A Colorado Ski Country Collection
E v ery Moun ta in H a s A S t ory 2012–13
PA ST and
PR E SEN T
R R AG IG G H IN T S G
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COLORADO B R A G G I N G
T A B L E O F C O N TE N T S
R I G H T S
CSCUSA RESORTS
04 Arapahoe Basin 06 Aspen/Snowmass 10 Copper Mountain 12 Crested Butte 14 Eldora Mountain Resort 16 Howelsen Hill 18 Loveland Ski Area 20 Monarch Mountain 22 Powderhorn 24 Purgatory (Durango) 26 Silverton 28 Ski Cooper
30 Ski Granby Ranch 32 Steamboat 34 Sunlight Mountain 36 Telluride 38 Winter Park 40 Wolf Creek
CSCUSA by the Numbers Skiable Acres
C S C U S A I N F O R M AT I O N
02 CSCUSA History 42 Icelantic 43 Getting Here 44 Hertz / DIA 46 CSCUSA Resorts Map
Every Mountain Has a Story is published by Colorado Ski Country USA, the not-for-profit trade association representing 21 Colorado ski and snowboard resorts. CSCUSA is the global voice of the Colorado ski industry. All information in this piece has been compiled carefully to ensure accuracy at the time of publication. However, the information contained herein is subject to change. Visit us online at www. ColoradoSki.com to order additional copies of this piece. Š Colorado Ski Country USA 2012. No portion of this piece may be duplicated in whole or in part in any medium without the written permission of Colorado Ski Country USA, 1444 Wazee Street, Denver, Colorado 80202. Cover Photo: Counterclockwise from top right: Arapahoe Basin, Silverton, Arapahoe Basin, Sunlight Mountain
Average Vertical Rise
29,426
11,319'
Average Base Elevation
9,012'
3,684
2,328'
Total Trails
1,761
Total Lifts
220
Terrain Parks
Member Resorts
Resorts Offering Bowl Skiing
Resorts Offering Powder Cat Skiing
Halfpipes
Resorts Offering Heli-Skiing
Skier Visits
Visit ColoradoSki.com
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Visit ColoradoSki.com for more information.
Snowmaking Acres
Average Peak Elevation
8
45 2
21
15
11 Million
With 300 days of sunshine and more than 300 inches of snow per year, 29,426 acres of skiing, 220 lifts and 1,761 trails at 21 resorts, it’s understandable why Colorado Ski Country USA is the top choice for skiers and snowboarders.
C SK OL I OR H A IS D T O O 'S R Y
Colorado Ski Country USA Celebrates its
50 th A n n i versary Great Moments in Colorado’s Ski History
1914
1937
1939
1940
Howelsen Hill, the oldest ski area in continued use west of the Mississippi, is developed
Operations at Loveland Ski Tow Company begin with a rope tow powered by a Model T engine
Monarch Mountain is built as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal, later sold by City of Salida for $100
Winter Park opens with
Wolf Creek opens
$1 daily lift tickets Mary Jane opens 35 years later
1972
1977
1982
1996
Copper Mountain & Telluride open
Steamboat hosts the first ever International Winter Special Olympics
Ski Granby Ranch opens as Silver Creek
Colorado Ski Country USA starts its unique and popular 5th Grade Passport Program
1998
2000
2002
Crested Butte hosts the first ever ESPN Winter X-Games
Silverton opens for guided tours
Complementary to the 5th Grade Passport, the 6th Grade Passport Program is introduced Aspen’s Buttermilk hosts
ESPN’s Winter X Games, an
event still held at the mountain today
1942
1946
US Army selects Camp Hale and Cooper Hill (Ski Cooper) as the 10th Mountain Division’s training site
1961 Crested Butte opens
Arapahoe Basin opens, with a daily lift ticket priced at $1.25
1963 CSCUSA is founded to promote skiing in the Southern Rockies (CO, NM and WY)
Aspen Mountain opens, boasting the world’s longest chairlift
1965
Colorado Ski Country’s signature Gold Pin (pass)
Lake Eldora Ski Area opens (Eldora Mountain Resort) & Steamboat opens
1966
1967
Powderhorn & Sunlight open
Loveland Ski Area uses diesel compressors to become the first major ski area in Colorado to have snowmaking capabilities
is introduced, giving statewide access to all CSCUSA resorts
2005
2006
Colorado sees
Colorado Ski Country USA launches Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month during the month of January
12 million
skier visits for the first time in history
2010
Colorado Ski Country USA’s First Class
is launched, a program designed to encourage new skiers and snowboarders to participate in the state’s signature sports
2013
Colorado Ski Country USA celebrates 50 years of world-class skiing and riding
Durango Mountain Resort opens
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R A B P A A S H IN O E
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now A-Basin is widely renowned for its spectacular setting along the Continental Divide. Its rugged peaks, spruce forests and rolling terrain make for extraordinary skiing and riding. Perhaps most unique is A-Basin’s culture and vibe. The people here, both employees and guests, are fun, friendly and welcoming.
