Dave's Blog

Yea Dave!  What a great day. Thanks to you and your crew for making this happen.

Dave's reply: Thanks so much for being there today. This is a big deal for Telluride.

so i was just wondering about the hut on lift 4 going down lower boomerang made out of sticks and branches and why its destroyed now.

someone told me you guys blew it up with avalanche dynamite...

why tho?

Dave's reply: Smoke shack.

Great work Dave... everything looks incredible and I can't wait to get back to Telluride!  What I am about to ask may demonstrate my ignorance, but still I'm curious enough to ask.  I noticed in one of the photos you posted from the previous blog that the groomers were working there way up the center of new lift.  Is it possible that some of the runs I see on the new interactive trail map (another awesome addition I must compliment you on) will be groomed on a regular basis in Revelation?  Merry Christmas!  DH

Dave's reply: We installed a couple "pick points" which are used to hook up a cable to lower a "winch cat" into Revelation Bowl. These will be used to groom areas within the bowl. For example, down Majestic, Silver Cloud, and Bee's Run. We are not sure about frequency at this point, but we're set up to make it happen. It's very time consuming to work this area with a winch cat. Although, I have to say that I'm a really big fan of winch cat grooming on steep runs. We purchased a new Sherpa Prinoth winchcat this year. We actually have 3 winchcats which will be used in various areas. The Plunge, Bushwacker, Milk Run, and in Revelation. Thank you for your question. Enjoy!

Dear Mr. Riley,

We have to compliment you and Mr. Horning for having the vision to expand Telluride Ski Resort.

We've been visiting Telluride for a ski week off and on for the past several years and are absolutley amazed with what you are now doing to the resort. It has always been very nice in Telluride, but recently you have made changes that are amazing to anyone who understands what makes the perfect ski vacation.

Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy, France and Switzerland are places we have also skied over the past five years. Telluride is the only resort we've found that compares in the Americas.

You have a very interesting business approach that will likely yield great dividends in the long-run. Your understanding of how to attrack people who want the "best of the best" in skiing is clear.

We'll be out there in March, and will be staying in the new Capella Hotel. We're very excited about this new hotel. Keep up the good work.

Dave's reply: Hi Steven and Kat, Thanks so much for your kind comments. If you need anything please feel free to contact me directly at driley@tellurideskiresort.com Our goal is to make sure your vacation exceeds your expectations on every level.

Hi Dave,

Congrats on the opening of Revelation Bowl.  I continue to be impressed at the investment you're making for serious skiers and boarders.  Telluride is THE destination for a great alpine experience.

I'm looking forward to exploring all of the new terrain you're opening.  Are there any guided tours for advanced skiers, or is the best bet to hook up with a private lesson?

See you in Feb!

TK

Dave's reply: Hi TK, A private lesson is the best way to go if you're looking for the best experience. We've got some great PSIA instructors who know all that the mountain has to offer. Feel free to contact our vetran Ski School Director - Fred Rumford at frumford@tellurideskiresort.com if you need advice. Thank you.

Dave - will Revelation be open this weekend?  We just moved to Phoenix from the east coast and bought season passes sight-unseen.  Revelation clinched it for us.  We're hoping to ski it Saturday...

Dave's reply: Hi Justin. We're planning on Revelation for this weekend - weather permitting.

 NOAA has an interesting powder forecast for this weekend though:

.LONG TERM...FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY...
CONFIDENCE REMAINS VERY HIGH THAT A PROLONGED WINTER STORM WILL
ARRIVE THIS WEEKEND AND LAST FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THIS BEGINS AS FLOW
IS FLATTENED BY A SHORT WAVE FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT. MEANWHILE A
LONG WAVE TROF IS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OVER THE
NORTHWESTERN STATES. THIS WILL PULL MODIFIED ARCTIC AIR INTO THE WRN
CONUS. ASSOCIATED COLD FRONT WORKS ITS WAY ACROSS NE UTAH AND NWRN
COLORADO SATURDAY TO BE ALIGNED FROM NEAR MOAB NORTHEASTWARD TO
HAYDEN BY SATURDAY EVENING. STRONG FRONTOGENETICAL FORCING THAT IS
COINCIDENTALLY SUPPORTED BY A 120 KNOT JET WILL PROVIDE WIDESPREAD
WINTER WEATHER WITH TEMPS BEHIND THE FRONT COLD ENOUGH TO PRODUCE
SNOW TO THE LOWER VALLEY FLOORS. NO DOUBT WINTER HIGHLIGHTS WILL BE
ISSUED...BIGGEST QUESTION WILL BE WHEN TO END THEM. LOOKS LIKE MTN
SNOW COULD LAST THROUGH NEXT WEEK.

