Eldora, CO 11-25&26-23

[EMSC]

Less than 24 hrs beach to snow time. Snowed overnight, but unfortunately more on the flatlands than the mtns (3-4 at house only one plus flurries all am at mtn). Chilly at least for my body at ~12F start and 22F by afternoon. Minor difference from Florida

Of course the only reason to go was for Jr's race training. Apparently lift lines had been outrageous on Friday and were plenty long today given the open terrain which amounts to 3 frontside runs and one beginner run. Quite firm manmade with soft on top. They had had 6" the day prior so at least it looked and felt wintery. Snowmaking everywhere possible. I would say a touch behind average terrain open for this date due to the warm and dry early season.

Given a late night flight we didn't push too hard for race training only getting on-hill ~9am. I'm still snowboarding, of course. Looking like that might continue for quite some time...

To be honest, I probably won't write up any more tomorrow unless something out of the ordinary occurs. Supposed to be sunnier to start and ~5F warmer. Plus, I have a work trip to fly out for for the next week.

SL on the menu today

Desperately trying to get a 2nd upper mtn lift open to spread the crowds.

Sun finally appeared after 1p

Don't worry we have Plenty of snowmaking available for the terrain park!

A partial view of the current state of the new Ski school/Disabled building construction lower mtn. To be completed in time for next season. They are doing their best to get it enclosed so they can keep working this winter.

green are open trails, blue is active snowmaking

 

[jamesdeluxe]

Don't worry we have plenty of snowmaking available for the terrain park!

I'd be interested to know if there's any accurate data about:

1. Whether terrain parks are still as big a draw as in the 2000s
2. (Somewhat related) What the current skier vs. snowboarder percentages are

I guess that your comment more or less confirms #1.

 

[Tony Crocker]

What the current skier vs. snowboarder percentages are

From Kottke Reports, the peak year for snowboarding percentage was 2008-09:
30.9% U.S. total, 27.3% Northeast, 24.6% Rockies, 47.5% Pac NW, 46.6% Pac SW
The percentages gradually declined to 2017-18:
25.8% U.S. total, 21.4% Northeast, 21.6% Rockies, 29.8% Pac NW, 35.7% Pac SW
Then up a little to 2019-20:
26.7% U.S. total, 21.8% Northeast, 22.3% Rockies, 32.7% Pac NW, 43.7% Pac SW

I no longer get Kottke reports, but the national snowboarder percentage in 2021-22 was 27.9%.

 

[ChrisC]

From Kottke Reports, the peak year for snowboarding percentage was 2008-09:
30.9% U.S. total, 27.3% Northeast, 24.6% Rockies, 47.5% Pac NW, 46.6% Pac SW
The percentages gradually declined to 2017-18:
25.8% U.S. total, 21.4% Northeast, 21.6% Rockies, 29.8% Pac NW, 35.7% Pac SW
Then up a little to 2019-20:
26.7% U.S. total, 21.8% Northeast, 22.3% Rockies, 32.7% Pac NW, 43.7% Pac SW

I no longer get Kottke reports, but the national snowboarder percentage in 2021-22 was 27.9%.

I think Skier Cross in the 2010 Olympics - and Slopestyle and Pipe skiing in the 2014 Olympics and X-Games helped kill the growth of snowboarding. Two skis are still easier, lighter, etc than a board. And more fun doing tricks.

Why Board? Isn't that something Gen X and Millenials do? It's really not Gen Z/Tik-Tok nation.