A-Basin strives to create an experience different from other ski areas. Whether you ride your favorite trail, enjoy a great meal at Black Mountain Lodge, or take in the incredible view at the top of Montezuma Bowl, the place feels like home. Its wide range of kids’ programs, close-in parking and single base area make it perfect for locals and anyone with children.
ArapahoeBasin.com
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RE S ORT info
Arapahoe Basin opened in December 1946 with help from Larry Jump and Max and Edna Dercum. For its inaugural season, the resort
opened with a single rope tow and $1.25 daily lift tickets. Now at sixty-six years strong, A-Basin is just hitting its stride.
A snow making system, which was installed in 2002, helps A-Basin compete for the annual title of First Resort in the Nation to Open. During the 2007-08 season, Arapahoe Basin opened Montezuma Bowl, a 400 acre expansion that increased the ski area’s terrain by 80 percent. A quad chairlift was installed as part of the expansion and the entire project was completed with minimal impact to the environment. Also in 2007, A-Basin opened a new mid-mountain restaurant, Black Mountain Lodge. 4
COLOR ADOSKI.COM
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960 SKIABLE ACRES
109 TRAILS
8 LIFTS
10,780' BASE ELEVATION
13,050' PEAK ELEVATION
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673 SKIABLE ACRES
A S P E N M O U N TA I N
then The Aspen Skiing Corporation, founded by 10th Mountain Division veteran Freidl Pfeifer and Chicago industrialist Walter Paepcke, opened Aspen Mountain on December 14, 1946. The mountain featured Lift One, and billed
76 TRAILS
8 LIFTS
PHOTO: Aspen Historical Society, Ringquist Collection
PHOTO: Aspen Historical Society, Ringle Collection
7,945'
it as the ‘world’s longest chairlift.’ A legendary resort was born.
BASE ELEVATION
The Aspen Ski Company expanded when they opened Buttermilk in 1958, and gained its third mountain when Snowmass opened in 1967. In 1993, the Aspen Skiing Company assumed ownership and operation of Aspen Highlands, which was founded in 1958 by Whip Jones.
11,212' PEAK ELEVATION
In 1950, Aspen Mountain hosted the FIS World Alpine Championships, the first international skiing competition in the United States. Fifty-two years later, the most watched annual event in winter sports came to the slopes of Buttermilk as Aspen Ski Company began a relationship with ESPN’s Winter X Games that is now entering its 11th consecutive season.
AspenSnowmass.com
ASPEN HIGLANDS
118 TRAILS
5 LIFTS
PHOTO: Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Times Collection
1,028 SKIABLE ACRES
PHOTO: Aspen Historical Society, Ringquist Collection
RE S ORT info
8,040' BASE ELEVATION
11,675' PEAK ELEVATION
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3,362 SNOWMASS
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91 TRAILS
21 LIFTS
8,104' BASE ELEVATION
12,510' PEAK ELEVATION
AspenSnowmass.com
now One of the state’s most picturesque towns, Aspen’s reputation has evolved since World War II into one that is defined by luxury and elegance. This resort-town
RE S ORT info
way of life has attracted people during all seasons, from the beautiful scenes of summer in the shadow of the Maroon Bells to the extreme skiing at the top of Ajax in the heart of winter.
Recent and planned additions to the resorts include the $15 million LEED certified restaurant and event space, Elk Camp, the upcoming launch of a multi-million dollar renovation to the Westin Snowmass Resort, and The Little Nell restaurant will undergo a complete overhaul and remodel.
BUTTERMILK
One of the eco-friendliest resorts in the world, Aspen/Snowmass’ many renovations and new infrastructure improvements reflect Aspen Ski Company’s commitment to the corporate-community partnership it has with the town.
470 SKIABLE ACRES
44 TRAILS
9 LIFTS
7,870' BASE ELEVATION
9,900' PEAK ELEVATION
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M C O OP U P N E T R A IN
now The U.S. Ski Team Speed Center has made its home at Copper Mountain thanks in part to the resort’s state-of-the-art snowmaking system. Copper is proud to be the hosting venue for this prestigious training center.
Copper Mountain is also home to Woodward at Copper, the first year-round indoor/outdoor ski and snowboard program on the planet. Participants develop tricks in The Barn and progress them in Copper’s terrain parks. In 2012-13, visitors to Copper will notice a couple new features; the new 14 ft. x 14 ft. Super Tramp inside Woodward at Copper Barn, and a new Alpine Rush zip line, which runs year-round.
CopperColorado.com
RE S ORT info
then
2,465
Copper Mountain welcomed 135 skiers for its grand opening on December 5, 1972 with 5 ski lifts and 26 miles of trails. All of Copper’s ski trails were named in a public Name-theTrails contest.
