Dave's Blog

Hey Dave,

Cant wait to come out to Telluride early January with a bunch of friends of mine from Arizona. We are pretty used to skiing at Sunrise Ski Resort which is a decent local mountain that we all go to in AZ.  From the pics and trail map, ur place looks amazing. However alot of us talk about how double blue runs would compare to a little easier mountains' black runs such as Sunrise. From other places you have been, how would you describe the difficulty in runs such as double blues and blacks at Telluride? Thanks, See ya guys soon!

Dave's reply: Hi Zach, I think our ratings are consistant with other resorts in Colorado. Some areas don't use the "double" signs like we provide. I think it is more informative. Enjoy your vacation to Telluride in January!

Hey Dave! Is this whole week full of wind/snow/clouds?  Was hoping to have a couple blue bird days, but I'm not complaining if we get freshies.  Guess I'll have dress super warm heh...

Dave's reply: Hi Ryan, I'm seeing continued snow on and off through this week and weekend on the weather maps. Enjoy!

Killing me out here...Gold Hill looks great!  When I was there we had to hike that everyday :)  Keep up the great work on the blog and on the hill!

Dave's reply: Hi J, Gold Hill is sweet this season!

Love the pictures!! Me and friends will be visiting From ASU, Jan 3-6th! Can't wait! Love the blog, great to hear the updates!

Dave's reply: Hi Cameron - thanks for choosing Telluride! You're going to have a great vacation!

you're such a tease with the pictures...we can't wait to arrive in telluride this weekend and hit the slopes!

thanks for keeping us posted on your blog.

-emily & david

Dave's reply: I've been called a lot of things on the blog but never..  :-)

Hey conditions look great in telluride.  We will be coming down this week and I see it says all black iron bowl trails are open.  I was wondering if that included Palmyra Peak/ Gold Hills?  thanks cant wait to ski there

Dave's reply: Hi Erik, Gold Hill south to Andy's Gold is open. Palmyra Peak is not open yet due to avalanche control work and other set up requirements. All of Black Iron Bowl is open for hike-to skiing. Bald Mountain is also open for hike-to. Conditions are great - enjoy!

Hi Dave,

My family is coming out on the 19th of January.  We will ski/ride for 6 days-can't wait!!!!

My two teen age boys snowboard.  We have never been to Telluride-will there be 3 terrain parks open? Will the half pipe be open?  If Ute park is closed will there be another park taking its place?

We skied Park City last year and my boys loved the terrain parks.

I sure hope Telluride will have the parks opened and ready.

I am glad you are addressing ski school-my daughter will go to ski school for 3 days and I want to make sure she has a good/fun/safe time. It is hard to get her to go to ski school, so I want to make sure it is a good/fun/safe school. Otherwise it makes it more difficult to place her there.

We have had nothing but dreary rain here in Pennsylvania.

I can not wait to arrive and enjoy your beautiful snow and mountain!

Molly

Dave's reply: Hi Molly, Thanks for coming to Telluride!

You're boys are going to love our parks. They should all be up and running by the time you get here. We're just finishing up making snow on the park locations and have started making a large amount of snow for the superpipe. We'll have parks for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders, superpipe, and lots of rail lines for different ability levels. The Ute Park beginner park will be relocated under Chair 1, the Chondola. We're not shrinking our parks, we're actually expanding them and putting them in locations which are easier to supervise and maintain high-quality control.

Ski School will be taking great care of your daughter. I know exactly what your expectations are (as the father of a 12 year old girl who has been in many different ski school destination resort programs).

We'll see you and your family soon in Telluride!

With the new terrain open this year i think it would be wise to increase the stats on your website. If I'm not mistaken isn't the new vertical including the hike to terrain almost 4000 feet now?(8725 base and 12700 on near Palmyra and Gold hill?) Also wouldn't the total skiable acreage should be more than 1700 acres too, right? What is the new total for skiable acres? Just thought that it might be a bit of a marketing point that could help you guys out.

Dave's reply: Hi Jon, Thanks for the idea. You are correct that our stats are different (bigger) if you include the hike-to terrain. We added Palmyra Peak after our brochures were printed. Quite frankly, we're not sure exactly what the acreage is as a result and need to have a digital mapping project done which takes into account the profile to calculate the acreage. The vertical is easy to calculate. In order to communicate accurately, I think we should show acres and vertical for lift served terrain and then have a different stats which add in the hike-to terrain. I just talked with the marketing department a moment ago about this and we'll get it pulled together. Note: Palmyra Peak is 13,320'. Thank you!

