Colorado Ski Resorts: Fresh Slopes and Lifts Now Open

Vail Resort's Expanding Winter Wonderland

As of December 9th, Vail Resort has significantly increased its available terrain. Skiers and snowboarders can now enjoy:

• The River Bahn Express on Golden Peak, with blue runs like Ranger Racoon and Ruder's Run.
• The Northwoods Express, providing access to challenging black runs such as North & South Rim and Prima.
• The Cascade Village lift, offering a convenient route for guests staying in Cascade Village or visiting the Aria Club and Spa.
• On the Lionshead side, runs like Simba, Bwana, and Minnie's are ready for action.
• The Game Creek Express lift opens up The Woods and Lost Boy, among other runs.
• The Mountain Top Express serves up a variety of runs, including Whistle Pig and Swingsville.

In total, Vail boasts 78 trails and 14 lifts for visitors to explore.

Breckenridge's Peaks Beckon Advanced and Intermediate Skiers

Breckenridge has opened new terrain for both advanced and intermediate skiers:

• The T-bar is now operational, offering access to black runs like Pika and Ptarmigan.
• Peak 7 welcomes intermediate skiers with blue runs such as Pioneer and Monte Cristo.
• A majority of blue and green runs on Peaks 8 and 9 are now accessible, including the Briar Rose blue run on Peak 9.

With 14 lifts in service, skiers have 46 trails to choose from, all freshly coated with new snow.

Beaver Creek's Diverse Slopes

Beaver Creek Resort has a total of 14 lifts and 45 runs open:

• Bachelor Gulch features Grubstake and Gunder's blue runs, plus green runs like Sawbuck.
• The main mountain offers a mix of green, blue, and black runs, including Fool's Gold and Centennial.
• The Drink of Water lift is operational, with green runs like Booth Gardens available in the Family Ski Zone.
• From the Rose Bowl lift, skiers can tackle black runs such as Cataract and Spider, as well as blue runs like Stone Creek Meadows.
• The Nastar course is also ready for racing enthusiasts.

Steamboat Springs' Elevated Adventures

Steamboat Resort has increased its lift operations:

• The Thunderhead Express, 4 Points, and Storm Peak Express lifts are now running, bringing the total to 8 lifts.
• Thunderhead lift provides access to blue runs like Vagabond and Betwixt.
• Bashor is open, granting entry to the Terrain Park (excluding the Superpipe and Nastar course for now).
• Storm Peak Express offers runs like Buddy's Run and Storm Peak South for more experienced skiers.

Winter Park's Fresh Tracks

Winter Park Resort has opened new runs on Mary Jane Mountain, including:

• The Mary Jane trail and Lower Arrowhead.
• Most blue and green trails on Winter Park Mountain, such as Lonesome Whistle and Mock Turtle.
• A total of 30 trails and 12 lifts are now in service, with the Olympia and High Lonesome lifts on the Winter Park side and the Pony Express and main Super Gauge lift on the Mary Jane side.

For more detailed information about these resorts, terrain, and snow conditions, visit Chalets USA.

Please note that the information provided in this article is based on the conditions as of December 9th, 2009, and current conditions may vary. Always check the latest resort updates before planning your trip.