The recent snows and predictions from the Farmer’s Almanac of a heavy winter ahead have everyone itching to strap on their skis! We’ve even seen a handful of hardcore locals pass by the office windows on their way up the mountain for a little pre season skiing. So in the spirit of ski season being days away, here are some fun facts, events, and the latest skiing news coming out of Telluride …
Snowmaking – State of the Art Technology Gives Telluride a Greener Edge
Telluride Ski Resort is excited for the completion of the snowmaking system upgrades and expansion around the ski area. The new system being installed on Butterfly and Village Bypass ski runs is ten times more efficient and will enhance early season conditions with better snow and opening more terrain earlier. The investment that has been made in the state of the art Snowlogic equipment is a step forward in Telluride Ski Resort’s green initiatives, producing the same amount of snow as the current system while using less energy.
Air – New Air Service from L.A. & Increased Service from Other Major Cities
Access to Telluride Ski Resort has become easier once again this year with the addition of new and improved air service into Telluride/Montrose Regional Airport. New this season is Allegiant Air service from L.A. Allegiant will also be continuing its service from the Phoenix area, providing great, hassle free travel options for skiers in the greater Phoenix area. Telluride will be increasing its air service with additional flights on United from Chicago, Delta from Atlanta and American Airlines from Dallas. This will allow for more flexibility and better connecting options when booking a Telluride trip this winter. http://www.coloradoflights.org/
Pass Products – Skip the Ticket Window and Head Straight for the Slopes
Season pass holders at Telluride will now be able to ski Utah with a new program set up with Solitude Mountain Resort outside Salt Lake City. The program offers full season pass holders at each resort three free days of skiing at the other resort during the 2013-14 ski season. Telluride pass holders will also receive the added benefits of ten percent off on-mountain food and beverage along with 10 percent off resort lodging at Solitude. Look for details at www.tellurideskiresort.com/pass
Terrain – Honoring a Great Soldier and American Hero
Telluride Ski Resort has renamed Ophir Loop trail ‘Stormin’ Norman, in honor of General Norman Schwarzkopf, a Telluride resident and renowned four-star general, lead the American forces in the Persian Gulf War. Schwarzkopf, who lived just outside Mountain Village and was very generous to Telluride organizations with philanthropic efforts, died in December 2012.
2014 Winter Olympics Hopeful from Telluride – Joe Discoe
This year we have an Olympic hopeful for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games: Joe Discoe. Joe is from Telluride and competes on the US Freestyle Team and we hope to see him on the podium this February in Sochi!
Some of Telski’s Skiing Related Events …
http://www.tellurideskiresort.com/Tellski/event-calendar.aspx
- Dec. 21 & Mar. 22– Rail Jam — Skiers and riders will battle it out in our open format Rail Jam where the winners receive cash and other prizes provided by Rockstar Energy Drink and local outfitter Paragon Bootdoctors.
- Christmas – Torch light parade
- New Year’s Eve – Torch light parade and fireworks along with the countdown in front of the court house in downtown Telluride.
- Women’s Week – Three sessions: Jan 24-26, Feb. 9-13– Telluride women’s week features specialized women’s clinics coupled with après-ski and other activities. The event focuses on the dynamics of women skiers both on and off the slopes.
- Telluride Gay Ski Week – Last week of February – Telluride Gay Ski week celebrated its 10th anniversary this past year by expanding from the usual seven days to ten making it the longest gay ski week in the country. Ranked #1 gay ski week in the U.S.A. by gay.com, TGSW provides a unique vacation experience complete with events and parties both on and off the slopes.
- Mar. 16 – Full Moon Relay Race — We will be celebrating the full moon of March with a four leg relay race at the base in Mountain Village. Teams of four will be competing on a course starting with a skin up the hill followed by a slalom ski down. The third leg will feature a fat tire-snowbike lap with the race concluding in an all-out snowshoe sprint to the finish, winner takes all.
- March 29 – Bikini Slalom and Luau at Gorrono Ranch — The Bikini Slalom, a former tradition resurrected by Telluride Ski Resort’s 40th anniversary, will start things off. Points are awarded for style, speed, skills, and creativity. With lots of crowd participation this is one of Telluride’s favorite events! Following will be a luau at on mountain restaurant, Gorrono Ranch. A live DJ, drink specials, and luau style food, including a whole roasted pig, makes this a fun day.
- April 4-6 – Pond Skim Closing Weekend – A favorite weekend for locals, Telluride celebrates the end of its winter season in style. Beginning with KOTO Flamingo Day Street Party Friday evening, the weekend starts off strong in downtown Telluride. Costume clad skiers and riders are scattered all over the mountain scoring their last runs of the winter and convene up at Gorrono Ranch for Pond Skim and Costume contest with party with local favorite, DJ Soul Atomic. Costumes, music and dancing create this festive farewell to winter!