March 13, 2010
Hi Folks,
I love March skiing at Telluride. Words are hard to come by that accurately describe how beautiful this resort is. A picture tells a thousand words.
Below is Gold Hill Express, located in the incredible San Juan Mountain Range of Southwestern Colorado:
Below is the top of Gold Hill Express, and Revelation Lift:
Here's a few pictures of my wife Noreen skiing Gold Hill #1:
Here's a few pictures of Elizabeth Howe, Executive Director of Resort Services skiing Black Iron Bowl:
I like this one of Upper Little Rose:
You can't find views like this anywhere else in Colorado:
I sure hope you will get an opportunity to ski Telluride this spring! We've got great conditions and offer the best ski vacation experience you'll ever find. Let me know if you need any information to help you plan the perfect vacation. We've got a big staff of dedicated folks waiting to take care of your every need.
You can always reach me at driley@tellurideskiresort.com
- Dave
February 28, 2010
Hi Folks,
The new stairs from Gold Hill Chute #8 to Chute #9 opened for the first time today. A big "THANK YOU" goes to Mark Bosse, who designed and built the stairs.
Additionally, Chutes 7, 8, 9, as well as Black Iron Bowl, Bald Mountain, and Palmyra Peak all opened for hike-to skiing today. A big "THANK YOU" also goes out to the Ski Patrol for their excellent work.
Below is a picture of the ski patrol heading up to Gold Hill Chute #8. The ski company built a snowcat road from the top of the Revelation Lift to Gold Hill #8 last summer which allows for snowmobile access. This snowmobile route, in addition to the new stairway, has made patrol access much easier in this area - which is a good thing. You can also see a fair amount of skiers heading up the hiking route:
The new stairway starts out at Gold Hill Chute #8 with a spectacular viewing platform:
The mountain views in every direction are fantastic:
Then the climb begins by walking the bridge section across what is called 8 1/2:
The accent to the top of Gold Hill Chute #9 is a little longer than it looks:
But worth the effort:
Finally, arrival. What an incredible place in ski country:
This is what the entrace to Gold Hill #9 looks like from the top:
It starts out narrow and then gradually gets wider. It's steepest at the top:
Below are several pictures of my 14 year-old daughter Alex, and wife Noreen, skiing the chute today:
Here's a few pictures of Gordy Sato, a friend of mine, exiting the chute:
What a fantastic place:
Gold Hill # 9 dumps you out into Palmyra Basin, a huge bowl below Palmyra Peak. This area provides an awsome ski experience:
I love this gigantic basin. Its got lots of different routes to choose from:
Looking up at Palmyra Peak is fantastic when you're down in Palmyra Basin:
As I mentioned earlier, Palmyra Peak was also open to the public today for hike-to skiing. If you look closely, you can see people standing at the top, and about half way down the run called "Senior's":
This area is so huge. I'm using a 300mm zoom lense and the skiers still look like ants at the top of the peak:
Nice rock "fingers" at the top:
Skiers decending Palmyra Peak:
There were several skiers also coming down Gold Hill Chute #7 today:
Kids love Palmyra Basin too! Below is a picture of local ripper Micah Hesse in Palmyra Basin:
This is a picture of skiers left of Palmyra Basin:
It's interesting how Palmyra Basin has all these different bowls and routes that step down as you go:
And to skiers right as you decend, you find another huge area people refer to as the "Fans". You can traverse over and get fresh tracks:
The terrain in Black Iron Bowl, Gold Hill Chutes, Bald Mountain, and Palmyra Peak is for expert skiers and snowboarders only. Cliffs, narrow chutes and variable conditions exist. Be aware, ski and ride with care.
I hope you've enjoyed this little photo tour. Please feel free to post a comment or question. Just scroll to the bottom, type away in the dialog box, and hit submit.
