THE BOTTOM RAIL

by: Verbal Shredwright

The first Colorado resorts are open as of late October with many locals cautiously optimistic about the season ahead. The race to open a white ribbon of death is not a small accomplishment or something new. It has always played a critical role activating the mountain mind switch from summer to winter. From images and clips of the first snowflakes falling... to the first turns at open resorts... there is plenty of content coming from the resort social media teams to create excitement.

Jokes aside... getting those first runs and skiable acres open are always a big first step every season. Getting off to a good start and gaining momentum heading into the busy winter holidays is always the goal. After opening day... the next big milestone is when do resorts get "Top to Bottom" and "Ski to Town" runs open. Temperatures and the snowmaking they permit or prohibit are unpredictable factors just like when or if real snow will fall from the clouds.

Watch for top to bottom runs at A-Basin, Keystone, etc. to open and ski to town runs in Breckenridge, Vail and others to open… then you'll know. Top to bottom skiing… and skiing to Town by Thanksgiving is a pretty good start. Struggling to get them open by Christmas isn't.  After last season many are waiting to see what Mother Nature, Ullr and El Nino deliver… or don't. Until then keep watching the weather and what runs the resorts open when.