Dave, a Ute terrain park under Chair 1 is a great idea.  My husband and were brainstorming this last weekend.  We thought that a Chair 1 location would allow our two kids to ride up & ski down over and over and over and over and such (on their own).  We further imagined some live music, chairs and drinks alla Gorrono Ranch to complete the picture for us -- but Big Billy's cafeteria will work too.  I think that's a great location for kids under 12 or so.  

Dave's reply: Hi Barbara, Yes - and there is plenty of terrain on skiers right just north of the lift line for this set up. It's the perfect pitch and width for easy terrain features. We're blowing snow there right now and with these perfect snowmaking temperatures we'll have that park set up in no time. Also, we're in the process of remodeling and reopening the bar at Big Billies, it's only partially complete right now. New furniture, 4 big new flat screen TVs, etc. It should be complete in a few weeks.

Dave,

  I would like to give your Telluride grooming team, ski patrol, and you, credit for something I saw a couple of days ago:  I rode lift 10 and saw somebody's small skipoles at about chair pole 30.  I thought, too bad, it is getting late, and the chair will close soon.  The next ride up, I saw a boy about 9 years old with those poles, and NO SKIS bogged down in the deep snow. How he even got there without skis, I don't know. At the top of the lift, I saw a pair of skis that were about his size sitting there in the snow and thought "Aha, those must be his, but why?". I went down under the chair to check on him, and found a ski patrol on the way too.  We got there to find the boy without skis who thought he could not possibly ski Holy Cow, and was just going to hike down, get his poles, and hike up, but it was all too deep in the end. Ski patrol told him to work his way down instead.  The lift was closing, so ski patrol had the boy's skis brought down to the bottom of Holy Cow to wait for him.

  Sooo, the next day, I see that the groomers had run down under lift 10 wherever they could.  This way, dropped equipment did not disappear in the deep snow, and somebody like this could walk down and up, or even ski under control to retrieve their stuff. This seems to happen a lot on lift 10. The groomers also ran only under the up-ride side of lift 10 below Dan Quail's house, giving the same benefit.

   Again, I want to give your groomers, the patrol, and you kudos for thinking of how to prevent difficulties and make skiing Telluride a happy experience, even if you drop your poles, gloves, camera, phone, glasses, goggles, or wallet.  No slogging through deep snow on foot. No waiting until next year for a thaw.  The groomers may even find stuff exposed on the hard-pack on their next pass. Thanks again for being here! It really shows!

  -  Paul

Dave's reply: Hi Paul, Grooming typically makes passes down under Chair 10 for several reasons. All the ones you mentioned plus it allows lift maintenance to access the towers by snowmobile without getting their machine stuck in deep pow and several houses use that route for ski-in, ski-out. Have a great NYE!

So Dave, you are actually saying that people can ski on the very peak of Palmyra? I've been to Telluride and I know how seemingly impossible it would be to "hike" to the peak (13320ft) from the direction of chair 12. Maybe i'm mistaken but who is going to hike 1100 more vertical feet (12225 to 13320) over that far of a distance. Have you noticed those 4 or 5 rocky spires that rarely are coverd with snow just to the north of the peak, protruding in front of the peak where skiers would be coming from? How are people supposed to cross those to actually reach the 13320ft peak? I think realistically people may be able to hike to right before those which I'm assuming is around 12800-12900ft. However, if I'm wrong which I hope I am you could be onto a huge marketing break through. Snowmass in Aspen holds the highest vertical in the lower forty eight states at just over 4400 vertical feet. Now only 3800 of those vertical feet are lift serviced. Nevertheless they still boast that they have the highest second only to Whistler Blackcomb in North America (5280ft). Now if you can truly ski the top of Palmyra at 13320 ft your new skiable(not lift serviced) vertical would be 4595 ft(8725ft-13320ft) This would mean that you could now claim the highest vertical in the lower 48 states which i think would be a huge marketing tool. Not only would it make peoples decision easier when choosing between say Vail or Telluride which as of right now have verticals less than 150 feet apart (Vail-3400ft Tellurde-3550ft) I know from talking to people who live thousands of miles away as for myself these seemingly trivial facts(vertical feet) to locals and avid skiers) make the world of difference to people who don't ski as much. They want to go back home and say "I skied a mountain with the highest vertical in North America" Dave, I'm am telling you that this slight reconfiguration of stats could be a big difference maker. Besides wouldn't it be great to say that Telluride has the largest vertical in Colorado with the shortest lift lines? Tell me what you think, what your planning to do, and when you project your plans pertaining this subject to become real.