Enjoy! - Dave
February 24, 2010
Hi Folks,
Our ski resort staff, with the help of a heavy-lift KMAX helicopter operated by a Canadian helicopter company called Heliqwest, installed a steel bridge and two sections of steel stairs which run over the cliffs from Gold Hill Chute #8 to Gold Hill Chute #9 early this morning. The structure is 30" wide, has hand rails on both sides, and serrated step treads.
The purpose of this project is to provide a more comfortable route to GH #9 for our guests and patrollers. GH #9 is the most gentle (but still advanced) chute of all ten Gold Hill chutes. Gold Hill #9 provides skier access to the incredible, giant, powder fields of Palmyra Basin below.
The concept of the project was "imagineered" last summer when we were building a snowcat/snowmobile road up to GH #8. The French Alps resort of Chamonix, and the Aiguille du Midi - Mont Blanc in particular, provided inspiration for this project.
Twelve-year veteran Mark Bosse, ski company Lift Master Mechanic and expert steel fabricator, built the bridge and stairway sections over the last several months in the mountain department shop parking lot.
Below is a picture of the site, as the sun was just lighting the sky, before the steel arrived. If you look carefully you can see the foundation brackets which were installed over the cliffs last fall by Mark. He drilled deep holes into the rock and anchored the steel foundation plates (which he built) with steel rods and grout:
Crews await the first bridge section to arrive. Mark Bosse is in the orange helmet:
The helicopter arrives with the first bridge section:
The lower bridge section fits like a glove into the foundation brackets, and the crew gets ready for the middle stairway section to arrive next:
The KMAX moves the first section of the stairway into position. It is 48 feet long and weights 3,300 lbs.:
It slides right in to the foundation brackets without a problem:
One more piece in place, no problems:
The last and biggest piece of the stairway is 54 feet long. The KMAX lifts slowly at almost 13,000 feet above sea level:
All pieces are in place. A huge sigh of relief is felt by the entire crew:
Mark Bosse survey's his excellent work, mission complete:
I'd like to give a sincere "thank you" to Mark Bosse, Jeff Proteau, VP - Mtn. Operations and Planning, and the entire mountain department team who made this dream a reality.
Mark has a few welding projects to finish up in the field before the structure is ready to open to the public, which will take at least a few days. We'll let you know when it opens.
Telluride Ski and Golf's slogan is Unmatched in North America. That slogan means different things to various people, but one thing is for sure: Telluride is a very unique and special international destination ski resort which offers adventures in skiing like no other place on this continent. We're committed to providing exceptional alpine recreational experiences on a year-round basis to everyone who visits, our staff members, and those who call Telluride and Mountain Village home. Enjoy! - Dave
P.S. Please feel free to post a comment or question - we always love to hear from you. Just scroll to the bottom, type away in the dialog box, and hit submit.
Blog photos by Brad Foley, Brett Schreckengost, and Dave Riley
February 22, 2010
Hi Folks,
Thirty three inches of dry, light, fluffy powder have fallen over the last 7 days.
The season total is 205", and it's still snowing this morning. Two hundred five inches equals 17 feet of total snowfall this season.
We now have a 72" base, or 6 feet.
You might wonder what the difference is between 6 feet of base and 17 feet of total snowfall. Our snow has a very low water-to-air ratio, meaning that our snow if full of air. After it falls, over time it compresses under its own weight, or "settles" as we call it. Parts of the country that have a higher water-to-air ratio don't experience as much natural compression.
Telluride has some of the best snow in the Rocky Mountains this year. - Enjoy.
Telluride Mountain Village:
Alpino Vino's new outdoor deck. "Highest Wine Bar in the World" at 12,000 feet:
Enjoying a late afternoon run down Lookout:
February 20, 2010
Hi Folks,
Telluride Ski Resort has been blessed with some of the best snow in North America this year. One of the things I really love about this place is the quality and consistency of the snow. Not to mention the spectacular views, terrain, historic Town, Euro Village, great dining, shopping, lodging, ski school, Eco Adventures - the list goes on and on. Telluride is truly Unmatched in North America.
