January 2010 - Posts
January 30, 2010
Hi Folks,
Awesome snow and southwest Colorado sunshine, how does it get any better than this? The peaks are looking good these days:
After 37" of new dry powder last week, and a storm track that has favored the southern Rockies all winter, we offer the most exceptional alpine environ you can find.
Below is a picture of Upper See Forever and the Upper Plunge. The snow coverage is fantastic this year:
I caught this picture of See Forever Village today, which is a very nice property we rent to guests of Telluride Mountain Village:
Below is a picture of upper Revelation Bowl late this afternoon, which is one of the most beautiful and wonderful places to ski on earth:
Ski School report card time for the kids!
An afternoon sunshine run to Telluride Mountain Village can't be beat:
The Chondola and the Gondola run free for foot passengers until midnight seven days a week between Mountain Village and the Town of Telluride. No need for a car in this unique resort:
The mountain views can't be beat at Telluride Mountain Village:
Just before sunset, alpenglow warms the peaks:
A stroll in the evening is a must:
To the Hop Garden for apres' ski!
Or a little skating at the new Capella Telluride Hotel:
Or to the Spa at the Peaks Hotel:
The evening sky in Telluride Mountain Village is fantastic because a red-rock desert is just to our west, which allows for late alpenglow:
If you're interested in visiting Telluride Ski Resort, we arrange everything from lodging, ski lessons, dining, the best ski packages and off-slope Eco- Adventures through Telluride Resort Reservations - which provides personalize attention and first-class concierge service. We offer a very large range of accomodations from homes, condos, studios, and hotels.
Give us a call at 800-778-8581 to experience the most exceptional ski vacation in North America.
Feel free to post a comment or question, we love to hear from you! - Dave
January 15, 2009
Hi Folks,
Telluride Ski Resort is completing the construction of a new superpipe and terrain park in the area which has night lights next to the surface (platter) lift #2.
In this blog, I thought I'd explain the process that was used to build the Telluride superpipe.
Below is the area as construction starts. We started by making several piles of man-made snow and also recycled snow that was produced for the World Cup Snowboardcross course in December. Cats first begin pushing up the walls:
The walls are then roughed in with winch cats which are capable of pushing snow uphill. You really can't see in this picture below, but the lower cat has a winch on the back of it, with an arm that carries the cable over the cab. The cable is attached to the upper cat as an anchor point. The winch assists the lower cat's climbing/pushing ability. The pipe needs a 16 degree pitch, 18 foot walls, and around 400 feet in length. Continual surveying takes place to verify these specifications. At this point, excess snow is spilling into the center of the pipe as the cat gains elevation with the walls:
All that excess snow is then pushed out the bottom of the pipe by stepping the walls down from top to bottom with a cat. A chain saw is used to cut the top edge so it is straight and smooth.
Then, this big bad boy is brought out. This pipe cutter is called a Zaugg and completes the finished walls to 18 feet:
The Zaugg is a slow process. Many passes are required as it is merely a "finishing tool". Inch by inch, the Zaugg pulls snow down towards the bottom of the pipe and then blows it over the top of the deck, creating smooth walls with a consistent radius:
The new superpipe is scheduled to open at 5:00 p.m., January 16th with a ribbon cutting ceremony. We hope you can attend. Over the next few nights, we will add other jumps and rails under the lights. Night operation is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday nights - although prior to January 21st we will close at 7:00 p.m. because we need to have a meeting with the Town of Mountain Village on 1/21 to get approval to run the lights the extra hour.
Tickets and night season passes can be purchased at the Mountain Village ticket office.
I'd like to thank everyone (too numerous to mention here) who have worked long and hard to build this new and exciting superpipe and terrain park.
Please feel free to post any questions or comments. Enjoy! - Dave
January 3, 2010
Hi Folks,
I came across a small herd of elk on the way to work today. These apparently well-fed animals were on the 13th hole of the golf course in Mountain Village:
It was a great 2009, and 2010 is shaping up to be fantastic for Telluride too, with great December snowfall once again:
Out the back door of the Peaks Resort and Spa this morning, I caught Telluride Helitrax landing and then taking off with a load of lucky skiers. You can learn more about Telluride heliskiing at www.helitrax.com Helitrax is the only helicopter ski operation in Colorado:
I then found some local kids (Henry and Tate) in Mountain Village - pumped up for a day of skiing. They were heading to Ute Park:
So, for the big news: Telluride Ski Resort is building a new terrain park and superpipe in the area that has night lights at Mountain Village, just above Heritage Plaza. This area was formerly known as "Competition Hill and the Nastar course". The new park will have jumps, rails, and the superpipe. It will be opening around January 14th, operate 7 days a week, as well as 4 nights a week (Thursday thru Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.). Night tickets will cost $25 per night, or a night season pass will cost $200, or $150 if you already own a day season pass. Tickets and passes can be purchased at the Mountain Village ticket office. Night season passes will go on sale January 11. We've been making snow for several weeks in this area and are starting to push out the piles for shaping. We also recycled snow from the World Cup course off Misty Maiden. Below is a picture from the top of the park, prior to construction of the park features and pipe:
The park and pipe will be served by the surface (platter) lift #2 at night and Village Express (4) during the daytime. It is also within walking distance of the shops and restaurants in Mountain Village (park and pipe will be located at the upper right part of the slopes shown below):
Jumps and rails will also be constructed as soon as snowmaking is complete at Hoot Park (daytime operation only). Ute Park remains the beginner park area, under Ute Park Express (11), which is currently open.
The Nastar Course is being relocated to Bumpy Butterfly. This will be a wonderful venue for recreational racing, right under Village Express (4).
Have a great 2010! Please feel free to post a comment or questions. Thank you. - Dave