Copper’s snowiest season occurred in 1983-84 when 432 inches of powder blanketed the mountain, extending the season by a full month. Throughout its 40 year history, Copper has maintained a reputation for hosting amateur and professional ski races and action sporting events. In 1976, Copper hosted the Subaru U.S. Alpine Championships, the most prestigious amateur races in the U.S. at the time. 10
COLOR ADOSKI.COM
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SKIABLE ACRES
127 TRAILS
22 LIFTS
9,712' BASE ELEVATION
12,313' PEAK ELEVATION
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RE S ORT info
1,547 SKIABLE ACRES
121 TRAILS
16 LIFTS
9,375' BASE ELEVATION
12,162' PEAK ELEVATION
SkiCB.com
now
then When Crested Butte Mountain Resort opened in November 1961, the original owners purchased the resort’s first gondola from an Italian ski area. It was scheduled to be the first gondola to open in Colorado for the 1962-63 ski season, but after construction delays, Crested Butte lost the race to Vail as that resort opened its gondola one month ahead of Crested Butte. Crested Butte’s gondola opened January 25, 1963. In 1979, the first extreme skiing terrain opened on Crested Butte Mountain. These new skiable areas were opened as hike-to terrain only until 1987, when the resort installed the North Face Poma Lift to give easier access to the extreme limits. In 1998, Crested Butte hosted the first ever ESPN Winter X-Games, which were held at the resort for the event’s first two seasons.
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Crested Butte is home to some of the most unique terrain in the country, and is a resort town renowned for its mountain flavored events. Crested Butte Mountain Resort continues to invest in ways that enhance the guest experience including installing high-powered lighting that showcases the peak of Crested Butte Mountain at night. Base area amenities have been added in recent years such as the Adventure Park which features lift-served tubing, a rock climbing wall, a bungee trampoline and a miniature golf course. Most recently, the resort opened a zipline tour. Guests look forward to the resort’s Ski Free promotion that originally started in the early 1990s. Although there were years without free skiing, the resort brought back Ski Free on Opening Day 2011, to celebrate its 50th birthday. The 2012-2013 season will see Ski Free return, scheduled this year for Opening Day, November 21.
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680 SKIABLE ACRES
then
53 TRAILS
Lake Eldora Ski Area opened for the 19621963 season with a base lodge, ski shop and two T-bars. The summer fishing resort in the
Lake Eldora area was established to accommodate an increasing number of visitors since the discovery of the area during the brief mining boom in the nearby town of Eldora in the 1890s. The founding group of Lake Eldora Ski Area included University of Colorado and U.S. Ski Team Coach Bob Beattie, whose team trained at Eldora in preparation for the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics. The resort’s original trails opened on 480 acres of Roosevelt National Forest land, and 440 acres of private land were also purchased to site the base lodge and parking lot. This would prove instrumental later in the resort’s life, as it is the current home to Eldora’s Nordic Center.
11 LIFTS
9,200' BASE ELEVATION
10,800' PEAK ELEVATION
Eldora.com
now Eldora Mountain Resort, nestled just beyond Boulder in Nederland, Colorado, is the classic example of a local ski area. Home to the University of Colorado’s ski team, and frequented by students at the university, this backyard resort is a home town favorite because of the pleasant accessibility and small crowds.
Recent improvements designed to augment the skier experience and entice guests to enjoy the resort more, include additional investments in Eldora’s snowmaking system that improve the consistency of conditions. The resort’s future development plans feature chairlift upgrades and terrain additions. The expansion will significantly increase Eldora’s skiable acreage.
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25 SKIABLE ACRES
15 TRAILS
4 LIFTS
6,696' BASE ELEVATION
7,136' PEAK ELEVATION
SteamboatSprings.net
now
then Developed in 1914 by famed Norwegian championship skier Carl Howelsen, Howelsen Hill is the oldest ski area in continued use west of the Mississippi. Carl
Howelsen originally came to the United States as a stonemason, but soon began touring with the Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1907, performing as a ski sailor. When he arrived in Steamboat Springs he introduced recreational skiing, ski jumping, ski training and Winter Carnival activities. In 1914, Howelsen began to develop skiing and ski jumping on the mountain that would become Howelsen Hill when it was named after him in 1917. It was a significant step in the history of skiing in Colorado, as skiing ceased to be simply a form of transportation during the harsh winter, and became a recreation activity fueled by visitors arriving via train from Denver.
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Howelsen Hill is owned by the City of Steamboat Springs, and is home to Steamboat’s Winter Carnival, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, and is the site of numerous national and world record-breaking ski jumps. The hill is listed on the State Register of Historic Places.
During the 2012-13 season, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club will host the 100th Winter Carnival from February 6 – 10, 2013. This annual celebration includes a variety of exciting and fun-filled events that embrace the state’s western heritage and highlight Colorado’s tradition of winter sports. Howelsen Hill recently installed a new $1.75 million Nordic Ski Jump, for both winter and summer jump training and events. The jump will allow numerous alpine, snowboard, mogul, aerial, terrain, jumping and Nordic events for all ages and abilities, ranging from first time toddlers to elite level racers.
