extended spring closing hours, which will continue through closing day, April 12. Please see the below chart for specific lifts and closing times. Night skiing hours will remain the same from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Changes are highlighted in green in the chart below.
LIFT
OPEN
CLOSE
In- Season
Spring CLOSE starting
March 7, 2020
BAR UE
9:30
3:00
3:00
BASHOR
9:00
4:00
4:00
BURGESS CREEK
8:45
3:30
3:30
CHRISTIE PEAK EXPRESS
8:30
4:00
4:00
ELKHEAD
9:00
3:45
4:00
FOUR POINTS
8:45
3:15
3:30
GONDOLA
8:30
4:00
4:00
MORNINGSIDE
9:00
3:00
3:30
PONY EXPRESS
9:00
3:15
3:30
PREVIEW
8:30
4:00
4:00
ROUGH RIDER
(Closed from 12:00 – 1:00 daily)
10:00
3:30
3:30
SOUTH PEAK
9:00
3:30
3:30
STORM PEAK EXPRESS
9:00
3:15
3:30
SUNDOWN EXPRESS
9:00
3:15
3:30
SUNSHINE
9:00
3:15
3:30
THUNDERHEAD
8:35
3:45
4:00
NIGHT SKIING/RIDING
(Christie Peak Express – Thursday – Monday Nights)
No change for spring
In- Season
5:30-8:30
Monarch Mountain Extends 2020 Ski Season!
Monarch Mountain
Monarch’s 80th Anniversary Season continues to be a Great One
Due to incredibly good snow conditions during the 2019-20 ski season, Monarch Mountain has announced it is extending its ski season through Sunday, April 12. This makes two consecutive years that Monarch Mountain has been able to extend its ski season.
The current season is on pace to be a record season for the second year in a row, which, in turn, creates business for Chaffee County businesses. “What a great way to wrap up 80 years of skiing at Monarch. We appreciate our loyal guests helping us to another record year and want to keep the momentum rolling”, said Dan Bender, Monarch Marketing Director.
Closing weekend will not be without its traditional events. Monarch’s signature event, Kayaks on Snow will take place Saturday, April 11. “Kayaks on snow is a celebration of a great ski season transitioning into the Valley’s boating season, which seems to be shaping up to be another incredible water year,” Bender added. Closing day will see the Gunbarrel Challenge, which is a race from the bottom of Monarch’s original 1939 run, Gunbarrel, and back as well as the end of season cookoff in the parking lot taking place on Sunday, April 12.
Please visit Monarch on the web at www.skimonarch.com or give them a call at 719.530.5000.
2020 Spring Events Line-Up at Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass announces the 2020 spring events line-up that includes a variety of free events across all four mountains throughout the months of March and April.
Headlining the calendar, the 20th annual Bud Light Spring Jam Festival returns with a packed schedule including free Bud Light Hi-Fi concerts, Banked Slalom, KickAspen Big Air, and more.
The calendar also stars the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series presents The Après, which will take place downtown Aspen Apr. 11 featuring Wolfmother.
2020 Spring Events Calendar
20th Annual Bud Light Spring Jam Festival
Mar. 17-22
Aspen Snowmass
The 20th annual Bud Light Spring Jam, the premier spring festival in the Rocky Mountains, will bring a schedule filled with competitions, concerts and parties to Aspen Snowmass. The festival features everything from free Bud Light Hi-Fi Concerts featuring Big Boi, to competitions such as the Banked Slalom, Ullrhof Games, KickAspen Big Air, Terrain Park Boot Camp and the Helly Hansen 4 MTN Mission.
Ullrhof Games
Mar. 17
Ullrhof, Snowmass
Ullrhof restaurant, located mid-mountain on Snowmass, will see the return of the Ullrhof Games for the fourth year in a row. Slated for St. Patrick’s day, the event will include a deck party, beer and food specials, a DJ, prize giveaways and, of course, teams competing in traditional games such as beer pong, speed quarters, corn hole and stump. Festivities will kick-off at Noon. Register teams of two by emailing Freddy Van Doorn at fvandoorn@aspensnowmass.com.
Helly Hansen 4 MTN Mission
Mar. 17-21
Aspen Snowmass
The Helly Hansen 4 MTN Mission is switching this year to be a five-day long competition that will take participants on an adventure across the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass and highlight some of the best terrain as well as landmarks and historical locations along the way. Teams can choose to tackle all four mountains in one day or spread it out over multiple days. Each team will receive a 4 MTN Mission passport book that includes a page for each location and hints on where to find them. There will be unique embossing stamps at each location that participants will use to mark a specific page in the book. Completed books must be turned into the Aspen Mountain ticket office by 4:45 p.m. on Mar. 21. All completed books will be entered into a raffle and the winners will be announced at 7 p.m. right before the start of the free Bud Light Hi-Fi concert featuring Big Boi at the Aspen Mountain Gondola plaza.