High-altitude and above-treeline Revelation Bowl could be closed due to a significant powder event - awe darn. The terrain below treeline could be epic in that event... We'll see.

Thanks for your support - I think you'll be happy with your decision to buy a pass once you see this great resort. Enjoy the ski season!

waht a great day in Telluride history, Tahnks so much for all that worked hard to make this come to live, it is awesome!

Dave's reply: Thanks for being a part of it Olga. I hope you remember this day for the rest of your life :)

Dave,

 My legs are screaming at me tonight!  Knee deep untracked snow first on lift 5, then 6, then on Revelation.  Phew...  Good stuff.  Thanks!

My question is regarding the off loading of Revelation Bowl Lift.  I assume that the kinks will be worked out so the lift operators won't need to "coach" skiers to push off quickly so then don't get "nudged" by the chair as they unload.  :)

Thanks again,

Michael

Dave's reply: Hi Michael, Thanks for being a part of the day.

Yes, we will fix it tonight by snowcat. The runout area below the unload ramp at the top needs to be cut down a few feet.

Have a great ski season.

It looked like an amazing day!  Congratulations!!  I look forward to skiing the bowl when I am there in February.  Until then, I'll be living vicariously through your Blog!  Keep up the good work!  :)

Dave's reply: Hi Julie, Thanks for choosing Telluride for your ski vacation in February! Stay in touch. Let me know it you need anything at - driley@tellurideskiresort.com or on the blog.

Excellent work Mr. Riley. I shall bring a large group of family and friends to your resort this winter as a result. We'll be bedding at the new Capella Hotel. Cheers.

Dave's reply: Thank you for choosing Telluride for your vacation destination Franklin. Let me know if I can help you with the planning in any way. You can reach me at driley@tellurideskiresort.com

Dave,

 YAHOO! Yesterday was one of those days. Snow, sun and nothing but fun!

 Checking the website and noticed something, the trail notes about what's open are acccurate but you, (they), forgot to update which lifts are open. Sure, I'd love to keep it all to us locals but I know we gotta' get 'em all here to pay the bills.  

  Also, please mention the lifts by number as well as name.  Honest, it'll only take us a couple of years to get used to the new system. Gotta' ask: When do you suppose Telluride Trail might open? (Skiing home is one of the great and rare pleasures of living here). And while I'm at it, what's the prognosis on opening 9... er, Plunge lift?  

Cheers

Marco

Dave's reply: Hi Marco, The staff opened the Plunge (9) late this afternoon to get some skier compaction on the slopes. It will be open tomorrow also. We're rotating things around to create the "optimal base" for a perfect season at Telluride. T-Trail is not too far off. The crew is finishing up some snowmaking first and we'd like to keep everyone out of there while we're doing that work. I think we've got the website dialed in too. Thank you.

FYI, The Colorado Ski Country sight does not reflect the new terrain openings and lists summit elevation as 12570.

Dave's reply: Hi Transom, Thank you. 12, 570 is the top of the lift-served terrain. We should ask them to clarify that because our hike-to goes up to 13,150. They do mention that Revelation is now open.

Thanks a lot for getting Rev opened up! i happened to be one of the first into the bowl and couldn't be more happy with what i was skiing, although there were some rocky outcroppings near the top under the lift and there also seemed to be some large chunks of ice and hard snow lying around unseen due to AC i assume. No big deal, awesome terrain just maybe with the next snow we can get the winch cat to push some more snow over those places.

thanks,

Shawn.

Dave's reply: Hi Shawn, Revelation opened on December 10th - which is an amazing amount of advanced terrain for any ski area in the country this early in the season. It's a little wind-stripped at the top and there is a little avalanche debris in the gut skiers-left of the lift, but that will go away in no time with another snowstorm or two. As always, look where you're turning :) I'm glad you were there for opening day. It is a really big change for Telluride.

I've skied all of over the world and I can't think of a better place than Telluride. It's that simple, you have the greatest job in the world!

Dave's reply: Hi Mark, thanks for your support. I could be called biased, but I agree that Telluride is the best of the best. If I wasn't CEO of the company, I'd still have that opinion.

