Two powder days on tap for Vail Valley heading into Easter

The second day of spring was a warm one in the Vail Valley, with temperatures soaring into the 50s on Monday. But more winter weather is on the way later this week after more than two feet of new snow fell on the slopes of Vail and Beaver Creek last week.

New snow last week at Vail (Vail Mountain Facebook photo).

With less than three weeks of skiing remaining on the calendar (closing day at both resorts is set for Sunday, April 10), there likely aren’t that many chances to enjoy a powder day. But both Wednesday and Saturday could deliver some soft new snow before Easter is celebrated on Sunday, March 27.

Two significant storms are headed into Colorado starting Tuesday night, according to Opensnow.com meteorologist Joel Gratz:

“The next storm will bring heavy snow to most mountains on Tuesday evening, and Wednesday first chair should be a powder day with 4-8”. Additional snow will fall on Wednesday, so expect great conditions through the day, with more snow possible Wednesday night in the northern mountains. A second storm will bring snow on Friday into Saturday, and I think Saturday will be another good powder day. Snow totals from now through the weekend could be around 15-30” in the northern mountains and perhaps 10-20” in the central and southern mountains.”

Then on Sunday, Vail Mountain will host three different Easter Sunday services. Here’s the press release from Vail Resorts:

Vail Mountain to Host Three Interdenominational Easter Sunday Services

• Town of Vail to provide complimentary parking in Lionshead for early service attendees

VAIL, Colo. – March 21, 2016 – Vail Mountain will host its annual interdenominational sunrise service on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 6 a.m. inside at Eagle’s Nest. The Eagle Bahn Gondola will open to the public at 5:30 a.m. to transport guests from Lionshead. Complimentary baked goods and beverages will be provided. In addition, there will be two afternoon Easter services outside at Eagle’s Nest: one scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at Simonton Deck also known as the Holy Cross observation deck, and one at 2:30 p.m. on the Marketplace deck.

For those planning to attend the Easter sunrise service, the Town of Vail is offering free parking for vehicles that enter the Lionshead parking structure after 5 a.m. and depart prior to 10 a.m. Upon departure, attendees should inform the booth attendants they were at the service.

For the sunrise service, the gondola ride is complimentary and guests are not permitted to bring skis or snowboards. Following the service, guests will be asked to download the gondola. Guests will need a lift ticket or scenic ride ticket for the 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. service.

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