KickAspen Big Air
Mar. 20
Aspen Mountain
KickAspen Big Air is a one-night ski and snowboard Big Air competition in which 20 invited skiers and 20 invited snowboarders battle it out under the lights at the base of Aspen Mountain. Top regional athletes will compete to take home a portion of the $5,000 prize purse. The competition will begin at 8 p.m. and include music, prize giveaways and a Bud Light beer garden.
Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series Presents Big Boi
Mar. 21
Aspen Mountain Gondola Plaza
Big Boi, a world famous hip-hop artist, will headline the 20th annual Bud Light Spring Jam Festival with a performance at the base of Aspen Mountain as part of the free Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series. The rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor and philanthropist has been shaping modern hip-hop from his hometown of Atlanta for over two decades. Born Antwan André Patton, and formerly one-half of OutKast, the renowned duo sold 25 million albums and collected seven GRAMMY Awards. Since then, Big Boi has made large headway as a solo artist, particularly with his single “All Night,” which clocked 40 million streams within a year. The Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert will take place Mar. 21 in gondola plaza at the base of Aspen Mountain and will include a Bud Light beer garden with proceeds going to Aspen Skiing Company’s Environment Foundation and Caring for Community Fund. Electro pop band, Arizona will perform on the deck of the Snow Lodge at 4 p.m. followed by DJ Naka G on the main stage at 6 p.m. Big Boi will hit the stage at 7 p.m.
Terrain Park Boot Camp
Mar. 21-22
Snowmass
As part of the Bud Light Spring Jam Festival, Aspen Snowmass will host a weekend of Terrain Park Boot Camp. This event gives amateurs and kids the opportunity to learn skills on terrain park features such as rails, boxes and jumps under the supervision of Aspen Snowmass based professional ski and snowboard athletes. Terrain Park Boot Camp will be held on Fanny Hill in Snowmass Mar. 21-22. This event is free and open to the public, helmets are required and minors must have a waiver signed by a guardian.
Slash the Mass Banked Slalom
Mar. 22
Snowmass
The seventh annual Slash the Mass Banked Slalom snowboard race will take place on Garrett’s Gulch trail at Snowmass Mar. 22 with proceeds benefiting the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club’s snowboard program. Join or watch as the local snowboarding community gathers for a day of fast-turning and friendly competition. All participants are invited to join in community course build days Mar. 14 and 21. Course build workers will receive preferred course access, design input opportunities, and complimentary lunch. Entry fee is $35 and advance online registration is required. Visiting registered racers may purchase a discounted racer lift ticket for $55. Bib pickup will take place in the Snowmass Village Mall Ticket Pavilion Sunday, Mar. 22 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. To register visit, www.aspensnowmass.com/while-you-are-here/events/banked-slalom. For more information, email race director Tyler Lindsay at tlindsay@aspensnowmass.com. Helmets are mandatory.
NASTAR National Championships
Mar. 24-28
Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass will host the 2020 NASTAR National Championships at Snowmass Mar. 24-28. NASTAR is a youth feeder program for the U.S. Ski Team, and U.S. Ski Team athletes set the pace for NASTAR. More than 50,000 racers will compete at 100 resorts across the country to qualify for a spot at the National Championships. Recreational racers compete within their age and ability group to earn a National Championship title and place in the final, Race of Champions. Each National Champion carries their handicap into the race to compete for the overall win. For more information about the NASTAR National Championships, visit www.nastar.com/national-championships.
Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series Presents Houndmouth
Mar. 28
Snowmass Base Village
Continuing the free Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series this spring, indie folk band, Houndmouth, will hit the stage in Snowmass Base Village Saturday, Mar. 28 on the final day of the NASTAR National Championships and the kick-off day for the U.S. Alpine Tech Championships. Formed in 2011, the band from New Albany, Ind. consists of Matt Myers on guitar/vocals, Zak Appleby on bass/vocals and Shane Cody on drums/vocals. DJ Naka G will open the concert at 3 p.m. with Houndmouth on at 4:30 p.m.
U.S. Alpine Tech Championships
Mar. 28-31
Snowmass and Aspen Highlands
Aspen Snowmass, in collaboration with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club (AVSC), will host the 2020 U.S. Alpine Tech Championships Mar. 28-31 at Snowmass and Aspen Highlands. Tech Championships include the disciplines of men’s and women’s slalom, giant slalom and parallel slalom. The last time Aspen Snowmass hosted a U.S. Alpine Tech Championships was 60 years ago, but ski racing runs deep in the Roaring Fork Valley, as the resort not only hosted the first World Championships outside of Europe in 1950, but has been a continuous stop on the World Cup circuit for both the men and women. Aspen also hosted the 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals. For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com/while-you-are-here/events/us-alpine-tech-championships.
Bacon Appreciation Day
Apr. 5
Buttermilk
In celebration of Buttermilk’s closing day, the mountain hosts an annual Bacon Appreciation Day featuring a schedule of all things bacon including bacon waffles at the Cliffhouse starting at 9 a.m., bacon doughnuts at 10:30 a.m., bacon samplers around the mountain from 11 a.m. until it runs out. There will be a bacon and beer happy hour at Bumps restaurant from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A cost is associated with the lunches and happy hour but all other bacon items are free while supplies last.
