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Snowmaking begins on Aspen Mountain

Staff report
Snowmaking has begun on Aspen Mountain's World Cup course, as well as the Deer Park, Spar Gulch and Little Nell trails. See page 2 for more information about Skico's winter season preparations.
Harrison Buck/Aspen Skiing Co. |

Last night, Aspen Snowmass officially kicked off snowmaking operations in preparation for the 2015-16 ski season. With the necessary sustained cool temperatures, the snow guns started blowing snow, beginning the countdown to opening day. Snowmaking operations began on Aspen Mountain with a focus on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup course as well as Deer Park, Spar Gulch and Little Nell trails. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass open Nov. 26, followed by Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk on Dec. 12.

“An October start to snowmaking is early for Aspen, and our crews are excited to see temperatures in the teens in town. It was beautiful to watch the guns blowing snow as the sun rose this morning,” said Rich Burkley, vice president of mountain operations for Aspen Skiing Co..

The 2015 Audi FIS Ski World Cup’s Nature Valley Aspen Winternational takes place this year during Aspen Snowmass’ opening weekend Nov. 28 to 29. The greatest female racers in the world gather to compete on Aspen’s world-renowned racing venue as spectators near and far are invited to the base of Lift 1A for prime viewing. Giant slalom racing will take place Nov. 28 at 10:15 a.m., followed by the finals at 1:15 p.m. On Nov. 29, the slalom races will begin at 10 a.m., with the finals starting at 1 p.m. As always, the races are surrounded by a host of free community events and activities.



Also part of opening weekend, Aspen-Snowmass will officially kick off the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series with a free concert featuring Jamestown Revival, Nov. 28, at the base of Aspen Mountain in the Upper Gondola Plaza. World Cup Giant Slalom awards will take place on the stage following the concert at 8 p.m. A fireworks display will follow at 8:15 p.m.

Opening weekend at Snowmass will feature Thanksjibbing, a rail jam that will take place Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Snowmass Base Village. Guests are welcome to come watch skiers and snowboarders throw down for cash prizing as well as enjoy other post-Thanksgiving action in the Base Village, such as kid’s activities, a bouncy castle, turkey bowling, a restaurant leftover challenge, a live DJ and more.




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