By Lexi Reich
WHAT’S NEW for this ski season at your favorite resorts
As the first snowflakes blanket Colorado’s majestic peaks, anticipation soars in the heart of every ski enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or a novice eager to experience the magic of the mountains, this season’s offerings from the state’s world-class resorts are bound to get you out on
the slopes.
Photo Courtesy of Beaver Creek Resort
Beaver Creek Resort
Skiable Area: 2,082 acres
Base/Summit Elevation in Feet: 8,100/11,440
Projected Opening Date: November 22
Pass Information: Epic Pass, download the My Epic app
What’s New: This season, explore the resort’s 250-acre terrain expansion and McCoy Park; for hidden steeps and trees, experience terrain like Grouse Mountain or Stone Creek Chutes. The resort’s mountaintop culinary experiences are worth a close look this year, including Snow Cat-pulled sleigh rides to fine dining at Allie’s, Zach’s and Beano’s Cabins.
Photos Courtesy of Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Skiable Area: 2,908 acres
Base/Summit Elevation in Feet: 9,600/12,998
Projected Opening Date: November 10
Pass Information: Epic Pass, download the My Epic app
What’s New: The Peak 8 base area now features an upgrade from the five-chair lift to a new, high-speed quad, the FIVE SuperChair. This transformation completes all chair lifts that service Peak 8 to be
high-speed lifts, improving the flow and circulation
of the resort’s most popular base area.
Photo Courtesy of Keystone Resort
Keystone Resort
Skiable Area: 3,148 acres
Base/Summit Elevation in Feet: 9,280/12,408
Projected Opening Date: Mid-October (pending early season conditions)
Pass Information: Epic Pass, download the My Epic app
What’s New: The Bergman Bowl has a facelift for the 2023/24 season, with new construction bringing lift-served access to more than 550 acres of terrain. The project includes a new high-speed, six-passenger chairlift that allows guests to easily lap the high alpine terrain in both Bergman and Erickson Bowls. Plus, the Keystone Ski & Ride School has a new home at Kindred Resort, a luxury development adjacent to the River Run Gondola.
Photos by Jack Affleck – Vail Ski Resort
Vail Ski Resort
Skiable Area: 5,317 acres
Base/Summit Elevation in Feet: 8,120/11,570
Projected Opening Date: November 10
Pass Information: Epic Pass, download the My Epic app
What’s New: Vail’s two new lifts atop Wildwood are entering their sophomore season. Lap Sun Down Bowl, explore Game Creek Bowl, hike Ptarmigan Ridge or enjoy home-smoked BBQ above 10,000 feet all at this improved destination.
Winter Park Resort
Skiable Area: 3,081 acres
Base/Summit Elevation in Feet: 9,000/12,060
Projected Opening Date: TBA
Pass Information: Ikon Pass, download the Winter Park app and the Ikon Pass app
What’s New: The Pioneer Express, which services 1,215 vertical feet, is now upgraded from a four-person to a six-person lift, expanding its capacity from 1,970 skiers per hour to 2,800. Additionally, a new mid-station near the intersection of Pioneer Express Trail and Big Valley Trail is under construction to eliminate the need to ski all the way down to the bottom terminal.
Transportation Tip: The Winter Park Express, through a partnership between Amtrak and Winter Park Resort, takes travelers from Denver Union Station to the ski resort on weekends between mid-January to late-March. Tickets start at $34.
Photos Courtesy of Winter Park Resort