Vail, CO – As we approach Thanksgiving week many, if not most U.S. ski resorts are ready to open for the season in coming days. That’s why by this point in November, unless it’s somehow newsworthy in its own right — free skiing, opening ahead of schedule, etc. — we don’t bother reporting on resort openings any further. But Vail Mountain in Colorado opening for the season with over 500 acres of terrain available? Yep, that’s newsworthy!
Vail Mountain will launch it’s 2014-15 ski and ride season tomorrow with more than 500 acres of terrain and access from Vail Village and Lionshead. Breakfast burritos from Vail Mountain and hot cocoa will be provided at both base areas for early risers as supplies last and the Red Bull DJ truck will be parked at the base of Gondola One in Vail Village to provide music throughout the morning.
“Conditions on the mountain are even better than we initially anticipated and thanks to the hard work of our mountain operations team, we’re thrilled with what we’ll be able to offer to guests beginning on Friday,” said Chris Jarnot, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “As always, we’re excited to get the season started and even more excited for what’s ahead with the 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships.”
Beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, skiers and snowboarders will have access to the following lifts and 540 acres of skiable terrain on Vail Mountain in the areas of Gondola One, Avanti Express Lift (#2), Wildwood Express Lift (#3), Mountain Top Express Lift (#4), Born Free Express Lift (#8), Little Eagle Lift (#15) and the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Skiers and snowboarders will also have access to a terrain park experience on Born Free with nine features including eight boxes and rails, and one small jump. Beginner terrain will be offered at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola via the Little Eagle Lift (#15).
Vail Mountain lifts will open at 9 a.m. throughout the early season to accommodate early morning operations. Skiers and snowboarders are reminded to observe all posted signs and closures, especially during the early season.
The Marketplace at Eagle’s Nest, Express Lift at Mountain Plaza in Vail Village, and the Look Ma level at Mid-Vail will open for the season for daily operations, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Friday. The bar at Bistro Fourteen will also open on Friday.
The 10th, Vail’s elevated on-mountain sit-down dining experience, will open for the season for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday. For the Thanksgiving weekend, The 10th will be open for dinner service Thursday through Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling (970) 754-1010.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., guests will also have access to a variety of activities at Adventure Ridge at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, including the bungee trampoline, kids snowmobiling, snow tubing and the Nature Discovery Center.
Beginning Friday the Lionshead and Vail Village Ski & Snowboard School offices will be open. The Small World Nursery at the Golden Peak Children’s Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted and guests can also register online. The Vail Mountain Nordic School, located in Golden Peak, opens tomorrow with guided backcountry, snowshoe and cross-country ski tours near Vail Mountain. For more information or to book a lesson, call (970) 754-3200.