Many Elevate members utilize the convenience and luggage capacity of the PC-12 to chase fresh powder and blue bird mornings. As the 2015/2016 ski season is almost here, we’ve listed a handful of upgrades to many of the ski resorts frequently visited by our members. Here’s to hoping the current El Nino predictions bring above average snowfall!
Vail, Colorado
Vail Mountain took advantage of the summer to replace their Avanti Express Lift with a high-speed six-passenger chair. This is the primary lift option on the front side of Vail, so expect shorter lift lines during the morning rush. Vail Resorts also released plans to leverage its existing EpicMix smartphone app to provide real-time lift line wait times (say that five times fast). EpicMix Time will calculate and display up-to-the-minute wait times across 55 lifts and gondolas. This technology will also be available at Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone Resorts.
Sunshine and fresh powder. Time to rip.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
More snow is what it’s all about and Beaver Creek ups the ante with the addition of 23 fully-automated fan guns to increase snowmaking capabilities on their Red Tail and Centennial trails. Snowmaking guns are also slated to be added to enhance the snowmaking refresh fleet to add a dusting of snow atop groomed trails. Man-made snow is great – said no one ever, but building the snow pack with the fake stuff still makes for sweeter turns when the real stuff builds up.
Squaw Valley, California
Lake Tahoe resorts struggled last year with minimal snow pack, but Squaw Valley continues to invest in creating a better skier experience. Over the summer, Squaw Valley upgraded the Siberian Express lift from a quad to a high-speed 6-pack. The old lift was prone to wind closures; however, the new, heavier 6-pack will operate in more adverse conditions which should mean more fresh tracks when the dump is on.
Skiing above Lake Tahoe
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen’s airport is top destination for Elevate members, so we’re always please to hear about upgrades to the mountain. Snowmass Resort replaced and realigned their High Alpine lift which will cut down the current 11-minute ride to 5.6 minutes. They also added snowmaking equipment to two runs and started additional trail construction. Guests to Aspen Highlands will notice a $1.1 million restoration to the mid-mountain Cloud Nine restaurant.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Slated to open with the rest of the resort on November 7, Breck’s Colorado SuperChair will now be a six-passenger express moving skiers up Peak 8. This represents a 30% increase in the lift’s capacity and is expected to help disperse skiers to the peaks around Peak 8. Breck also added a mile of snowmaking pipes to Lost Horizon and Barton Breezeway trails on Peak 6 which should help get the lower-mountain terrain open earlier in the season regardless of natural snowfall.
Copper Mountain, Colorado
Copper plans to build on its award-winning geo-targeted mobile app, Sherpa, which tracks user’s runs, speed and vertical feet. New this season, Sherpa will offer trail recommendations based on a user’s previous skiing patterns. After a day on the mountain, Copper skiers will enjoy new food and beverage options including Starbucks, Mahi Fish Tacos and the relocated Belgian Bean. Copper may not boast the glitz and glam, but this mountain gem is a sweet alternative during peak season.
The 2015/2016 ski season is almost here. Are you ready?
Canyons Resort and Park City Mountain, Utah
Last year, ski industry titan Vail Resorts purchased Park City Mountain Resort. Vail Resorts plans to connect Park City with its neighboring resort, Canyons, to create the largest ski area in North America. Vail announced plans for $50 million in upgrades to the two resorts including the connecting gondola, new restaurants and better snowmaking. With it’s close proximity to Park City, Heber Valley Airport gets you in the game quicker. Keep an eye on the weather report to book your Elevate travel to lay fresh tracks on Vail’s mega’s resort.
Updated photos: Park City Resort Blog
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is celebrating its 50th anniversary this winter with the addition of the new Teton Lift. The chairlift will be located between the existing Casper and Apres Vous lifts. The Teton Lift opens new terrain previously only accessible by hiking and puts you closer to the popular Granite Canyon chute. Teton Lift is scheduled to open on December 19, 2015.
Jackson Hole celebrates 50 years.
