Vail’s Back Bowls open for business with more snow in forecast

Vail on Saturday opened parts of the Back Bowls after 15 inches of snow fell since Thanksgiving night. Both Chairs 5 and 9 were up and running on Sunday, with plenty of fresh snow but big crowds converging on Sun Up and Sun Down Bowls.

With more than 2,000 skiable acres now open so soon after an early opening day on Nov. 14, the focus is now on China and Tea Cup Bowls. The first part of the week should be dry, but more snow is in the forecast for the middle of the week.

“If you missed this storm cycle or just want more snow, stormy weather should return on Wednesday or Thursday with snow chances continuing through about December 7th,” Opensnow.com meteorologist Joel Gratz wrote Sunday. “We can’t ask for anything more during an early season!”

Here’s a press release from Vail Resorts on the Back Bowls opening:

Vail Mountain Opens Legendary Back Bowls

VAIL, Colo. – Nov. 25, 2018 – Vail Mountain has opened its legendary Back Bowls, providing access to portions of Sun Up and Sun Down bowls via High Noon Express (#5) and Sun Up Express (#9). Vail is now offering 2,166 acres of skiable terrain, with more anticipated to open this week.

This marks the third time in the last decade that the Back Bowls have opened this early. In 2014, the Back Bowls opened on Nov. 26, in time for Thanksgiving, and in 2010, portions of the Back Bowls opened on Nov. 24. The earliest the Back Bowls have opened this century was on Nov. 16, 2002.

“We are excited to open a portion of the Back Bowls this early in the season and are thankful that we were able to provide that legendary experience for our Thanksgiving holiday guests,” said Doug Lovell, Vail chief operating officer. “Vail has had a strong start to the season, with a foot of snow in the last 48 hours and almost six feet of snow this season. We are definitely experiencing mid-winter conditions.”

Beginning on Sunday, Nov. 25, skiers and snowboarders will have access to the following lifts and more than 2,166 acres of skiable terrain accessible via the following lifts on Vail Mountain:

• Gondola One
• Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19)
• Born Free Express Lift (#8)
• Avanti Express (#2)
• Wildwood Express Lift (#3)
• Mountain Top Express Lift (#4)
• High Noon Express (#5)
• Game Creek Express (#7)
• Sun Up Express (#9)
• Northwoods Express (#11)
• Gopher Hill (#12)
• Sourdough Express (#14)
• Little Eagle Lift (#15)
• Lionshead Carpet (#34)

All guests are reminded that they must observe all posted signs, closures and slow zones, 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.

Epic Pass: Last Chance to Purchase Extended to Sunday, Dec. 2

The last chance to purchase the 2018-19 Epic Pass and other Epic Season Pass options – including the Epic Local, Epic 7-Day and Epic 4-Day – is Sunday, Dec. 2. The Epic Pass provides skiers and riders with the greatest multi-resort pass value in the ski industry, offering access to more than 65 resorts in eight countries for $949. New for the 2018-19 winter season, the Epic Pass will now feature unlimited, unrestricted skiing and riding at 19 mountain resorts including Crested Butte, plus seven days at Telluride, in addition to unlimited access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. The remaining lineup of passes is available for purchase at epicpass.com.

The Snow Is Here & So Are Winter’s Best Deals:

The Vail Resorts Cyber Sale is back. With lodging rates from $99/night, there’s no better time to book a winter getaway to Vail, Beaver Creek, Whistler Blackcomb, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Tahoe, Stowe and more. The Vail Resorts Cyber Sale ends at midnight this coming Tuesday, Nov. 27. Visit  https://www.snow.com/info/cyber-week  to plan, book and save.

10 Days of Epic

To celebrate 10 years of the Epic Pass, Vail Mountain will offer 10 days of specials on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 16. Some specials include complimentary fries with the purchase of an Epic Burger; 50 percent off ski school group lessons; après at Express Lift Bar featuring $3 drink specials; and 20 percent off Epic Mountain Express rides to and from Vail. Additional details are available at www.vail.com/readysetsnow

Snow Days

From Dec. 13 to 16, Vail Snow Days features an expanded four-day lineup of events and activities from free concerts, a Pray for Snow Bonfire, pub crawls, and more. Visitwww.vail.com/snowdays for a list of all activities.