Is the back country access gate open?

Dave's reply: The USFS backcountry access gates are open.

revelation bowl sounds awesome! If anyone is interested in keeping up with the conditions at Telluride, check out their profile at OnTheSnow.com: www.onthesnow.com/.../skireport.html

Dave's reply: Hi Paul, Thanks for the tip.

Dave, just curious as to what YOUR predictions are for this up coming storm. NOAA's Winter Weather watch is claiming accumulation totals in the FEETS by mid week, and the forecast discussion is talking about a week long storm. Just wondering what your seeing. Any possibility of more new terrain this weekend?          

Thanks

Dave's reply: Hi SB, The weather models I'm looking at are very interesting. I generally don't believe anything beyond 5 days out - and what I see over the next 5 days is very encouraging. December is generally a very snowy month for Telluride so this makes sense. We're already ahead of the game this month and it's looking even better starting Saturday through the forecast period.

When you say the USFS gates are open, is that the one at the top of Revelation only?  Did the Lower BC gates get implemented yet?

Dave's reply: The USFS access gate on Hillary Step and the other one over by the saddle at Bald Mtn. are both open. The other gates the USFS has "floated" to the public have not been acted upon by the agency at this time. To be sure, when someone goes through a backcountry access gate, there is no avalanche control out there and no emergency services provided. Think about it. The ski area does not promote people going through the gates. It is very dangerous to leave the ski area boundary.

100% by xmas holiday?

Dave's reply: The way things are going, this is going to be another incredible X-Mas in terms of terrain open and conditions. Combine our extensive terrain with the best weather of almost any ski resort and that defines Telluride!

dave,

can you saymore about the inbounds slide yesterday?

whasssup???

tftb

Dave's reply: Here is a story from today's paper:

http://telluridewatch.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=757783-Skier-Triggers-Ten-Foot-Debris-Slide-in-Prospect-&widget=push&instance=TW_top_story&article-Skier-Triggers-Ten-Foot-Debris-Slide-in-Prospect-%20=&open=&

I skied Revelation Bowl for the first time today. Wow, it really exceeded my expectations.

Just wait until the international ski community figures out what you have done to improve this ski resort. Just when we thought you'd done so much with the new terrain last year (Black Iron Bowl, Palmyra Peak, Gold Hill 6-10), then you go and add Revelation Bowl. This is truly an amazing time at Telluride.  

I'm so happy and the buzz is incredible all over town. Good work Dave and the crew!

Dave's reply: Hi Thomas, We're glad you enjoy all that Telluride is doing. I have to give all the credit to the Telluride Ski and Golf staff. They're the ones who are making all these great changes come to reality.

Dave,

We couldn't resist and are coming back this weekend.  All the new terrain open, who wouldnt come up right?  The benifits of being with the airlines we can just fly in and come up for the weekend.

Question though some of the friends that are coming with us have heard about Revelation and have asked is there any groomed parts of that bowl?  I didnt know the answer so I figured I would ask.  If not I guess they will be on the other side of the mountain, while we ski Revelation Bowl.  

Like I mentioned on other blogs, you guys won us over last weekend, so this is the second of many trips this season!  Cant wait, and hoping it dumps snow on Sat night so we get stuck on sunday and cant leave, therefore leaving one thing to do...more skiing.  

Its going to be an AWESOME season!!

Dave's reply: Hi Marcin, We will be grooming in Revelation periodically. Majestic and/or Silver Cloud. Have a great weekend!

I'm real pleased to see the mountain opening up on time (maybe a little early).  With the foot plus expected this weekend is there a chance for the sunshine lift to be open next week.  This is a request from the "family".  The kids promise to stay out of the Revelation bowl (for this year anyway) but would love a place to go on their own.  Thanks Dave

Dave's reply: Hi Al, Sunshine Express will open on December 19th at 9:00 a.m. Enjoy the ski season!

Dave, my family and I are coming to Telluride for the first time just after Christmas.  We're fired up and really looking forward to it.  Can you tell us what to expect in terms of the amount of terrain that will be open?  Another question is, what are your recommendations for hike-in terrain for adventurous advanced skiers who may not be ready to commit to the extremes of a one or two-hour hike complete with winter "survival"-type gear?    

Also, that looks like quite a lift line in the photos on this post - is that a first-day abberration or should we expect that (or worse) while we're there?