In conjunction with Bacon Appreciation Day, Buttermilk will also host an uphilling event called ‘Fueled by Bacon Sizzle Up’ that will begin at 8 a.m. at the base (registration day-of starting at 7:30 a.m. at the base of Buttermilk) and end at the Cliffhouse. Prizes will be awarded for the Best Costume, the Center Cut (person who is in the middle of the pack) and for the fastest, with additional prizes raffled off as well. Bacon will be available at the base and finish line and bacon waffles will be served at the Cliffhouse. Cost is $15 for individuals and $40 for a family of four.
Smith Optics Grudge Match
Apr. 5
Buttermilk
The Smith Optics Grudge Match, a snowboard only event, returns to Buttermilk for closing day, on a specially constructed plaza-style terrain park. Competitors will spin the “trick wheel” to determine the maneuvers performed by all competitors, and a panel of shred celebrity judges will pick their favorites to determine a top eight for the final jam. Registration is free for the first 30 competitors, and will take place at Radio Boardshop in downtown Aspen. The winner will take home $1,000 in cash and a pair of Smith 4D goggles. The rail jam will take place just off the deck at Bumps providing the perfect venue to grab a Bud Light and watch all the action. For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com/while-you-are-here/events/smith-optics-grudge-match.
Red Bull Homerun
Apr. 11
Aspen Mountain
Red Bull Homerun is a downhill sprint skiing/snowboarding competition from top-to-bottom on Aspen Mountain. Skiers and Snowboarders will start together in a Le Mans-style mass sprint to strap into their gear. Then, racers will go as fast as possible down a marked course and finish at the base. The fastest man and woman, in both skiing and snowboarding, will take home a trophy, an Ikon Pass, a Red Bull prize pack and of course, bragging rights. There will also be a separate prize category created for “Dressed for Success.” Each competitor will be assigned a commemorative race bib, which will provide access to the après-ski party at the base of Aspen Mountain where a DJ will be performing. Registration opens at 9 a.m. day-of-event and the shotgun start will begin at 4:30 p.m. For more information, including the detailed schedule, visit, www.aspensnowmass.com/while-you-are-here/events/red-bull-home-run
Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series Presents The Après featuring Wolfmother
Apr. 11
Downtown Aspen
In celebration of Aspen Highlands Closing Weekend, The Après is moving to downtown Aspen and featuring rock band Wolfmother as part of the free Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series. Wolfmother is a rock band that formed in Sydney, Australia in 2004 and consists of members Andrew Stockdale on vocals/guitar, Chris Ross on bass/keyboard and Myles Heskett on drums. The band won a GRAMMY in 2007 for “Best Hard Rock Performance” for the song “Woman.” The downtown Aspen music festival will take place Apr. 11 on the corner of Cooper Ave. and Galena St. and will include a Bud Light beer garden with proceeds going to Aspen Skiing Company’s Environment Foundation and Caring for Community Fund. Wolfmother will hit the stage at 8:30 p.m. with various live music acts beginning at 4 p.m.
Schneetag Pond Skim Presented by ESPN 8: The Ocho
Apr. 12
Aspen Highlands
Taking place on Aspen Highlands Closing Day, Sunday, Apr. 12, the Schneetag Pond Skim returns this year to the Merry-Go-Round restaurant located mid-mountain on Highlands. The event invites teams of four to perform a choreographed skit before piloting their custom creative snowcraft down a ramp and across an icy pond. In addition to appearing on TV for ESPN 8: The Ocho, participants will perform in front of a panel of judges who will decide which team wins awesome prize packages. Skiers and snowboarders are also invited to pond skim.
Surf & Snow Beach Party Presented by Goslings
Apr. 18
Elk Camp Restaurant, Snowmass
For the fourth year in a row, Elk Camp restaurant at Snowmass will host an end-of-season party featuring free leis, a dance party, and margarita blender bikes. As the party comes to an end, party-goers ski down to the base in just their swimsuits. The Surf & Snow Beach Party will also play host to a pond skim. Both skiers and snowboarders are invited to participate in the pond skim.
Aspen Mountain Retro Closing Day Party Presented by Goslings
Apr. 19
Aspen Mountain
Aspen Mountain will round-out the ski season with a Retro Closing Day Party presented by Goslings, Sunday, Apr. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sundeck. The party will include drink specials with Gosling Rum and live music.
Powder diary: Skiing Copper Mountain’s new Tucker Mountain terrain
Tucker Mountain at Copper Mountain – Scott Rappold
By R. Scott Rappold
The powder was soft, deep and untracked in the back bowls of Copper Mountain. So why wasn’t I satisfied?