To date, we've received 189 inches of snow, and we have a fantastic 63" base - which is still growing. We received well over a foot last night, it snowed all day today, and the forecast is for more snow tonight and tomorrow. Historically speaking, March is typically the snowiest month of the winter season, and when it does clear the sun is really strong in southwestern Colorado. Needless to say, we've got fantastic conditions guaranteed through the end of the season.
The powder and coverage at the top of Gold Hill Express was really nice this morning:
Kevin Maughan, Manager of Resort Service for Telluride Ski & Golf, helps organize guests in the lift line today at Gold Hill Express. Thanks Kevin!
Local kids in Telluride become very good skiers - and there is a reason. They ski two half-days per midweek for "Ski PE", then also ski Saturdays and Sundays. I guess when you ski four days a week the mileage adds up and the skills develop rapidly. My daughter Alex was enjoying the new snow this morning on Happy Thought. It's fun to watch local kids ski around this mountain:
Alex enjoys some light/dry powder on Zulu Queen:
Alex's friend, Sara Fulton - 14 years old, shows style in the trees next to Allias Alley:
Sara's younger brother TJ (12 years old), rips:
Who doesn't love soft powdery bumps?
Fat skis float nicely in the deep powder:
During a brief break in the snowstorm today, Palmyra Peak made a wonderful appearence:
Throwing snow on her dad after skiing Dynamo:
If you haven't been able to ski Telluride yet this year, now is the time to come.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Just scroll to the bottom, fill out the dialog box, and hit submit. We love to hear from you! - Dave
February 2, 2010
Hi Folks,
Quick update, Palmyra Peak and Gold Hill Chute #9 are scheduled to open tomorrow for expert-only, extreme, hike-to terrain.
- Dave
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
December 26, 2009
Hi Folks,
How good does it get spending time with friends and family in Telluride. Today was another beautiful blue-sky ski day. It's fun to tour around here - there is so much to see and do. Below is a possible route...
I like to head to the top of the mountain in the morning. Try a run from the top of Revelation to the Town of Telluride. 3,845 vertcial feet. You might want to stop by Alpino Vino on the way if you're a late riser and on vacation:
Or, swing by the historic Gorrono Saloon for a hot chocolate:
Then, maybe a lap or two on the Apex Chair (6):
Okay, maybe a easy run all the way down to the bottom of the Chondola at the Meadows:
Of course, a High Camp Warming Hut cookie run, at the top of Prospect Express:
Just following, travel over to the Revelation Observation Deck to take some nice group photos. This deck is a "must see" and is located at the bottom of the Revelation Chair, perched over a thousand-foot cliff with views in every direction:
For the fun of it, how about exploring some soft bumps on the west side of Gold Hill:
How about a quick rest and espresso at Alpino Vino in the afternoon? Elaine is going for it:
It's time for a lap down to the Town of Telluride, under the gondola, on Coonskin:
Wrapping up the ski segment for the day, it's back up the gondola for apres ski drinks and appetizers at Allred's - the nicest apres-ski view and dinner restarurant in the area:
It's probably time for a little shopping. Slide down to Mountain Village and swing by the newest boutique in the village, Telluride Naturals:
Telluride Naturals will introduce you to the greatest local products and art from the Telluride region. Locally grown and produced items you will find there include Bluecorn Candles from Ridgeway, Honeyville honeys, jams and sauces from Durange, Black Horse Essential soaps and lotions from Telluride, Pawlm candles from Montrose, James Ranch cheeses from Dolores, Tomboy soaps from Telluride, local photography, batiks, weavings, paintings and more.