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1,800 SKIABLE ACRES
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93 TRAILS
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Loveland Ski Area opened in 1937 under the name Loveland Ski Tow Company with a single rope tow powered by a Model T engine. This pre-World War II opening makes
LIFTS
10,800'
Loveland the second oldest resort in Colorado, after Howelsen Hill. In 1967, the area began using diesel compressors from the construction of the Eisenhower Tunnel and became the first major ski area in Colorado to possess snowmaking capabilities. The 1998 season ushered in the installation of Chair 9, which provided long awaited lift access to The Ridge along the Continental Divide. Chair 9 climbs to 12,700 feet and was the highest quad lift in the world when it was installed.
BASE ELEVATION
13,010' PEAK ELEVATION
SkiLoveland.com
now The 2012-13 season will celebrate Loveland Ski Area’s 75th Anniversary with a litany of events and deals. Also worth
celebrating, for the 22nd year running Loveland will host its annual Marry Me & Ski Free mass wedding at the summit of Chair 2 on Valentine’s Day.
Known for its diverse and exciting terrain, Loveland now provides free snowcat rides on The Ridge, an area of exceptional terrain that is usually only available to skiers and riders after a 30 minute hike. Guests have always enjoyed the amenities in the lodge at the base, but now the recently remodeled Ptarmigan Roost Cabin and Rock House Cabin are a special place for a unique on-mountain picnic experience.
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M O O N U A N R T C A H IN M
now Monarch Mountain is in the midst of many exciting resort improvements including remodeling and expanding the Base Lodge, enlarging the legendary Sidewinder Saloon, and remodeling the Gunbarrel Cafeteria. To improve the experience for families and ski school participants, aside from the on-mountain improvements, Monarch regularly enhances its rental and demo fleet of skis, snowboards and boots, as well as updates its ski school employee uniforms. Additionally, ski patrol has recently added new snowmobiles to assist guests and open terrain quicker and more efficiently.
SkiMonarch.com
then Located on Monarch Pass, Monarch Mountain was built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal.
The resort was initially owned by the City of Salida, but in 1955 was sold into the private sector for $100. Operations began at the resort in December of 1939, making it the third ski area in Colorado to open to the public. Monarch’s signature pass, which historically has included ski days at other resorts around the state and country, has evolved into one of the most extensive season passes in the world. The One Planet, One Pass season pass is now good in resorts around the country, and abroad in nations such as Spain, Germany, Austria and Canada. 20
COLOR ADOSKI.COM
/ / M onarch M ountain
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800 SKIABLE ACRES
64 TRAILS
7 LIFTS
10,790' BASE ELEVATION
11,952' PEAK ELEVATION
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1,600
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63 TRAILS
5 LIFTS
8,200' BASE ELEVATION
9,850' PEAK ELEVATION
Powderhorn.com
now
then Skiing the Grand Mesa area of Colorado dates back to the late 1930s. Back then, a
rope tow, powered by an old truck that required a fresh battery every day, serviced two runs. In the mid 1940s, skiing moved to the Mesa Creek area, now known as Old Powderhorn, to accommodate beginner skiers and offer more difficult terrain for those looking for a challenge. Powderhorn’s official opening date and dedication was during the summer of 1966, with the ski area set to open for skiing in the winter of 1966. A Poma Lift, funded by the Lions Club and the community, replaced one of the rope tows. This same lift, known as Lion’s Lift, was later moved and used at Powderhorn Resort until 2005.
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Said to be the soul of skiing by its devoted skiers and riders, Powderhorn continues to enhance its existing world-famous gladed terrain. And in the coming year, the
resort will offer an additional dining option with the installation of the High Noon Grille at the top of Lift One. Not only will guests enjoy the sun on the Sunset Grille Deck at the base of the mountain, they will be able to take Lift One up for a new dining experience twice a week. To complement the thrills on the mountain, Powderhorn regularly features an exciting winter event schedule during the season.
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then On December 4, 1965, Purgatory Resort opened with one chair lift. Shortly after, a day lodge and commercial space were added. The resort saw significant growth during the 1980s with the development of lodging, additional lifts, more terrain and for the first time, snowmaking. As skier visits increased, the resort supplemented the original double chairlift on the frontside in 1982 with a triple chairlift which was the longest fixed-grip triple Poma lift in North America at the time. Beginning in December 2008, Durango Mountain Resort began a four-year span of unprecedented growth. Part of a $50 million base area investment, Purgatory Lodge was unveiled in December of 2008 as the new anchor of the base village offering luxurious ski-in/ski-out accommodations. In the winter of 2009-2010, Durango Mountain Resort launched a 140 acre expansion and provided gladed terrain while increasing the overall expert terrain by more than 30 percent. In 2010-2011, Durango Mountain Resort brought gladed skiing to the frontside of the mountain cutting 40 acres of new terrain in Ambassadors Glade, named after resort owners, Chuck and Sue Cobb, who served as US Ambassadors to Iceland and Jamaica respectively.
