After an early season dearth of it, ski resorts are finally getting snow. With the white stuff from heaven comes skiers’ salvation. Here’s a mid-week snapshot of what’s happening in three of the country’s most popular resorts:
As of Wednesday, Feb. 8 Snowmass reported a 51-inch base top, Aspen Mountain 29 inches, Aspen Highlands 52 inches, and Buttermilk 34 inches.
There’s more do at Aspen than downhill skiing. Strap on a pair of far less sexy snowshoes and make your way through a magical fir forest, then down along a meandering creek. Learn about the wonders Mother Nature wrought in this crystalline high country as naturalists from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies lead the way.
The base depth at this trendy Colorado resort was 57 inches as of Feb. 8. Stashed away amongst the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in North America. it’s the terrain that makes the place special. That said, Telluride is an architectural Victorian gem. On a snowy day, you might even imagine certain parts of town are untouched by time. Main Street is a throwback to an earlier, less hassled age. You’ve got to look at the price tags in the shop windows to realize you’re still in the 21st century. Then it hits you.
On the East Coast, the snow’s been harder to come by this season. Killington reported an average base depth of 24 to 36 inches Feb. 8. Surface conditions were machine groomed/frozen granular.
Don’t let that stop you. The resort area is especially convenient for New Yorkers who don’t want to fly half way across the country to hit the slopes.
After doing just that, make tracks to the new Roaring Umbrella Bar & Deck, a post-ski watering hole replete with a pair of heated umbrellas. Depending on the time of day, there might be music to soothe those aching ankles.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Ski i Trysil)
