Vail to open with more than 500 acres, Chairs 2, 3 and 4

Vail officials on Wednesday announced Vail Mountain will open Friday with more than 500 acres of skiable terrain and Chairs 2, 3 and 4 taking snow riders all the way to the top of the mountain.

Abundant snowfall last week after a mostly dry and sunny fall put the resort on course for one of its better opening days, and forecasters are calling for even more powder this weekend and into next week.

Here’s the full press release from Vail Resorts:

Vail Mountain, one of the largest and leading ski resorts in the world, announced Wednesday that the resort will open for the 2014-2015 season on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014 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 in these areas on Vail Mountain:

• Gondola One
• Avanti Express Lift (#2)
• Wildwood Express Lift (#3)
• Mountain Top Express Lift (#4)
• Born Free Express Lift (#8)
• Little Eagle Lift (#15)
• 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.

On-Mountain Dining

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 10^th, 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 10^th will be open for dinner service Thursday through Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling (970) 754-1010.

Adventure Ridge Activities

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.

Vail Ski & Snowboard School

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 at www.vail.com.

Vail Mountain Nordic School

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, visit the “Things to do” tab at www.vail.com or call (970) 754-3200.

Last Chance! EpicPass Available Through Sunday, Nov. 23

The Epic Pass™, the best season pass deal in the ski industry offering unlimited, unrestricted access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, Park City and Canyons in Utah, and Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe, for $769 only through Sunday, Nov. 23. For details, visit www.epicpass.com.

For more information about Vail Mountain visit www.vail.com, stop by the Mountain Information Center, or call (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).