Featured Image: Alex Garcia, Breckenridge Ski Resort
We’re only five days in to the month of November and many of Colorado’s mountains are already snow-capped. Since the flakes started falling in mid-October, parts of the Front Range have already been blanketed in five feet of snow–four of which are from this week alone–with more in the immediate forecast. These favorable early-season conditions coupled with diligent snowmaking operations are making it possible for Breckenridge Ski Resort and Keystone Resort to open early–something neither resort has done in almost a decade. With original plans to open Friday, November 9, both resorts will kick off the 2018-19 season a couple days early this week on Wednesday, November 7.
“This is the first time in nearly 10 years that either Breckenridge or Keystone will be opening early,” said John Buhler, vice president and chief operating officer of Breckenridge Ski Resort, in a recent press release. “It’s been a snowy start to the season and it is official; the skiing and snowboarding season is here. We are thrilled to kick off the winter season this week and anticipate opening up a variety of terrain quickly at the resorts.”
At Breckenridge, skiers can access the terrain serviced by the Colorado SuperChair and Rip’s Ride starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday with the BreckConnect Gondola, which takes skiers from town to Peak 8, running at 8 a.m. Early opening day will be celebrated with complimentary waffles provided by the new on-mountain dining offering, The Waffle Shop, and beats from DJ DC to get the morning groovin’. The Brothers of Brass will keep the party going Friday morning bringing sounds of New Orleans street music to Colorado’s high country.
At 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Keystone’s River Run Gondola and Montezuma Express will begin servicing beginner trails, Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, with an eight-feature terrain park on Schoolmarm. Skiers will be welcomed with homemade breakfast treats from Keystone’s new executive pastry chef along with coffee and hot chocolate. The excitement will continue on Friday with the official opening of North Peak with the Outpost Gondola and Santiago Express both running to service the intermediate trail, Prospector.