Dave's reply: Hi Bob, Thank you so much for choosing Telluride for your vacation.

The way the snow is coming in this year I fully expect most all of our terrain to be open prior by the holiday. We've got a big head start already.

For more modest hike-to terrain, I like Bald Mountain. For even shorter hikes, check out the first few runs on Black Iron Bowl, Confidence, Crystal, La Rosa, and Genevieve. All of these areas are located off Prospect Express (12) and are on the map and have good signage. Check out this webpage for more details:

http://tellurideskiresort.com/TellSki/info/hike-to_terrain.aspx#

The long lift line in the pictures at the new Revelation Bowl lift are not normal - it was just because of the grand opening. Telluride is known for it's short lift lines. You'll be amazed with the quality of the ski experience here - on every level.

Let me know if you have any other questions. You can always reach me directly at driley@tellurideskiresort.com

Hi Dave:

What a day!  Thanks for opening the terrain on Gold Hill (14) just as I was getting on the lift.  I had an amazing run down Little Rose and across onto Millions.  Where can I find the vertical data for each lift?  That used to be on paper trail maps as I recall.  Also, it would be nice to have a thermometer at the top of each lift, especially for us parents.  You and the staff are doing an amazing job.

Dave's reply: Hi Doug, I searched around on our website and see that we've somehow dropped the stats your asking about. We'll get that added back - it's interesting information, I agree.

I like your idea regarding thermometers too. We'll order some right away.

Thanks for helping :)

Hi Dave,

There are many of us in Oregon that wish you would have not left Mt. Hood to go run Telluride a couple years ago.

We read your Telluride blog like we used to when you were at Mt. Hood Meadows. Telluride is lucky to have you. How you communicate with your customers is really amazing. Since you left, the Mt. Hood Meadows' blog has died a slow death.

A group of us girls are planning a trip out there in February. We usually go to Whistler but we decided it's time to try Telluride. We'll stop by your office and say hi. Where is it located? We'd like to get some tips on your favorite runs and restaurants.

Thanks in advance for your help. We can't wait to ski Telluride!

Dave's reply: Hi Trish, Thanks so much for your kind blog comments. Also, thank you for choosing Telluride for your vacation - you'll be amazed with all this resort has to offer - guanranteed.

My office is on the second floor of the Plaza Building right next to the Village Express in Mountain Village. I'd love to meet you and your friends. As you plan your trip, let me know if you need any help. You can always reach me at driley@tellurideskiresort.com

Revelation Bowl is unreal. It exceeded my expectations by a mile.

Dave's reply: Hi Bruce, We're glad you enjoy it. It is a perfect powder bowl with the best view ever.

Dave-- Great job on the opening of Revelation bowl. It skies a lot bigger than it looks. The comments in the instructors locker room are incredibly positive. This will give our clients a fantastic experience. I'm glad you are planning on doing some limited grooming and encourage it as this will make the Rev bowl available for the advanced intermediate, a great way to keep em coming back. Also the lifties are doing a great job customer service, please pass that on.

Dave's reply: Hi Z, Thanks for the feedback. I'm very much looking forward to some winchcat groomed routes down Revelation. It's a wide bowl and there is plenty of room to make that happen. Thanks for recognizing the Lift Operations crew also - I agree - they are doing a great job.

Dave,

Looks like it could be another incredible December. We’ll be there next Tuesday. Remember the first drink is on me at Gorrono’s Saloon and hopefully, chili is still being served.

SDS

Dave's reply: Hi SDS, that's great you're coming. Let me know when you arrive. Your timing is perfect, we're getting pounded with storm after storm. The skiing has been over-the-top great.

any idea if gold hill will open monday?

Dave's reply: It depends on the jet stream. The patrol wants to get skier compaction for sure. We'll see what happens. Another storm is moving in.

Hi Dave,

Great skiing today on Lift 9!  Even though we brought snacks for lunch, there was no place to come in out of the weather and it was below zero today!  No one wanted to ski to the bottom to find shelter.  How about opening Guissepi's to use as a warming hut?  You would only need one employee to watch over everything.

And.....when will Guiseppi's open for food?  Skiers are here and ready to eat!

Gary

Dave's reply: Hi Gary, Giuseppe's will open this weekend for full operations.