Telluride Naturals is also the exclusive tasting and sales room for Telluride Vodka - expertly distilled with Telluride water - now featuring flavored vodkas such as carmel, cinnamon, and vanilla:
Below is a picture of Hanna Penberthy, who along with Ben Ladowski, will help explain the products and there orgins. Support your local producers - check it out:
Telluride Naturals is right next to the new ice skating rink in Mountain Village:
If you need logo items from Telluride, check out the new Telluride Resort Store. They've got all sorts of things like posters, stickers, shot glasses, pint glasses, tee- shirts, hoodies, Telluride post cards, etc.
The Resort Store is packed with fun stuff. Where else can you get a logoed Hop Garden pint beer glass or an Allred's coffee mug?
Between shops, I highly recommend a ride on the bungy trampline:
And, maybe a quick stop by the new heated outdoor bar at the Hop Garden:
Then, you might want to swing by the new Telluride Eco Adventures. This place is really unique:
The ski company created this store as part of its "Eco Tourism" initiative. It's set up to provide adventures for both adults and children. Inside, you'll find wonderful interpretive displays. For example, we've got gold and silver mining information, geological displays, animal pelts, skulls, animal tracks, and much more.
The mining history and interpretive displays are interesting for everyone:
Eco Adventures offers everything from guided snowshoe and nordic tours, to snowmobiling, ice climbing, heli-skiing, winter fly fishing, children's activities, and more. Today, the kids made their own snowshoes inside, then went outside and tried them out!
San Juan Mountain Bobcat display:
There is so much to do in Mountain Village, the Town of Telluride, and up in the beautiful San Juan alpine. Hopfully, this blog has given you a few ways to experience this great resort!
Please feel free to post comments or questions - we love to hear from you. - Dave
December 24, 2009
Hi Folks,
Telluride has been blessed with great early season snowfall and conditions. All lifts are now open with great skiing. A big thank you goes out to the ski patrol department for a safe and efficient opening of the mountain!
Below is a picture of opening day at the gorgeous Revelation Bowl last weekend.
A winch-cat groomed Silver Cloud. Another big thank you goes out to the grooming department for the excellent work!
Telluride's first World Cup event was a great success last week. You can view it on NBC network television December 27th at 11:00 a.m. (Mountain Standard Time). Check it out. This exciting event was made possible by the combined efforts of the entire community. Thanks to all the volunteers, lodgers, restaurants, Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club, Telluirde Tourism Board, Telluride Foundation, Town of Mountain Village, Town of Telluride, USSA, FIS, and the Telluride Ski Resort folks for making it happen. Great work everyone!
Lindsey Jacobellis spraying champagne:
Alpino Vino, with its attentive staff, is now open for business. It's the highest wine bar in the world (we think). Yes, those are wine bottles incorporated into the new deck railing. This is a very unique restaurant:
At Alpino Vino, you'll find comfy furniture and genuine people who are committed to providing exceptional guest service:
Mountain Village has new hotels, new restaurants, new retail stores, a new Eco Adventure Center, and a new ice skating rink. You never know what surprises will unfold at Telluride:
Enjoy skiing Telluride, and the wonderful combination of the historic mining Town of Telluride, plus the European Mountain Village, all connected with a free gondola that runs 'till midnight seven days a week. Telluride is truly Unmatched in North America:
Please feel free to post a comment or question; we always love to hear from you. Have a wonderful, safe and happy holiday. - Dave
December 15, 2009
Hi Folks,
We're planning on opening a huge amount of beginner and intermediate terrain tomorrow, Wednesday. Sunshine Express (10), Ute Park Express (11), and the Lynx surface lift will open at 9:00 a.m.
Telluride is known for its challenging, "extreme" terrain, but we also have miles and miles of easy terrain too. These uncrowded runs served by high speed lifts are perfect for the families, beginners, or for anyone just wanting to soak up the incredible sunshine and views of the San Juan Mountains.
