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Lifts, price drops, hang-outs and more new to Colorado ski country

By Seth Boster November 11, 2024 | updated 9 months ago

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Last year around this time, we were talking about terrain debuting at Aspen Mountain and Steamboat; about a chairlift reaching Keystone’s Bergman Bowl; about the latest in an ongoing series of lift and base upgrades at Breckenridge.

There’s always something to talk about at the start of ski season.

As more resorts open this month, here’s a look at some notable developments and updates for the season ahead:

Arapahoe Basin: On weekends and holidays between Dec. 21-May 4, parking reservations starting at $20 will be required. Some link the change to Alterra Mountain Co.’s plan to buy A-Basin, announced in February. The ski area has countered in the FAQ section of a webpage: “We made this decision while under Dream ownership and after much deliberation. This is the best and only method to improve our arrival experience.”

Aspen Snowmass: Snowmass is unveiling the Coney Express this season, a high-speed quad effectively replacing the Coney Glade chairlift. The Express figures to significantly increase out-of-base flow, with a larger loading terminal across from Snowmass Mall. The project also includes a midway station unlocking foot access to the terrain park, Lynn Britt Cabin and Spider Sabich Race Arena.

Ski Cooper: The humble, historic ski area near Leadville has taken pride in no-fuss and affordability. Cooper is doubling down on that pride with $45 adult tickets Mondays-Thursdays. The price will be set for those buying in advance or at the window, excluding holiday and spring break periods.

Copper Mountain: The Timberline Express is being upgraded from a four-person chair to a high-speed six-seater — “boosting uphill capacity significantly, effectively reducing wait times and granting skiers and riders quicker access to one of our most treasured mountain areas,” Copper’s President and General Manager Dustin Lyman said in a statement. The replacement is part of a broader, multi-year effort enhancing the resort’s Western Territory.

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Featured Local Savings

Crested Butte: The destination mountain has been added to Vail Resorts’ My Epic Gear concept that was piloted elsewhere last season. For a $50 membership, guests can pick from a variety of skis and snowboards and other gear that will meet them upon arrival. Vail Resorts is aiming to sell “the benefits of gear ownership with more choice, lower cost and no hassle.”

Eldora: The Boulder County ski area is debuting the 12,000-square-foot Caribou Lodge, the new base for long-rooted nonprofit Ignite Adaptive Sports. The lodge will become the new hub for the lower-mountain area, housing a children’s learning center and serving food and drink as well. Also, the season could very well see new ownership emerge; Powdr listed Eldora for sale over the summer.

Keystone: River Run Village has undergone a facelift with the rise of Kindred Resort, what Keystone calls a “premier luxury development” aimed at elevating the destination’s winter and summer appeal. The $300 million development includes ski-in, ski-out condos and hotel rooms, an event venue, a spa and a pool and hot tub with mountain views. Kindred Resort will be the new home of the ski and ride school.

Monarch: From atop the Continental Divide, one might see big changes to the backside of the ski area: trails carved, along with a longer, wider lane running straight uphill for a chairlift to be planted. Next summer is the plan. Visitors will have to wait until next winter to explore Monarch’s highly anticipated expansion — 377 acres called No Name Basin.

Powderhorn: While price increases are the norm across ski country and the broader economy, the Grand Mesa ski area announced “Mission Affordable” ahead of the 2024-25 season. That’s a pledge to freeze or reduce prices at the ticket window and cafeteria. Powderhorn has also pledged more free learning programs and discounted passes for students and military.

Vail: The Avanti Food & Beverage halls in Denver and Boulder are big hits. Now one is coming to the base of Golden Peak. A news release called the concept “a culinary think-tank for chefs to create gourmet dishes at affordable prices.” In addition, Powerline Pub will debut at the top of Mid-Vail.

Winter Park: A new guarantee for vacationing family and youth: If you can’t ski 10 green trails at the end of your third lesson, the fourth lesson is free. With an adult three-day rental package, the Kids Ski Free program includes a lift ticket and rentals for youngsters. For Winter Park regulars, the resort expects to open more terrain earlier in the season thanks to major snowmaking upgrades.

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Seth Boster

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