It was Feb. 25, 2020, and the Summit County resort was experiencing its snowiest February ever, 88 inches (that’s more than 7 feet of powder). It had snowed the day before and the flakes were still falling. It’s the kind of conditions powder addicts such as myself dream of all year and the reason I drove three hours to get here.
But even as I enjoyed lap after lap in the wide-open bowls, some of the most spectacular above-timberline skiing in Colorado, my eyes kept drifting across the valley, to the new Three Bears chairlift the resort installed this summer, providing lift-served access for the first time to the wild, remote terrain of Tucker Mountain.
It was running but there were no people on it. It hadn’t run since the last storm so the only tracks in the snow were ski patrols, as they conducted avalanche control on the ridiculously steep tree-lined chutes.
“It’s very weather dependent. I believe it’s delayed this morning. Tomorrow looks better,” Taylor Prather, Copper’s public relations manager, e-mailed me.
Still, I feared to ski down for lunch, for fear of returning to see this powder, which was rightfully mine – I saw it first! – tracked out. But the body needs fuel to ski, so down I went.
From snowcat to a lift
I had been eyeing this terrain since I first skied Copper 15 years ago. The back bowls, a giant cirque with cliffs, cornices, steep plunges and mellow powder fields, is bounded on the south side by 12,337-foot Tucker Mountain. When all my reliable stashes were tracked out, the chutes, trees and endless sweeps of tundra often remained pristine.
Before this winter, to ride this terrain required a grueling hike or getting lucky and catching the free snowcat before the line got too long. I was never energetic enough to hike or lucky enough to get to the snowcat pickup early enough in the day (it requires several lift rides to get here.)
Installing the Three Bears chairlift at Copper Mountain
This summer, the resort put in the Three Bears lift, using helicopters to ferry supplies into the remote area. The 273-acre expansion is the largest in Colorado this winter. There’s no electricity to the top so the ski patrol hut is solar-powered.
“Tucker Mountain has long been considered some of the best expert terrain in-bounds at any Colorado ski resort. The north-facing slopes allow snow to remain pristine meaning powder turns long after the last storm. Coming in at 12,337 feet in elevation, the turns are as sweet as the views,” says Copper Mountain’s website.
But this is also avalanche-prone terrain, and with the heavy February snows, ski patrol had been very, very careful about opening it up. It was closed the day I decided to drop everything and drive across Colorado.
I knew it was a gamble, but chasing powder is always a gamble, and you must be present to win.
A lucky day
Three Bears Chair – Copper Mountain
After a hastily-eaten lunch I was back on the chair, bound for the top. Two other lift rides later and I was standing atop Copper Bowl, gazing across the valley. The lift was running … but I still saw no people.
I began to hike around the bowls to one of my favorite spots, where I thought I could still find a couple of hundred feet of fresh snow.
Then I saw it. Skiers coming down from the Three Bears lift. And they didn’t have red ski patrol jackets. Three minutes later I was on the lift, breathless and giddy.
This feels like backcountry skiing. The only trapping of civilization you can see (other than the chair lifts and ski patrol huts) is a single two-lane road heading up lofty Fremont Pass. The jagged spires of the Tenmile Range fill your vision, while the rest of the Rockies seem to go on forever in every direction.
But I didn’t come here for the view. The first run down the lift line was sublime, the snow deep and pure, flying in your face with every turn. I don’t know if I had ever skied deep snow so fast before, but it was a time to apply oneself. Half of the powderhounds on the mountain were already there and the other half were on the way.
Tucker Mountain – Copper Mountain – Scott Rappold
From the steep, tree-lined chutes you enter a lovely pine forest where you’ll want to keep your speed up lest you have to walk uphill back to the chair, a good reason not to blaze your own path down here.
It’s a different world if go right after you get off the lift. Here is a rocky expanse of wind-swept tundra that looks unskiable at first until you enter the sweet gullies holding all the snow. Feel free to spread your wings and get adventurous over here, but I wouldn’t do it with brand-new skis.
Sadly, since the lift started so late in the day and closes early, I had but a short time to play. But having booked a room for two nights for just this eventuality, I planned to wake up early and be back for more.
And more I got, as ski patrol gradually opened more terrain. I briefly considered telling my wife I wouldn’t be coming home because I had to live up here and ski every day as more and more sections of Tucker Mountain opened.
If you want to see the wild side of Copper Mountain, get yourself to Tucker Mountain this winter. Just time it right or you may be waiting in vain for the magical rope to drop.
Scott Rappold
R. Scott Rappold is a journalist with more than 20 years of experience, including 10 at The Colorado Springs Gazette, where he wrote about skiing, hiking, camping and all the things that make Colorado great. He is now a full-time ski bum who writes when he needs money for beer or lift tickets. He lives in Colorado’s beautiful San Luis Valley. Read more of Scott’s stories here.
Explore 273 acres of terrain on Tucker Mountain with the new Three Bears chairlift which opened in the 2019-20 season. This three-person fixed-grip lift will access terrain that was previously accessible via snowcat or hiking only. The lift will come complete with a ski patrol warming hut at the summit.
