Ski Areas Rejoicing With Fresh Snowfall, Cold Temperatures
COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (CBS4) - This week's fresh snowfall and cold temperatures are cause for celebration in the high country and at Colorado's ski areas.
More than a foot had fallen in parts of Summit County by Wednesday evening since the storm began on Tuesday morning, a heavens-sent boon for resorts that had seen bare runs and little snowfall so far this fall.
"Just in time, this is what we've all been waiting for, 17 inches of snow in 48 hours. It's pretty darn good," Keystone spokeswoman Laura Parquette said.
Most resorts have opened just a handful of runs, but by Friday, 106 acres and the terrain park will be open at Keystone, she said.
"Most notably, we always appreciate the natural snow, but these cold temperatures have been so beneficial to us. We've had our snow making system running around the clock for the last three days," Parquette said.
But almost as important as the snow are the cold temperatures. Ski areas have had a tough time making snow in recent weeks because it's been in the 50s, too warm to start up the snow-making guns. Many pushed back their opening days.
"This snow definitely does help and I think it will get people down on the Front Range excited to come up," Copper Mountain spokeswoman Steph Sweeney said.
Now with the arctic blast the snow guns are blasting around the clock with the goal to get more terrain open for skiers and boarders.
"We're looking at within the next week or so, some terrain on the American Flyer area but also getting the Speed Center open," Sweeney said.
Natural and man-made snow are essential to build a good base for a successful skiing and boarding season.
On Wednesday, runs and lines were backed as white-out conditions prevailed.
"I'm pretty happy, can't complain," one skier said.
Check the status of trails & lifts at Colorado ski resorts in the CBSDenver.com Ski Report section.