1,320 SKIABLE ACRES
88 TRAILS
10 LIFTS
8,793' BASE ELEVATION
10,822' PEAK ELEVATION
DurangoMountainResort.com
now More improvements are on the horizon as Durango Mountain Resort heads into future seasons. For the
coming winter, Durango Mountain Resort has partnered with wellknown ski manufacturer, Rossignol, to open a new rental and demo center called the Rossignol Experience Center. The Experience Center provides skiers of all levels with equipment that features the newest rocker technology to help skiers advance more quickly than previously possible. The Durango Mountain Resort Ski School has been trained by Rossignol to incorporate the new Experience technology into their lesson programs, thereby minimizing the learning curve and getting skiers out enjoying the entire mountain quicker than ever.
Durango Mountain Resort is becoming even more accessible. A new American Airlines direct flight from Dallas was recently added. Existing direct flights include Denver to Durango on United and Frontier, and Phoenix to Durango on US Airways.
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now Imagine a place where the average total inches of annual snowfall exceeds the number of daily visitors. Silverton Mountain is
a truly unique mountain experience; it remains the only ski area in the world with 100 percent all advanced and expert skiing and riding. The mountain offers one double chairlift accessing 1,819 acres of steep expert-only backcountry terrain.
Silverton Mountain is the only ski area in the U.S. with heli-skiing available directly from the top of the chairlift accessing an additional 20,000 acres. Silverton Mountain Unguided skiing lift ticket prices have never increased and remain at the same low $49 price as the very first day they were offered.
SilvertonMountain.com
RE S ORT info
then
1,819
In May of 2000, San Juan County approved the creation of Silverton Mountain Ski Area and at 27 years old, Aaron Brill became the youngest person at that time to start and operate a ski area.
During the winter of 2000-2001, before the chair lift was installed, skiing at Silverton was accomplished with human power tours of the mountain. Skiers hired Aaron, the lone ski guide, to hike up the mountain and ski it. Silverton Mountain, located in Silverton, Colorado, opened for business on January 19th, 2002.The ski area started with four employees running the entire operation, including lift operators.
SKIABLE ACRES
69 TRAILS
1 LIFTS
10,400' BASE ELEVATION
13,487' PEAK ELEVATION
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400 SKIABLE ACRES
26 TRAILS
5 LIFTS
10,500' BASE ELEVATION
11,700' PEAK ELEVATION
SkiCooper.com
now
then In 1942 the U.S. Army created the Tenth Mountain Division and selected Camp Hale & Cooper Hill, located at 11,700 feet, as the Division’s training site. The Division
was ordered to Italy in 1945 to spearhead the advance of the U.S. Fifth Army, and served in a series of actions that played a vital role in the liberation of Italy. By the time of the German Surrender in May, 1945, 992 ski troopers had been killed in action and 4,000 were wounded, the highest casualty rate of any U.S. division in the Mediterranean. Following World War II, Cooper Hill opened to the public as Ski Cooper in 1945 as a three-dayper week ski area for the enjoyment of local residents.
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Ski Cooper is Colorado’s sixth oldest ski hill. A full service ski area today, Ski Cooper has modern lifts and complete base area facilities. Ski Cooper offers affordable lift tickets and season passes for skiers and snowboarders. Guests visit Ski Cooper because it offers a fun alternative to larger resorts and is a place where skiers and riders can experience skiing as it is meant to be. In addition to other events, this year Ski Cooper will host the annual reunion for surviving veterans and families of the Tenth Mountain Division.
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Visitors to Ski Granby Ranch will enjoy new acres of gladed tree skiing and the evolving terrain parks. New terrain park
features are added each year, including a variety of all natural log features and the recent addition of The Tank that found its way to Granby Ranch.
Ski school participants can partake in one of the many Ski Granby Ranch children’s programs such as the Pony program, or a multi week program that teaches children as young as three years old. Weddings at Ski Granby Ranch offer a beautiful setting with the fun option of having newly married couples and their guests ski or ride down the mountain trails after tying the knot.
GranbyRanch.com
then Ski Granby Ranch, located in Granby, Colorado, began operations in 1982 as Silver Creek Ski Area with two triple chairs and a beginner double chair. After 13
years of operation, the resort and surrounding land were purchased by Marise and Celso Cipriani. During the 1999-2000 ski season, a new high-speed quad lift replaced one of the triple chairs. In 2001, more improvements were made, as another new fixed quad lift was installed. This vital lift allowed ski in/ski out access to slopeside properties located north of the main base area, an important addition for the resort’s destination guests.