Dave's reply: Hi Sam, Yes - when we do open Palmyra Peak (it is not open yet) it will be possible to hike and ski off the actual peak - just below the summit at 13,250'. The climb will take about a 1.5 to 2 hours from the top of Chair 12. Clearly, Palmyra Peak requires that the person be in very good physical condition and is only for experts.

"Biggest vertical and shortest lift lines" sounds very appropriate for Telluride!

Bra,

Just for Sam's information, Palmyra peak used to get skied all the time before prospect bowl was opened. You'd have to hike from the gate at the top of chair 10 but it was great then and it'll be even better when we can start from the top of 12. It still gets skied often when the area closes. When the snow is right, you can skin straight to the top.

The honest truth is, I wouldn't even bother with hiking the peak. Four big turns and you're done. I'd stick to Misty Maiden where the real skiers hang, bra.

Dave's reply: Keepin' it real :)

Dave are y'all thinking of putting a lift up to Palmyra Peak? Who really wants to waste 2 hours of their expensive lift tickets to ski some double black extremes when Andy's Gold, Dynamo and Little Rose are just as Extreme and much more safe and oh so timeless. A cheap Dopplemayr lift would do the job and would add much more attention to Telluride. I know you guys at TSR are thinking about it but we want answers and ajustments and we want them now. Good terrain needs good attending and good attention build a lift and all will be well. Maybe a Poma would work BUT DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We want to have the best skiing possible. It is unmatched in america for not having a good lift for some of the best terrain in america. Spread the news of Telluride and build a new lift!!!

Dave's reply: Hi Johanna. Actually, I'll never say never regarding a lift to "Tram Shot" on Palmyra peak but I'm more interested in building a lift in San Joaquin Bowl first. It's  already approved by the Forest Service and would offer an incredible NE facing powder bowl. Here is a picture of the top half. The upper terminal would go on the little ledge in the upper right had side of the picture (Hillary Step):

Dave are there any plans to upgrade the ski racks on the G? With all the big fatty twin tips these days the old school racks hardly accomodate todays boards. It is hard to get these big skis in and out of them quickly and I also hate to see my $1k setup just JAMMED down in the racks by the operators, makes me cringe! We have started putting our skis on the snowboard racks but not all the cars have them and we get held up sometimes especially if there are a lot of boarders waiting for these cars too.

Thanks!! The skiing was fantastic again this weekend :) hope you made it out too!!

Dave's reply: I know what you're talking about and agree. The gondola is owned by the Town of Mountain Village and funded primarily by the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association. In other words, it's not the ski areas lift. I'll ask the right people if the project you're describing has been costed out though. It would be worth figuring out. Thanks.

Yo Dave, on our way back to TX after a fab week in Telluride with great snow!  Great time but what's up with the gondola?  Stopping starting all week drove us a bit crazy.  Still a great time though.  We'll be back soon.

Dave's reply: The gondola is owned and operated by the town so I'm not totally plugged in to it's performance. I have not noticed excessive stops recently though. Glad you enjoyed Telluride - conditions have been incredible. Hope you can make it back again soon!

I am coming to Telluride this week and wondering if your big park is up yet, and if so, how is it shaping up this year.

Dave's reply: Hi John, more and more features are being added. Hoot is open niow and the snowmaking is almost complete for the superpipe! You'll like what you see.

Hi Dave,

Personally I think that it is dangerous and irresponsible for you to expose the public to hike to terrain in Palmyra Peak.  PERIOD.

PS - HAVE YOU EVER HIKED THE PEAK???

Dave's reply: I'm relying on the recommendation of our professional ski patrol regarding the suitability of opening the hike-to terrain. Clearly, individuals are responsible for understanding their own ability level and choosing the appropriate terrain for their ability level to ski throughout any ski area. I support opening Palmyra Peak and Black Iron Bowl for hike-to terrain and offering back country access gates so people can enjoy recreating on the national forest lands. There are cliffs, rocks, creeks, trees, avalanche and other potentially hazardous situations throughout all ski resorts. It is up to the individual to exercise due care, ski in control, understand the inherent risks of the sport and take personal responsiblity for their actions. PERIOD.

Hi Dave,

Nice reply to A LOCAL.

Yes, hiking to the top of Palmyra can be dangerous but that's one of the reasons I live here. I live to stay away from the masses that tend to clog up high traffic areas on the ski area. There is a reason we have green runs. Palmyra gives those who have spent time on their craft to get out and push their own limits. I don't feel in the least bit "exposed" to the dangers of hiking and skiing Palmyra and wouldn't think twice about suing anyone if I screwed up and hurt myself (I actually did break myself and had to miss a season but didn't think ONCE of suing the area.) Letting people take responsibility for themselves is not irresponsible in the least, in my opinion.

