Vail to open portions of Back Bowls as forecasters call for more fresh snow

Thanks to more than a foot of new snow in the last week, Vail will open parts of its Back Bowls on Saturday, even as forecasters call for a smattering of additional snow to close out the week, with a much snowier pattern to end the month.

“On Thursday morning you’ll find fresh pow at most mountains with the deepest amounts in the south and west,” Opensnow.com meteorologist Joel Gratz wrote Thursday morning. “Lingering snow on Thursday morning should end, then another storm will bring 4-8 inches to the northern mountains on Thursday night and Friday, so Friday will be another powder day in the north.

“This weekend and most of next week will be dry, then a significant storm should arrive on January 19-20th and there will likely be multiple storms to close out the final 10 days of January,” Gratz added.

It’s been one of the slowest starts to a ski season in the history of Vail Mountain, but recent snow and more in the forecast could quickly get things back on track. Here’s the latest terrain update from Vail Resorts:

Vail Mountain to Open Terrain in Blue Sky Basin and the Back Bowls

Colo. – Jan. 11, 2018 – The New Year brought new snow to Vail Mountain. With 14 inches in the last seven days, Vail Mountain will open portions of terrain in Blue Sky Basin and Vail’s legendary Back Bowls on Saturday, Jan. 13. Sun Up Bowl will be open for ski and snowboard access.

Beginning Saturday, Vail Mountain will operate the following lifts with access to 1,959 skiable acres:

• Gondola One
• Avanti Express (#2)
• Wildwood Express (#3)
• Mountain Top Express (#4)
• High Noon Express (#5)
• Riva Bahn Express (#6)
• Game Creek Express (#7)
• Born Free Express (#8)
• Sun Up Express (#9)
• Highline Express (#10)
• Northwoods Express (#11)
• Gopher Hill Lift (#12)
• Sourdough Express (#14)
• Little Eagle (#15)
• Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19)
• Cascade Village (#20)
• Orient Express (#21) – Open only as an egress route from Blue Sky Basin
• Golden Peak Carpet (#25)
• Pride Express (#26)
• Golden Peak Carpet (#29)
• Golden Peak Carpet (#33)
• Lionshead Carpet (#34)
• Eagle’s Nest Carpet (#35)
• Tea Cup Express Lift (#36)
• Skyline Express Lift (#37)
• Pete’s Express (#39)

All guests are reminded that they must observe all posted signs and closures, especially during the early-season. Closed trails may contain hazards due to early snow coverage. Accessing closed terrain is a violation of the Colorado Ski Safety Act and will result in the loss of skiing privileges and could involve prosecution and a fine.

Mountain Dining

Belle’s Camp will be open on Saturday, January 13 with limited service. Belle’s Camp and The Dawg Haus will open on Sunday, January 14 for regular winter operations.