Below are a few pictures I took this morning. Let's start with Sundance - which is a favorite, super-wide intermediate run off Sunshine Express - with the best grooming you'll find, anywhere:
Ballroom dancing allowed:
Ute Park Express, is a pure beginner area on the upper mountain. This is a perfect, uncrowded, place to learn how to ski or snowboard through a lesson from one of our professional instructors:
Over at Prospect Express, which opened yesterday, the skiing is fantastic on the rolling, gladed groomers. Sunscreen recommended :)
High Camp Warming Hut is a great place for a break at the top of Prospect Express:
The snow conditions are perfect and the weather couldn't be better - SW Colorado sunshine and the most beautiful mountains in North America = Telluride:
Revelation Bowl is next on the list to open. This lift was installed the summer before last and has been a tremendous addition to Telluride. Stay tuned for updates:
The 2009 Visa Snowboardcross Cup started today and will go through Sunday the 20th. It's really neat to watch and to talk with athletes from around the world on the chairlift. Today, the Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) races started on upper Misty Maiden. Here is a picture of the start gate:
Below is a picture of the finish area, right above the Gorrono Ranch Saloon:
The BoarderCross course is being completed today. The crews have worked on it for a couple weeks. Boardercross racing will happen Friday thru Sunday and the finish is right at Heritage Plaza in Mountain Village, so even if you don't ski you can come see the competion. These competitions are qualifiers for the 2010 Winter Olympics:
We've developed a special website for the Telluride World Cup. Check it out at www.tellurideworldcup.com
The weather is forecast to be sunny and beautiful all the way through the weekend. Enjoy!
Feel free to post a comment or questions. Thank you. - Dave
P.S. Late afternoon over the Boardercross finish:
December 14, 2009
Prospect Express (12) and Gold Hill Express (14) opened today. The runs on the west side of Gold Hill are still closed due to avalanche mitigation work.
I wasn't able to experience it - too many office duties today... But, everyone I saw who skied up in the Prospect area today were raving about it.
We're planning to open Sunshine Express (10) on Wednesday, and we should open Telluride Trail and additional runs on the Town side soon. I'll update on that soon.
Enjoy - Dave
December 13, 2009
Hi Folks,
Well, I promised we'd open Prospect Express and Gold Hill Express today, but the wind and snow prevented it... Murphy...
Below is a picture of the pow coming down on Apex Lift this afternoon:
The skiing over on the Plunge lift was really good today. I hope you had the opportunity to check it out:
I've been getting lots of feedback on Sunshine Express (10), and understand everyone's desire to get it going. We had it scheduled for December 19th. We'll see if we can advance that a little. We're also working on the north side access. Thank you for your input.
Feel free to post a comment or questions - alway open. - Dave
December 12, 2009
Hi Folks,
We all must be living right.
Another snowstorm is moving in with a forecast of a foot or more of powder over the next 48 hours. We've already got fantastic conditions for early December. The plan is to open Prospect Express (12) and Gold Hill Express (14) tomorrow, which is great.
I was out early this morning looking things over and grabbed some still shots for the blog.
Below is a picture of the top of Prospect Express:
Looking down Magnolia, you can see we've got great coverage in Prospect Basin:
Here's another look down the intermediate run - Sandia. I love this run because the groomers go around the tree islands and it has lots of natural rolls and banks:
Looking up Gold Hill Express this morning:
Nice glade skiing with Palmyra Peak in the background:
This is from the top of the Plunge lift looking south at Revelation Bowl, Gold hill and Palmyra Peak. You can see the weather moving in:
After we open Prospect Express and Gold Hill Express tomorrow, the next terrain and lift the patrol will turn to is Revelation (15). The patrol kicked off a pretty big slide in the bowl today. If you look closely, you can see on "lookers right" the crown face and the slide. They were pleased with their results. The clouds just barely cleared enough to get this picture:
High Camp Warming Hut will also be open tomorrow when Prospect Express opens:
Enjoy the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado - Telluride.
Please feel free to post a comment or question. - Dave
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