I'd like to ask A LOCAL if you've ever hiked the peak? If so, what made you think it was so incredibly dangerous? If it's controlled, the conditions are right and you have the proper skill set, Palmyra Peak is a walk in the park.

I would add, though, that if you are not confident in your fitness and ability to read terrain, then work on your skills and do it when you feel you can, otherwise you might get in trouble. Just use common sense.

A LOCAL, please understand that just because the ski area is ALLOWING you to hike and ski Palmyra, it doesn't mean you should blindly make your way up it into your own personal oblivion with the mindset that if something bad happens, the ski area will be responsible. READ the signs and understand that when you go out the gate, you're on your own. If you don't like it then stay on the area, just don't try and ruin it for those of us who have worked a lifetime on sculpting our balls and want to use them.

Thanks again Dave for the ability to communicate here,

Another LOCAL

Dave's reply: Thanks for expressing your opinion. I'm sure many people agree with you, as do I.

Hi Dave, We are a little concerned about our trip to telluride this year, as we've heard a few rumours going around that you have made some changes to the terrain park from last season. Is it true that your jumps are not going to be over 40 feet? And are you really putting the beginner features where the big jumps used to be? It seams a bit silly to me and my kids if thats true. We have been coming to Telluride for the last 5 years for at least a couple of months at a time. The park has been getting better and better. We all hope its as good as last year as it was so much fun. We like coming to Telluride for the park as it has no where near as many busy line ups as other parks around CO, and it is just as good as any other park around. Except the overall park is not as big, but i guess you don't have the facilities available. But, we still like it that is why we come. My 2 sons and I are all sponsored snowboarders and we come to Telluride to train away from the public eye and get our stuff together for competitions. it would be a real shame to see the park go downhill as we will have to find somewhere up to standard to visit.

Please tell us this isnt happening

Thank you

Dave's reply: We have moved things around but to improve not decrease the quality. We have a range of features - small, medium, and large. I think you'll like what you see. Historically, all we had was small and large, we've added medium this year.

Thanks for the new webcam Dave!

Dave's reply: Thanks to the crew for hooking everything up. It's a nice edition!

I have ridden the advanced park many times since its opening and i have been extremely disappointed with how it has shaped up. The only 2 jumps on the left side are too small and little beginner jumps don't belong in there. Through the years that have ridden park, the years that have had only large jumps, fewer altercations between advanced and beginner riders have occurred. Last years park was the best ever, and now our park looks like it did 6 years ago. Also, I am still trying to figure out what is going to happen with the third hit. If it ends up like it was the other day, someone will end up crippled, and if it is left as a mound, someone will hit it too fast and end up jumping 50 feet to flat. I know your park crew has the ability to build a sweet park, now let's see it get done.

Dave's reply: Thanks for your input. That area is just coming on line, give them a chance to get it dialed in.

 Dave, I heard thru the grapevine that you pulled the complimentary ski passes for the local police;  is this true and if so why?  Isn't upsetting the cops generally a bad idea?  Are there any other examples of groups similarly affected?  

 How are the plans going for Big Billies?  I was all set to sample a brew and watch some football one recent Sunday but found 1 TV and no beer.  Jack

Dave's reply: Hi Jake, Yes, we eliminated the cops comp pass program because we decided to manage our security needs with paid staff and bring in the authorities when actually needed for a violation of the law. We also reduced some of the docs comps down to a list of people who we felt were the best choices (for a variety of reasons) to work with our ski patrol.

Nobody likes to lose a comp pass and some are complaining. One in particular, a doc who lives in Durango, wrote a nasty letter to the editor in the local paper. There was a high level of perceived entitlement evidently :)

3 more big flat screen TVs are scheduled to be delivered next week to Big Billies. The new beer infrastructure is also being delivered. Both have taken longer to receive than planned. Sometimes it's slow getting things delivered to T-Ride.

Hi,

Have you ever hiked up to the Peak?  I am curious, if a person hikes halfway up and decides they can't make it, is it safe to hike back down?

Dave's reply: Hi Kerry, I have not been to the top of the peak yet but have done a fair amount of mountaineering over the years. After looking at it, when I do go, I'll go fully prepared with my skis and poles on a pack, ice ax, and high-end mountaineering boots.  If you are not experienced with climbing and skiing terrain like that, taking lessons with a private climbing guide in the backcountry first would be wise. Going up Palmyra Peak is not the same as going up to Mountain Quail. Walking downhill can be tricky.