RE S ORT info
406 SKIABLE ACRES
33 TRAILS
6 LIFTS
8,202' BASE ELEVATION
9,202' PEAK ELEVATION
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2,965 SKIABLE ACRES
165 TRAILS
18 LIFTS
6,900' BASE ELEVATION
10,568' PEAK ELEVATION
Steamboat.com
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then In the years leading up to the opening of Steamboat, local rancher Joe McElroy coined the term Champagne Powder® while out skiing on what would eventually become terrain within the ski area. No other ski resort has its snow trademarked and there’s no other place to find Champagne Powder® snow other than Steamboat.
The resort officially opened on January 12, 1963, with the day’s worth of cash receipts tallying $13.75. Throughout its past 50 years, Steamboat has been a pioneer of the industry, introducing now-standard industry programs such as the first Kids Ski Free™ program back in 1982, and hosting the first ever International Winter Special Olympics in 1977. Steamboat’s renowned moniker, Ski Town, U.S.A.®, is in part due to its role as the home of more winter Olympians than any other town in America.
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As Steamboat celebrates its 50th anniversary, new unique celebratory events will be hosted and complement a lineup of some of the most recognizable events in Colorado. During January 11 – 21, 2013, Steamboat will have its 50th Anniversary Golden Celebration, and to commemorate the day it opened, January 12, there will be a 50th Birthday Party, concert and fireworks. These events join long-standing Steamboat traditions such as the annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill (January 21, 2013), and the Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series, which takes place during March and April of 2013.
For guests who want to experience Steamboat during its 50th Anniversary extravaganza, the resort partners with its local airport (Steamboat/Hayden Airport), and has scheduled new flights that will travel to this busy seasonal terminal. New nonstop weekend flights from Los Angeles will join a lineup featuring non-stop flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis and Newark/ NYC. This is in addition to connecting service to and from more than 230 cities nationwide and worldwide, making a trip to Steamboat as simple as finding the nearest airport. 33
S M U O NL U N IG T H A T IN
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470 SKIABLE ACRES
67 TRAILS
3 LIFTS
7,885' BASE ELEVATION
9,895' PEAK ELEVATION
SunlightMtn.com
then The Sunlight Ranch Company opened on December 16, 1966 with a handful of trails and one chairlift. During its first season Sunlight saw 15,000 skier days. Over the years Sunlight operated on a meager budget with part-timers and volunteers managing the lift.
In 1981, the Sunlight Master Plan was approved by the U.S. Forest Service and the ski area changed its name to Ski Sunlight Inc. In 1996, snowmaking was installed on the lower mountain trails from midway to the base area. In the 1990s, Ski Sunlight was renamed Sunlight Mountain Resort to more accurately describe its evolution to a year round resort, including summer activities for the whole family, and to reflect a more diverse population of recreationalists. While the buildings and trails surrounding Sunlight have changed and continue to improve, the groundwork that was laid by Sunlight’s founding fathers in 1966 is still in place today.
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now Sunlight is a unique winter playground that is affordable, family oriented and welcoming to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Sunlight’s Out-Of-Bounds Grill
offers a robust menu of healthy dining options and a welcome retreat when the time comes to take a break from playing in the powder on the slopes. During the ski season, there is an abundance of live music performances by celebrated local and Colorado bands playing at most ski area events. A well-rounded recreation resort, Sunlight offers snowmobile tours for those seeking to enjoy other activities on the snow. Starting in December, snowmobile tours welcome riders of any ability.
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2,000 SKIABLE ACRES
125 TRAILS
18 LIFTS
8,725' BASE ELEVATION
13,150' PEAK ELEVATION
TellurideSkiResort.com
now
then Founded in 1878, Telluride prospered as a mining town until 1953 when it nearly became a ghost town for almost 20 years.
Resurrected in the 1970s by Joe Zoline, the Telluride Ski Area first opened its runs December 22, 1972 with five lifts and a day lodge. The Coonskin Lift debuted in 1975 as the first lift on the north side of the mountain, thus connecting the existing ski area with the town of Telluride. The 1990s brought the country’s first chondola system (consisting of both chairs and gondola cars) and soon thereafter Telluride completed the nation’s only free gondola transportation system of its kind, linking the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village. In 2001, Telluride Ski Resort almost doubled the size of the resort by opening Prospect Bowl and adding four new lifts. From the seasons between 2007 and 2010, the resort added terrain such as Revelation Bowl and Revelation Lift, along with opening Black Iron Bowl, Gold Hill Chutes 1-10 and 13,320’ Palmyra Peak terrain.
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The newest addition to Telluride Ski Resort, Bon Vivant, meaning the good life, boasts unmatched views from its outdoor bar and sundeck. Located at the top of the Polar Queen Express, Bon Vivant has a private dining room featuring European architecture.
