Steamboat, Vail delay opening

By Joanne Kelley, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Friday, November 16, 2007

Dominique Taylor © Vail Daily

Snowcat operator George Rowe pushes man-made snow around Monday to cover the bottom of the Born Free run at Vail. Warm weather has hampered snowmaking and prompted the resort to delay its opening until Wednesday.

Two of Colorado's biggest ski areas won't be opening on time because they don't have enough snow.

Visitors headed to Steamboat Ski Resort for the Thanksgiving holiday won't be able to ski at all. The area has postponed opening day until Nov. 30 because warm temperatures have hampered its ability to produce enough man-made snow.

Vail Mountain has pushed back today's scheduled opening until Wednesday for the same reason: not enough snow.

Eldora already announced plans to postpone its season opener until Thanksgiving Day.

So far, seven out of the state's 26 ski areas have begun hosting skiers for the season. But most of them have only limited trails available.

Vail said Wednesday night's temperature dip allowed it to make some headway on making snow.

"We are very confident that with the big drop in temperatures, and indications of a strong shift in the weather pattern that we will open with a very good snow surface next week," said Bill Jensen, chief operating officer of Vail Mountain.

Jensen said forecasts for the "first major winter storm of the season" next week could produce lots of fresh powder for those planning to visit the ski area for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

On the upside for Steamboat, the resort will be able to open its new high-speed, six-passenger Christie Peak Express on Nov. 30, two weeks ahead of schedule.