Vail, Beaver Creek bracing for winter storm ahead of Presidents’ Day

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for western Colorado, including the Vail Valley, from Wednesday afternoon through Friday afternoon. And forecasters say even more snow is on the way for the latter part of Presidents Day weekend.

“An extended period of moderate to heavy snow is possible from the mid- to late-week period over the western Colorado and eastern Utah mountains,” the alert reads.

“Snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches are possible, with amounts over 2 feet possible over favored aspects. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph at times near and above treeline,” it continues. “Travel could be very difficult at times.”

Vail has received more than a foot of new snow in the last week and 216 inches so far this season.

Beaver Creek hs received 14 inches of snow in the last week and 185 inches so far this season.

“While there will be some fresh snow on Thursday, it now looks like the deepest powder will be Friday and Saturday,” Opensnow.com meteorologist Joel Gratz reports. “Additional snow could arrive late Sunday into Monday.”

Presidents’ Day launches a number of events at Beaver Creek. Here’s a press release on some of them:

Extraordinary Events Welcome Families to Beaver Creek this February

BEAVER CREEK, Colo. – Feb. 6, 2019 – Following an extraordinary start to the ski and snowboard season, Beaver Creek Resort welcomes families during the month of February to new and returning events, including a boundary-pushing ballet performance and complimentary activities.

Beaver Creek Extraordinaire presents Spangled

Families will enjoy a festive and light-hearted celebration of America during Presidents Weekend, with events inspired by American heritage, classic American music, and the American Ski Culture.

Event Schedule:

National Statesmen | Feb. 15, 3-6 p.m.

Enjoy sculptures of American presidents and heritage and make a snow angel at the official snow angel park.

Ceremony of Lights | Feb. 16, 3-6 p.m.

Celebrate the patriotic pride of Presidents Day Weekend with red, white and blue sparklers alongside an illuminated village and presidential surprises.

Monumental Music | Feb. 17, 3-6 p.m.

Classic American music takes center stage with performances in the heart of the Beaver Creek Village. Swing by and learn new dance moves with professional dancers.

American Ski Culture | Feb. 18, 4-7 p.m.

Take a trip through time as American skiing throughout the years comes to life with vintage Warren Miller films and vintage posters.

Talons Challenge

On Feb. 23, Beaver Creek invites competitors of all ages to conquer 14 black and double black diamond trails and 26,226 vertical feet during the 16^th Annual Talons Challenge, presented by Helly Hansen.

Participants will attempt 14 runs in one day off of terrain on Grouse Mountain, Larkspur Bowl and Birds of Prey. At the end of the day, participants are invited to the Talons Challenge Après Party at Talons Restaurant from 12–4 p.m. and the celebration continues in Beaver Creek Village from 4–6 p.m. 

Complimentary Events and Activities 
Women’s Social Tour

Complimentary two-hour ski tours led by female ambassadors offered Tuesday through Friday until March 29. Meet at the base off the Centennial Express Lift at 10 a.m.

Skate and Social
Each Monday night, pop some skates on and glide across the ice in the heart of Beaver Creek Village. Free skate rentals are available, while quantities last. Mondays through April 8 from 6-9 p.m.
 
Thursday Night Lights
Join the glow-stick ski-down and fireworks finale. For more information and registration, call or visit Children’s Ski School, (970) 754-5464. Thursdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28. 6 p.m. Registration, 6:30 p.m. upload.
 
Beaver Creek Funfest
A village-style carnival complete with games of skill and prizes. Saturdays through April 13, 4–5:30 p.m.