Tomboy Tavern in Mountain Village has recently undergone tremendous renovations and culinary improvements. The décor reminds diners of Telluride’s mining town history and offers the finest mountain comfort food in town and more than 30 handcrafted Colorado beers on tap. With an eye on energy efficiency and unmatched guest experience, Telluride’s snowmaking department recently purchased new air water guns that have more efficient use of power and water and can be moved around the mountain via snowmobile. This will allow the resort to use them where they are needed, when they are needed, and open more terrain earlier in the season.
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I P NT A R ER K
RE S ORT info
W
3,081 SKIABLE ACRES
143 TRAILS
25 LIFTS
9,000' BASE ELEVATION
12,060' PEAK ELEVATION
WinterParkResort.com
now
then When Winter Park opened on the heels of the Great Depression, lift tickets were just one dollar. One of the oldest resorts in Colorado, Winter Park opened on January 28, 1940, beginning what would become a storied history. The resort became an industry leader in 1952, when Steven Bradley invented and began operating the first snow grooming machine, the Bradley Packer, and the resort added a humane feather to its cap when the Children’s Hospital Handicapped Program moved to Winter Park during the 1970-71 season. This program is now known as the National Sports Center for the Disabled and provides therapeutic sports and recreational programs for people of all ages and abilities. It remains one of the most recognizable entities in its adopted home.
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A full service, family focused, destination resort, Winter Park recently installed a tubing hill. This family activity will provide guests
additional exciting experiences at the base area. With the guest experience in mind, the resort continues to improve on - mountain snow maintenance throughout its skiable terrain and on Mary Jane’s famed moguls. With the intention of improving the guest experience during lessons, skiers and riders can take advantage of Winter Park’s new line of products in its rental fleet, including new helmets, boots, skis and snowboards.
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now Wolf Creek Ski Area’s success can be attributed to a consistent abundance of snowfall and reliable natural snow conditions. Easily accessible via the multi-lane
highway over Wolf Creek Pass, once they arrive at the ski area, guests can relish the spectacular views that Wolf Creek Pass offers.
Wolf Creek’s focus on guest service is evident today as skiers and riders can now enjoy several on-mountain dining options. The Continental is an espresso bar located on the top of the Treasure Chairlift serving a variety of coffees and teas as well as other drink items and fresh baked pastries. Additionally, skiers can visit the Raven’s Roost, a full service bar and pizzeria in the top level of the Raven’s Nest, a beautiful glass restaurant located at the top of the Raven lift.
WolfCreekSki.com
RE S ORT info
then
1,600
Since the 1930s, there has been skiing on Wolf Creek Pass, starting in the early days with mail delivery and transport. The first ski pioneers
took two to three weeks to cross over Wolf Creek Pass.
The skiing on Wolf Creek Pass has grown organically, with the adventuresome nature of the local ski enthusiasts. The Wolf Creek Ski Area, located on top of Wolf Creek Pass, started during the winter of 1939-40.The ski area was originally powered by a rope tow and an old Chevy truck.
SKIABLE ACRES
77 TRAILS
7 LIFTS
10,300' BASE ELEVATION
11,940' PEAK ELEVATION
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I E CE T L T A IN N G TI H C/ E R E G
ICEL A N TIC
GETTING H ER E
World’s Top Ski Destinations Also Most Accessible Skiers Find Quick Flights Direct to World-Class Skiing Appealing Despite Colorado’s reputation for powdery, light consistent and plentiful snow, it is often the logistical ease of access that makes Colorado’s central location so attractive to skiers and riders. Whether driving on the nation’s main interstates, taking a relaxing Amtrak train ride through the mountains, or flying directly to the resort town itself, options are easy and affordable for those traveling to play in the state’s majestic mountains. An abundance of flights to local mountain town airports, coupled with transportation-incentivized ski packages, leave visitors from around the globe just a short trip from the ski trip of a lifetime.
www.icelanticboards.com Icelantic Boards is currently entering its fourth season as the official ski manufacturing partner of Colorado Ski Country USA. This multi-dimensional
ski company conveys a compelling narrative that can be felt via its annual artistic themes and by the people behind the brand. Icelantic Boards is a community that represents a lifestyle of art, adventure, creativity, passion and innovation. Based in Denver, Colorado, the company employs the finest American craftsmanship, top of the line materials and cutting edge graphic art to provide customers with the best high-performance ski for an incredible on-snow experience.
Colorado has 14 commercial service airports, eight of which directly serve communities with ski resorts. Direct flights can access these regional airports from cities across the United States, such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark and San Francisco. Denver International Airport, Colorado’s largest airport, connects travelers to regional mountain airports multiple times each
day. And since Colorado Ski Country USA’s (CSCUSA) member resorts boast 29,426 skiable acres that cover almost the entire north-south span of Colorado, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing their terrain and finding a flight. Because more than half of Colorado’s ski areas are located within 35 miles of an airport, and Colorado’s eight regional airports offer more than 8.6 million passenger seats annually, access is a breeze. Denver International Airport (DIA), the only major airport to be built in the United States in the past 25 years, has been rated the best-run airport in North America and consistently ranks as one of the most efficient airports in the United States. Airports servicing mountain towns include the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, Durango/La Plata, Eagle County, Grand Junction, Gunnison/Crested Butte, Montrose, Steamboat/Hayden, and Telluride. Many of these airports allow skiers to hop off the plane and onto a chairlift in minutes, often with free ground transportation from the airport to the resort or easy car rental services with major companies, such as Hertz, which offer rentals at most airports.