Hi Dave we were wondering if you were going to open up any of the town of Telluride lifts?  Seems like there is more snow than we have ever had this time of the year for them not to be open.  Do they have a  scheduled opening date?  

Dave's reply: We're going to unleash by next weekend. It's all about high-quality and providing the best experinece for the entire season. Given how things are coming together, we have a lot to be happy about =)

Dave-

As a longtime Telluride skier, who is Henry?  

Thanks for the great new lift and terrain.

Jeff-

Dave's reply: Hi Jeff, Since Henry doesn't know what's going on, I'm laying low on this one for now :) Glad you enjoy Revelation!

Dave,

We had an awesome time this weekend.  Too bad we had to leave Sunday so we didn't get snowed in, which I was hoping would happen Saturday night into Sunday so I could ski till the storm let up Tuesday.  Too bad I couldn't ski in Prospect Bowl or Revelation due to the winds on Saturday, but safety comes first.  You could hear the explosives going off all day.  

Great job and from the instructor comment I have to agree that the lift crews are awesome. Those people are always having fun! The entire Telluride Ski Crew is AWESOME! We have been twice this month and I cant get enough!!  Looking forward to more skiing on the new favorite mountain!!  Keep up the EXCELLENT work!

Dave's reply: Hi Marcin. I'm glad to hear you had such a wonderful experince. I'll pass you comments on to the team. More snow is on the way!

Any chance on Revelation today before the next wind/snow event starting later today?

Dave's reply: Hi Erik, it doesn't look like it. The storm is already moving in up there this afternoon.

That was a very poor response to the question.  Please explain to us why it really is not open?  Thank you.

Dave's reply: I'll be posting a new blog soon on opening schedules.

Dave-

Hey, I just had a quick question about the Lizard Head pass that I was hoping you might be able to answer. I've noticed on the forecasts for the coming week, Telluride could quite literally be dumped on and with the cold temps all across the southwest, I'm sure it's going to be some super dry, epic pow. The only thing is that I will be coming up to Telluride via car on Thursday morning from the South via Cortez and I'm worried that the pass could be closed. So, I was wondering if you could tell me at what amount of snowfall and what conditions generally close the pass and how likely is it that those conditions will be present on Thursday morning. I'm really looking forward to coming up this week and just hope that I don't miss this epic storm.

Thanks,

Zach

Dave's reply: Hi Zach. You're right about more dry snow moving in. This morning the sky was clear and it's already started to snow again. I talked with a staff member who lives in Rico, on the other side of Lizard Head pass. She said that the pass often closes at night but less during daylight hours when it is snowing. The only time she recalls it closing during the day was because of avalanche hazard - and that's only been a few times over the last several years. Good luck and enjoy the new snow.

Hi Dave-

I noticed that many of the double green runs at the top of lift 10 are open and groomed... BUT the lift is not open? What gives?

I'm here for the entire week, but I only have two green runs available to me (Meadows and Village Bypass)... that's kind of lousy! Why can't you open lift 10??? If it's an economic factor (not wanting to pay people to run the lifts) than that's not fair to all of us paying top money to be here!!

Dave's reply: We're still making snow on those lower runs, packing, and consolidating the base. Sunshine Express will open Friday. It is very important to finish that work properly. Thank you for understanding.

P.S. Our lift tickets are discounted at this time too.

Hi Dave,

Misty Maiden was bald and beautiful on Monday the 15th.  Can you please keep the upper pitch groomed across both sides of the lift?  Usually it goes bumps on the skier's right.  There are lots and lots of bumps for the bump fans but the great cruiser terrain seems to go more to terrain parks lately.

Thanks

Dave's reply: Hi Buttinski, In the past, the Ski School has requested that the skier's right side of Misty Maiden be allowed to bump up because it is not that steep and a good place to practice/teach bump skiing. That may change this year because we're planning on letting Butterfly bump up where the halfpipe used to be located. Butterfly is also not that steep and will work very well for this purpose. We'll look into it further.

We have miles and miles of great groomed cruzing terrain with just a small fraction of it devoted to parks. Thanks you.

Wow! Looks super like super good snow, and I can't wait to come up this weekend. How windy does it has to be before gold hill and revelation lifts close? Looks like there may be some 35 mph gusts, would that close the lifts?

Dave's reply: Hi Snowball, Always good to hear from you. 35 shouldn't close GH. We want to get it open tomorrow. But, I'm not seeing winds that high in the forecast anyway...