Winter Park To Begin Selling Resort Specific 20/21 Season Passes and Flex 4 Multi-Day Ticket on March 5
Winter Park – Carl Frey
It’s never too early to start thinking about the next ski season, especially when you can lock in super low season pass and multi-day lift ticket prices. In conjunction with 20/21 Ikon Pass sales, Winter Park will begin selling its 20/21 season passes and Flex 4 multi-day lift tickets. With the Flex 4 multi-day tickets, visitors can ski or ride at Winter Park for less than $75 a day. Flex 4 is a great option for people who know they want to ski or ride at Winter Park next season but aren’t sure when.
Ikon Pass invites skiers and riders across the globe to unlock adventure and the lowest pricing for winter 20/21 on Thursday, March 5, 2020 when the Ikon Pass will go on sale. After debuting in January 2018, the Ikon Pass enters its third season with 41 inspiring winter destinations, a new four-day product, and continued pass holder benefits.
To coincide with the launch of the 20/21 Ikon Pass, Winter Park Resort will start selling its 20/21 season passes and Flex 4 multi-day tickets also on Thursday, March 5. For only $299, visitors can ski or ride any four of six days next season with the Flex 4 offering, which is less than $75 a day. To purchase Winter Park 20/21 pass products, visit www.winterparkresort.com.
Copper Mountain 2020-21 Season Passes with Kids Ski Free up to Age 15, Four Packs and Premier Passes On Sale March 5
Copper Mountain – Tucker Mountain Expansion – Scott Rappold
On March 5, skiers and riders can take advantage of the best price for the 2020-21 ski season as Copper Mountain offers a variety of pass options including the popular Kids Ski Free up to age 15 with purchase of an adult season pass for $599. Copper Mountain Four Packs with a bonus day return starting at $299 for five days of unrestricted skiing and riding, equaling less than $60 per day. In addition, the 2020-21 Premier Pass unlocks the most powder potential with 30 minutes early lift access, dedicated lift lines and more starting at $399.
Copper remains one of the most accessible places for a family of four to ski and snowboard in Colorado. The resort’s naturally-divided terrain coupled with a world-class Ski & Ride School and Woodward programs provides a unique focus on progression for any age or ability. Through April 21, season pass access for a family of four with kids up to the age of 15 as of Nov. 1, 2020 can enjoy skiing and riding at Copper for just $1198.
New for 2020-21, current season pass holders can save up to 10 percent with renewal discounts on season passes and Four Packs. Copper Mountain season passes include a host of perks such as discounted friends & family tickets, discounts on dining and retail and three free days of skiing or riding at resorts such as Monarch Mountain. Additional resorts to be announced.
For those looking to maximize their time on the slopes, the Premier Pass and Premier Pass Plus offer upgraded experiences and are on sale March 5 starting at $399 per adult for Premier and $499 for Premier Plus. The Copper Premier Pass and Premier Pass Plus can be added to either a Copper Mountain Season Pass, Four Pack or Ikon Pass. Kids 15 and younger can take advantage of Premier perks for free with an adult who purchases a season pass for $599 with Kids Ski Free in addition to the upgrade.
The Copper Premier Pass and Premier Pass Plus grants first tracks every day of the season with a 30-minute head start on the American Eagle lift; fast pass access all day through dedicated lines at the American Eagle, American Flyer, Super Bee, Woodward Express, Kokomo Express and Timberline lifts; unlimited winter access to the Copper Athletic Club where the entire family can enjoy the fitness center and indoor saltwater pool; and one complimentary high-end ski or snowboard demo at Camp Hale Outfitters. For an additional $100, the Premier Pass Plus also comes with exclusive access to the Flyer Lot on a first come, first serve basis as well as a parking pass valid at Chapel, Beeler, Union Creek and Wheeler lots. The Premier Pass Plus upgrade is the only way to secure a parking pass for the 2020-21 ski season.
Unlock the ultimate progression tool with the addition of the Woodward Barn Pass upgrade. For $150, pass holders can enjoy unlimited access to the 19,400 sq. ft. indoor facility complete multiple skate/scooter/bmx zones, six different levels of foam pit jumps, indoor ParkSki™ and Burton ParkBoard™ training, spring floor, tumble track, five Olympic-grade flybed trampolines and one Super Trampoline. For more information on 2020-21 season passes, visit CopperColorado.com.
Copper Mountain’s $100 million multi-year transformation offers a mountain experience that challenges, inspires and excites every type of skier and snowboarder starting with improvements made on the mountain. From beginner to expert slopes, Copper Mountain has added new lifts, enhanced programming and increased access to intuitive progression with Woodward. To learn more about Copper’s recent improvements, visitCopperColorado.com.
Copper Mountain is a proud partner on the Ikon Pass, offering unlimited access to Ikon and Ikon Base passholders. The Copper Premier Pass and Premier Pass Plus are available to Ikon Passholders. For Ikon Pass details, visit IkonPass.com.