Whether by plane, train, or automobile, Colorado Ski Country’s central location and unbeatable transportation networks make access to world-class skiing easier than ever.
This unique company boasts a newly themed line each season, and this year presents PARR – a concept dedicated to people, adventures and struggles that each individual experiences in life. It is Icelantic’s mission and nature to live inspired by passion. Through the company’s commitment to building lasting and enriching relationships, Icelantic continues to create a community that believes in its product and mission as much as those who inspired its creation.
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H
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R
T
Z
/D
IA
HERTZ
DIA
The Gold Standard for Service With locations in more than 100 countries, Hertz Rent-A-Car has cemented itself as one of the premiere rental car services in the world. From its impeccable online options, to its wide variety of selection, Hertz consistently ranks as a top choice of consumers around the globe.
The Skier’s Airport
simple, clear and concise. The pickup is streamlined so visitors are on their way in no time. If there is a problem with the reservation, Hertz will fix it. We know this one from experience. Hertz believes in quick and efficient problem resolution. With an easy one-stop drop off that gets guests on their way, including the option to either have the company fill the tank or allow consumers to find their own gas to put in the vehicle, Hertz gives the customer alternatives.
In 2010–2011, Colorado Ski Country USA took a road trip Additional features, such as the Gold Plus Rewards Program, around the state, to visit all of its Gems Resorts. These puts the world at a customer’s fingertips. A quick pick up and resorts, found off the beaten path, represent some of the best no restrictions have renters travelling to the slopes in no and remotest skiing in Colorado. Of course, traversing the mountains to get to these Gems in the Colorado winter requires time at all. The last thing a skier should be worrying about is the convenience or reliability of the rental vehicle. Racking reliability from the vehicle of choice. Colorado Ski Country up snow totals and planning a powder day is a much higher chose Hertz, and as usual, Hertz delivered. priority. And with the exceptional service of Hertz, it remains The customer service at Hertz has set the bar for rental car that way. companies. Ordering, whether online or via the phone, is
The airport thrives by being in a central location, making it One of the most environmentally friendly quick and easy to reach, whether flying from Boston or San airports in the world, Denver International Diego. Its multitude of connecting services makes trips to Airport (DIA) embodies the Colorado lifestyle Colorado’s outer lying ski resorts expedient. A quick commuter and culture as prolifically as the National flight lands travelers in Aspen, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Western Stock Show, the Denver Broncos and of Durango, or Telluride with minimal time, minimal fuss, and course, the Rocky Mountains. Fresh, efficient, green slope-side arrival in no time at all.
and streamlined, DIA is Colorado’s version of the Statue of Liberty – a welcome icon, a gateway to the West – or in this case, to Colorado’s most treasured natural playgrounds.
DIA reigns as one of the busiest and most convenient airports in the country. The ability to access the state’s renowned ski resorts from anywhere in the world, including from many international destinations, has made DIA one of the most crucial lynchpins when it comes to travelers seeking the thrill of world-class powder. Seven Colorado Ski Country resorts lie within two hours drive time of DIA, making it the ultimate onestop airport for out-of-town powder hounds.
DIA boasts three concourses and six runways that help it run smoothly, giving passengers the efficient experience that is so desirable when it comes to flying. Complemented by a speedy train that zips fliers from their concourse to baggage claim, three different security checkpoints, and airport wide free Wi-Fi, DIA is fast building a reputation as an elite flier-friendly airport. So whether it’s a final destination, or a quick stop before flying into one of the eight regional mountain airports, Colorado’s only international airport caters to one and all, a proud and distinctive structure that makes not only a great first impression for those visiting Colorado, but a lasting one.
FORT C O L L I NS STE A MB OAT SPR I NGS
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B O U L DE R
D E N VE R
NE DE R L A ND E AGL E
GLENWOOD SPRINGS
SI LV E R THOR N VA I L
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AS PE N SNOWMASS CRES TE D B U T TE
C O LO R A DO SPR I NGS
G RA N D JUNCTION G UNNISON SA LI DA MONTROSE
PU E B LO
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CRAIG
HAYDEN
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
WINDSOR
Steamboat
Howelsen Hill
GREELEY
LOVELAND
ESTES PARK
EVANS
BERTHOUD
BRUSH
LONGMONT
YAMPA HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS
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Eldora
Colorado Ski Country USA
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ENGLEWOOD GREENWOOD VILLAGE
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DIA
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Telluride
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LA VETA
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CORTEZ
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PAGOSA SPRINGS
Wolf Creek
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