Vail moves opening up a day to Wednesday, Nov. 22 — same as Beaver Creek

Vail and Beaver Creek will both open on Wednesday, Nov. 22, after a blast of fresh snow rolled through the Vail Valley over the weekend, dropping temperatures for snowmaking and producing nearly a foot of natural snow.

More snow is on the way tonight followed by a dry week. Then the pattern shifts by the middle of next week.

“A few inches of snow should fall along and north of I-70 on Monday night and Tuesday, then we’ll be mostly dry through early next week,” writes Opensnow.com meteorologist Joel Gratz. “Most models indicate a swing toward cooler and stormier weather starting on or around November 29th.”

Vail was originally scheduled to open Friday, Nov. 17, but postponed until Thursday, Nov. 23. Now its shifting back a day to Wednesday, Nov. 22. That’s always been the opening day set for Beaver Creek. Here’s the latest from Vail Resorts:

Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek to Open on Wednesday for the 2017-18 Season

VAIL, Colo. – Nov. 20, 2017 – Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Resort will both open for the 2017-2018 ski and snowboard season on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 9 a.m.

Vail will operate Born Free Express (#8), accessing 45 acres of skiable terrain on Born Free trail. The Eagle Bahn Gondola will operate for scenic gondola rides and access to the Forest Flyer alpine coaster, which will be operable daily from 12-3 p.m. Dining options will also be available at Eagle’s Nest.

Beaver Creek will open with 58 skiable acres of terrain on Gold Dust to Haymeadow for intermediate skiing and snowboarding accessed via Centennial Express (#6) and the Buckaroo Gondola (#1).

“Vail’s mountain operations team was able to take full advantage of the colder temperatures and natural snowfall during the last several days, allowing us to move up our Opening Day to Wednesday,” said Doug Lovell, Vail chief operating officer. “We are excited to be able to join Beaver Creek in opening on Wednesday and believe it gives our guests options heading into the Thanksgiving holiday.”

Skiers and snowboarders are reminded to observe all posted signs, closures and slow zones, especially during the early season. Non-lift uphill access is restricted during the early season, and any questions regarding uphill travel routes and mountain access should be directed to (970) 754-5907.

Vail Mountain Opening Day Offerings:

On-Mountain Dining

The Marketplace at Eagle’s Nest and Express Lift Bar at Mountain Plaza in Vail Village will open for the season for daily operations on Wednesday. The 10^th will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through the weekend. Reservations can be made by calling (970) 754-1010 or online at www.the10thvail.com.

Vail Ski & Snowboard School

Beginning Wednesday, 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. For the best price guaranteed, guests are encouraged to book in advance online at www.vail.com or by calling (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).

Vail Mountain Nordic School

The Vail Mountain Nordic School, located in Golden Peak, opens Wednesday with guided backcountry, snowshoe and cross-country ski tours in the mountains around Vail. For more information, visit www.vail.com or call (970) 754-3200.

Lift Tickets

The Ticket and Season Pass Offices located in Lionshead and Vail Village will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about Vail Mountain visit www.vail.com, stop by the Mountain Information Center, or call (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).

The Golden Peak base area and Chair 6 are a designated race training area only and will open to the public at a later date.

Beaver Creek Opening Day Offerings:

On-mountain Dining

Spruce Saddle Lodge will open for the daily operations on season for Nov. 22. Toscanini will be open for dinner in Beaver Creek Village, and the Beaver Creek Starbucks store is already open.

Ski and Snowboard School

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 22, the Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School offices will be open with lesson offerings and will operate four magic carpets for lessons. For the best price guaranteed, guests are encouraged to book in advance online at www.beavercreek.com or by calling (970) 754-5300.

Parking at Beaver Creek

Paid parking in the Bear and Elk Lots will begin on Nov. 22. Parking is $10 per day and is complimentary after 1 p.m. A 10-day punch pass is available for purchase for $75 and is available at the Ticket Offices in Beaver Creek Village or the Landing. Complimentary direct shuttle service is provided from each lot to Beaver Creek Village. The Beaver Creek Village Transportation App is now available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play. The new app provides real-time bus shuttle tracking for guests. For additional information regarding parking, please call (970) 949-4911.

Lift Tickets

The Ticket and Season Pass Offices located in Beaver Creek Village will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information or advanced lift tickets, visit www.beavercreek.com.

World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition

Beaver Creek’s World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 22, with an exciting array of events. Five finalists will serve up their delightful creations to an eager crowd of cookie fans and one person will walk away $1,000 and bragging rights as the Official Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe of Beaver Creek for the 2017-2018 winter season. At 2 p.m., the aroma of 5,000 cookies will fill the air in Beaver Creek Village, as the judging begins and cookies are doled out to eager guests.

Event Schedule:

2 p.m.: Public judging begins in Beaver Creek Village, next to the Ice Rink. Judging is completely free, but don’t be late – cookies go fast

3 p.m.: Winners announced on the Plaza Stage in Beaver Creek Village

3 p.m.: Cookie Time! (If you didn’t get your fill tasting cookies from the five finalists, the world-famous Cookie Time Chefs will be on hand with heaping trays of signature Beaver Creek cookies.)

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Scheduled for Friday, Nov. 24

Beaver Creek’s 37th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony ushers in another world-class ski season and the beginning of the holiday season at Beaver Creek. The Tree Lighting Ceremony features a holiday poetry contest, ice skating show, performances by various artists, an early visit from Santa Claus, and spectacular fireworks over the Beaver Creek Village.

Pass Restrictions at Vail and Beaver Creek

Holiday pass restrictions for the Epic Local, Epic School Kids and merchant passes will be in effect on Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25.