Aspen Snowmass Honors International Women’s Day
Aspen Snowmass – Lindsy Fortier
In honor of International Women’s Day, Sunday, Mar. 8, Aspen Snowmass is scheduled to host an afternoon of happenings that both celebrate the worldwide event, but also bring to light how far we still have to go until we achieve gender parity.
The event will kick-off at the top of Aspen Mountain at 1:15 p.m. with a ski parade down the mountain that will follow the ski trails Silver Bell to Spar Gulch to Little Nell and end at the base.
In gondola plaza, an interactive flower installation will be in place, presented by The Little Nell and Aspen Branch that celebrates the International Women’s Day theme of #EachforEqual.
Following the ski parade, a panel discussion will take place in Chair 9, The Little Nell’s après-ski bar, from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. about gender disparity in the ski industry, what we need to do to continue to push towards equality and why this all matters. The panel will consist of Melanie Mills, president and CEO of Colorado Ski Country USA, Kelly Pawlak, CEO of the National Ski Area Association, Meegan Moszynski, executive director of National Ski Patrol and Katie Ertl, senior vice president of mountain operations for Aspen Skiing Company. Mike Kaplan, president and CEO of Aspen Skiing Company, will moderate the panel.
After the panel, an après party and gallery showing/silent auction will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Chair 9. Photography pieces, curated by Madeline Dunn with Aspen Art Curation, from four female photographers, Ann Driggers, Anna Stonehouse, Tamara Susa and Jordan Curet, will be on display for attendees to bid on. All proceeds from the silent auction will go to Response, a local organization that works to end domestic violence and sexual abuse as well as support survivors in achieving safety and empowerment, through Aspen Skiing Company’s Caring for Community Fund. The après party will also feature a specialty Casamigos margarita with proceeds going to Response.
“Gender equality is not just a women’s issue, it’s a human issue, and it will never be resolved unless we all work on it together. We invite everyone in the community to come out and celebrate the progress made to date, while acknowledging how far we still have to go,” says Rana Dershowitz, senior vice president of real estate and chief legal officer for Aspen Skiing Company. “We are excited to have such a great line-up of ski industry figures for the panel discussion and look forward to learning from the discussion about the progress made, and the continued challenges and opportunities the ski industry is working on to progress gender equality in the industry. We hope we all gain insights into what we can do to help and why it all matters.”
MOUNTAIN GETAWAY: Steamboat Resort and Howelson Hill
Steamboat resort – Larry Pierce
By Nancy Coulter-Parker
The last place you might associate with Disneyland is Steamboat Mountain Resort, but on certain nights in this ski town you might just find a fireworks display going off—like the kind you see at Disneyland. In fact, at the town’s 107th Winter Carnival this year, the Steamboat Fireworks team set a new fireworks world-record by launching a 62-inch shell into the night sky as part of the fireworks show. Although fireworks may seem out of character for a snow sport resort, it’s really not when you think about how much Steamboat revels in and loves to celebrate winter sports.
The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, whose headquarters are at Howelsen Hill, has produced 88 Winter Olympians. A visit to Howelsen and it’s easy to understand. Here you’ll find Nordic Ski trails, see the ski jumping setup, and possibly even athletes in training. You might even come across a slalom race in full swing.
This year, too, Steamboat feels like a bit of a winter wonderland as walls of snow line the roads. It’s got that winter magic atmosphere to help you feel like you’re getting away from it all whether you’re there for a weekend or a week. And no matter what you love about winter sports, it has something for every family member to have a good time.
Steamboat Mountain
Steamboat Resort – Larry Pierce
Sure, you often hear people quip that Steamboat Mountain Resort could use a little boost in vertical, that’s never kept me from having fun here. While there’s a nice setup for beginners at the base of the mountain at Christy Express, there’s plenty of tree skiing amongst evergreens and aspens and hiking for experts up top. If the snow is good, you’ll want to head back to Morningside Park where you can find your way down to Morningside Chair. From the top of Morningside Chair take an easy hike up to No Names, North St. Pats or East Face. Like the Chutes, these runs serve up trees, with a few open meadows, and the possibility of powder even a few days after a snowfall.
If the snow looks like it will be good during your visit, you should probably sign up for First Tracks, which gets you up on the gondola and over to Sundown Express before everyone else arrives. Or for the night owls, Steamboat offers night skiing off of Christie Express. And if the skiing is too good to take a break, be sure to track down the Taco Beast, snowcat mountain food truck, which serves up tasty take-to-go $5 tacos. If your legs need a break than Four-Points Lodge is an easy place to stop for fresh food.
If you want to mix up your skiing on Steamboat, then consider bringing telemark skis or AT gear with you to skin up the mountain. At Steamboat, you simply have to go to the Visitor’s Center to sign a waiver and get an armband to wear if you plan to head uphill. If you have kids with you, you’ll be hard pressed to get off the mountain without trying the Outlaw Mountain Coaster at the base of the mountain—a mini rollercoaster of sorts.
Howelsen Hill
Howelson Hill
If you’ve got kids in tow or you’re still getting comfortable on the slopes, you might be hard-pressed to beat the prices at Howelsen Hill. It’s a hill and it’s small, but it’s easy on the pocketbook and there’s plenty to keep you busy if you’re just starting to connect turns. It also serves up world-class Nordic Trails. For a good workout strap on your AT gear and skin up the trails that wrap their way behind the hill. Blackmere Drive will eventually bring you to a lookout point directly across from Steamboat Resort. Fat Tire Bikes are welcome on the trails here, too.
No matter where you spend your day in Steamboat, at some point on your trip, apres-ski will have to involve a visit to the Old Town Hot Springs right in town, complete with slides and a climbing wall with a pool as a landing pad. Or head just outside of town to the more natural Strawberry Hot Springs. If you choose the latter, however, be sure to check road conditions before you head up.
Where You Can Easily Escape to Enjoy Spring Break
Winter Park – Carl Frey
Spring break is around the corner, what to do? Since you’ve got the time and Colorado has the snow, we suggest hitting a few mountains to make the most of your vacation time. Here are two trip variations for the break. For the truly ambitious, you could easily hit all of these mountains and even a few more over the break.
Loveland Ski Area & Winter Park Resort
Loveland and Winter Park are an easily accessible combination that could work to visit on a weekend or a week. Both grassroots in nature, they serve up some of that down-to-earth, winter ski resort authenticity. From Denver, these resorts are both easy to get to. Since there isn’t any lodging at Loveland Ski Area, we suggest making this a day stop on your way up to Winter Park. Or you can even stop on your way up and back to break up the drive.
Loveland Ski Area: Right off of I-70 at first glance, Loveland looks rather unassuming. It is unassuming in the sense that there is nothing pretentious about this resort. But it serves up good coffee and slopes worth boasting about. What most people who drive by Loveland don’t realize is that the lifts and runs extend across both sides of I-70 along the Continental Divide.
For a unique adventure to start your spring break, and if your snow skills are up for it, take advantage of the free snowcat that runs above the chairlifts along the North side of The Ridge—an area that offers expert terrain that is only accessible by foot or snowcat. The “Ridge Cat” provides access to runs like North Star, Velvet Hammer, even Marmot when snow and conditions permit. In addition to having a lift ticket or pass, you’ll need a free Ridge Cat Pass. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Basin Ticket Office.
Of course, Chairs 2 and 9 will give you plenty of access to fun terrain, groomers and steeps. Yes, many a national ski team has been known to train here early season. And, for beginners, you get your own area and lodge to explore over at Chairs 7 and 3. A free shuttle runs between the two areas.
Winter Park Resort: At Winter Park Resort, the Vintage Hotel is a favorite of mine simply for convenience sake. There’s nothing fancy about it, but you can park for free and take the free open-air gondola for a quick ride from the hotel to the village. And if you have kids in tow, you’ll want to try the tubing hill—located right outside the hotel—in the apres hours. Regardless of where you stay, parking is relatively easy and for the most part free at Winter Park. And, there are easy and free shuttles to get you from parking lot or Winter Park town to chairlift
Of course, Winter Park also has Mary Jane. If you like the trees, steeps and moguls, you’ll want to head to the Jane. Take Panorama Express to explore all the runs that initiate along the resort’s boundary and then work your way back towards Winter Park. Otherwise, Winter Park has plenty of fun groomers and cruisers, and even parks, worth checking out. Cranmer will be an easy favorite. During the day you’ll find a good cup of coffee and food at the Coffee and Tea Market Café & Bar in the Balcony House at the base of the Gondola. When you’re done for the day, be sure to stop by Goody’s Mountain Creperie in the Village for an apres-ski crepe. You won’t regret it.
So, the beauty of Aspen is that it offers up its own 4-mountains-in-1-place package with each mountain offering its own unique experience, so you won’t feel like you’re in the same town, same place each day. You have beginner, intermediate and expert options all for the taking. And from my experience, the second wonderful thing about the mountains at Aspen is that it can be a powder day and you’ll still be hard-pressed to find a line.
Although Aspen can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. You can definitely find more affordable places to stay, especially if you opt to stay outside of town, in Snowmass, for instance. But even the Inn at Aspen next to Buttermilk or the Molly Brown in town offers good deals. No matter where you’re based, the town’s free buses will whisk you to whichever mountain you choose for the day.
I suggest starting at Snowmass, with its long, open runs, which roll right into the Village at Snowmass. If you stay at Snowmass, tryout Sake sushi restaurant in the lower village for dinner or Il Poggio in the upper village.
Follow up Snowmass with Aspen Mountain, located right in Aspen town. Here, you can imagine being any one of a number of famous downhillers who have raced on “American Downhill,” which starts on Ruthie’s Run and continues down Aztec and Spring Pitch. When you’re done, just park the skis and you’re already in town for Happy Hour.Or head to Su Casa, Mexican restaurant, for a quick bite to eat.
Next, don’t let Buttermilk fool you, there’s plenty to try here, especially if you’re open to trying something new. Home to the X-Games, if you like the pipes and the park, you’ll be happy here. But its gentle, rolling slopes are the perfect place to learn or try whatever version of winter sports you haven’t done yet—snowboarding, telemark skiing or alpine. The instructors on any one of the Aspen mountains are, as is to be expected, world-class.
Of course, I saved the best, or at least my favorite, for last. Aspen Highlands offers a bit of everything. Hike up to Highlands bowl or down any one of the steep long mogul runs that leads to Deep Temerity chair. Or enjoy long groomers on the front side, whatever puts a smile on your face, this mountain likely has it. And again, your legs will likely get tired before you ever find a line here.
The Virtues Of Cord – Corduroy Skiing and Riding in Colorado Ski Country
Fresh Corduroy at Copper Mountain – Curtis DeVore
Ripping fresh, early morning corduroy delivers a unique sensation on skis that is different from the sensation of floating in powder by a long shot, yet it’s nearly just as grin-inducing. For the first few runs of the day, the trails are covered in a layer of crisp white ridges left behind by the overnight snow groomers. It looks like the ridges of corduroy pants or crinkle-cut potato chips but magnified 100 times. As you carve turns through the ruffles, you can feel the vibration in your feet and hear that signature sound of ski on corduroy snow—a kind of tremulous zithhh, zithhh.
I had the good fortune to get “first tracks” a few weeks ago at Winter Park as part of the ski industry’s SIA/WWSRA On-Snow Demo, a gathering of ski and snowboard makers, retail shops, and assorted journalists. I rode the gondola with Nick Sargent, the president of Snowsports Industries America (SIA). We’d all just been in Denver for three days in a convention center at the Outdoor + Snow Show under fluorescent lights drooling over next season’s hot products. “It’s nice to get back in the mountains and get some sun and wind on your face,” said Sargent, “and remember why we love to ski so much.” Too true.
Fresh Corduroy at Aspen
And though there was no powder that day, we really did get first tracks. Winter Park’s new(ish) gondola whisked us 1,700 feet to the top, and we took a fast lap on Cranmer. The slopes were empty, so we could open up the throttle a little. I could feel that corduroy vibrato from my toes to my knees. Sargent is a former ski racer and World Cup ski tech, so, you know, I had to try to keep up. The other beautiful thing about laying tracks in fresh cord is that, although it’s firm in the early morning, the surface is eminently edgeable. Later in the day, when the snow gets skied off, it’s not so easy to hold an edge.
That vibrating sound you hear when skiing early morning corduroy might actually be therapeutic. Sound therapy, also called “vibrational medicine” or “sound healing” is a practice wherein the resonating sounds of objects like Tibetan bowls, gongs, tuning forks, or Australian didgeridoos is used for healing and pain relief. It’s purported to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation. Practitioners say it works because you not only hear the vibration, but you feel it. I’m telling you, skiing corduroy snow is good for your soul.
This season, I’ve also skied early morning cord at Eldora and at Aspen Highlands. I’ve been at Copper when they drop the rope on the noon groomer, where you can get a similar fresh corduroy experience—albeit softer and quieter—in the middle of the day. Copper keeps one front-side trail, usually Fair Play, under the American Eagle lift, roped off until high noon, so those skiers who repeatedly hit the snooze button can still enjoy perfectly manicured slopes.
Lower Hades Trail at Purgatory Resort
Of course, powder is fabulous—we can all agree on that—but not every day is a powder day. As devoted skiers and riders, we have to embrace all snow conditions. Glen Plake, skiing’s iconic Mohawked skier, thinks so too. In a recent article in Ski magazine, Plake offered this diatribe:
“Something that drives me nuts is this frantic, inhuman addiction to a powder day. I can’t stand it, it drives me frickin’ nuts. It’s just crazy how people are about powder now…. While it’s wonderful to have the spectacles of the sport—those once-in-a-lifetime Warren Miller moments—we need to realize that those are just spectacles.… I think we need to rediscover why we ski. We need to understand the joys of the actual sport itself, not the snow conditions.”
With my fixation on corduroy, I suppose I am reveling in yet another specific snow condition. But I do love (nearly) all conditions. Powder, cut-up crud, a crisp groomer, chalky high alpine snow, soft spring mashed potatoes, and corn snow. I’ll be honest, though, I’m not so fond of marble-hard ice, even though I grew up skiing on the East Coast. My edges just aren’t sharp enough.
There’s another combo of snow conditions that’s even better corduroy. A layer of fresh snow on top of pristine corduroy. During this last storm cycle, I caught another day recently at Winter Park, where about 4 inches of fresh sat on top of a perfectly groomed surface. You could feel that little corduroy vibration underfoot, but this time, it was muffled by a plush layer of velvety snow. It doesn’t get much better than that.
