Didi Doolittle & Andy Owen
VAIL OPENING WEEKEND 2016
Everyone at Vail Mountain is eager to begin the ski and snowboard season. They are now targeting Friday, Nov. 25 for the resort’s opening day. They are dedicated to providing guests with the best early-season conditions possible and will continue to focus efforts on opening with a high-quality snow surface.
Mountain Access
Vail Mountain will open for the 2016-2017 ski and snowboard season on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016 with limited terrain accessed out of Lionshead Village. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 25, the resort plans to operate Born Free Express (#8) accessing Born Free trail. The terrain available will be for skiers and snowboarders who are at least of intermediate ability. No beginner terrain will be available.
The Eagle Bahn Gondola will also operate starting on Wednesday, November 23 through Sunday, November 27 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. for sightseeing, dining at Eagle’s Nest, guided snowshoe tours, and access to the Forest Flyer alpine coaster. Scenic Gondola Rides will be available purchase at a discounted rate during opening weekend (Adult: $25 | Kids: $15).
Skiers and snowboarders are reminded to observe all posted signs and closures, especially during the early season. The Golden Peak base area and Chair 6 are a designated race training area only and will open to the public at a later date.
Adventure Ridge
The Forest Flyer Coaster, which opened this summer, will be open for winter operations starting on Wednesday, November 23 through Sunday, November 27 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
On Mountain Dining
The Marketplace at Eagle’s Nest and the Bistro Fourteen bar will open for the season for daily operations on Nov. 23.
Vail Ski & Snowboard School
Beginning Nov. 23, the Lionshead Ski & Snowboard School offices will be open with limited lesson offerings. The Small World Nursery at the Golden Peak Children’s Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted. For the best price guaranteed, guests are encouraged to book in advance online at www.vail.com.
Please call Vail’s Ski and Snowboard School at 1-800-475-4543 for more information about Opening Weekend Offerings.
Vail Mountain Nordic School
The Vail Mountain Nordic School, located in Golden Peak, opens Nov. 23 and from Nov. 23-27 will offer free guided hiking or snowshoe tours, conditions permitting, at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola for sightseeing guests. The tours begin at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and meet at the Ski and Snowboard School desk in the Pavilion at the top of Eagle’s Nest.
BEAVER CREEK OPENING WEEKEND 2016
Beaver Creek will open for the 2016-2017 season on Friday, Nov. 25. Scenic gondola rides will be available via the Centennial Express Lift on Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Thursday, Nov. 24 (details below), and Spruce Saddle Lodge will be open for on-mountain dining. Please come enjoy Cookie Time on Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., as well as when lifts open at 9 a.m. Friday! Cookie Time will then continue the 3 p.m. tradition throughout the season.
Opening Week Events and Activities:
Kick off opening weekend with the most special of traditions. On Friday, November 25th, start the day with complimentary hot cocoa and the first guests of the season will have the opportunity to win tons of prizes at the base of Centennial Express Lift!
World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition – November 23
Kick of the week with the 13th annual World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition. Five finalists will serve up their delightful creations to an eager crowd of cookie fans and one person will walk away with the title of official “World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe” of Beaver Creek for the 2016-2017 winter season. After a morning on the slopes, skiers and riders take to the village at 2 p.m. to gobble up the 5,000 cookies that are consumed in approximately 20 minutes. For more details, visit www.beavercreek.com/cookie.
Kids Winter Camp – November 22 & 23
The Beaver Creek Children’s Ski and Snowboard School will offer ‘Winter Camp’ on Tuesday, Nov. 22 and Wednesday, Nov. 23 for children ages 3 to 10. The camp will operate between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. with both indoor and outdoor, weather permitting, activities. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Children’s Ski and Snowboard School Office, and no reservations are required. For more information, please call 970-754-5464.
Free Ice Skating – November 23, 24 & 25
The ice rink located in the Beaver Creek Village will offer complimentary ice skating from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Thursday, Nov. 24 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25.
Scenic Lift Rides, EpicMix Photo and On Mountain Dining – November 23 & 24
Scenic gondola rides will be available via the Centennial Express Lift on Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Thursday, Nov. 24. Scenic ride prices are $25 for adults, $15 for kids. The lift will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., last tickets sold at 2 p.m. and last lift ride up the mountain at 2:30 p.m. Spruce Saddle will serve food and beverages from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. with bar service at 3 p.m. EpicMix Photo will be at top of Centennial from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday to take complimentary pictures that tie to your EpicMix account.
Opening Day – November 25, 2016
Beaver Creek opens for the season at 9am this Friday, November 25! More info on terrain for opening day will be available Thursday. Enjoy music, giveaways, complimentary hot cocoa, and, of course, the first turns of the season.
36th Annual Tree Lighting – November 25, 2016
The 36th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony signifies the kickoff of another great ski season and the beginning of the holiday season at Beaver Creek. Featuring a holiday poetry contest, ice skating show, and performances by various groups from all over Colorado. The Tree Lighting Ceremony always is a Beaver Creek favorite. Santa himself will drop in for a visit, and the evening closes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Village.
Santa’s Workshop – November 25, 2016
Santa’s Workshop is an enchanted holiday experience for kids and families. Children of all ages will delight in making Christmas gifts for the whole family, decorating holiday cookies and taking photos with Santa! Santa’s elves will be on hand to help with crafting and photos. Parents please bring your cameras. Santa’s Workshop is located in Gerald R. Ford Hall. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Powder 8 Kitchen & Tap. Sponsored by the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa.
Schedule:
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Santa’s Workshop*
5:00 p.m.: Ice Skating Show
6:00 p.m.: Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:30 p.m.: Fireworks Show (Time is approximate)
*Please note: Santa will be available for photos from 3-5 p.m. & 7-8 p.m. (He needs to step away for his appearance in the Tree Lighting Ceremony.)
Schedule subject to change.
Parking
Parking will be complimentary prior to Opening Day. For information regarding parking during the season, please refer to Beaver Creek’s Parking Blog.
Pass Restrictions
Employees, dependents & NSP Hosts: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Epic Local, Merchant, Epic Schoolkids, Epic Australia: Friday and Saturday.
All information via the official websites: vail.com and beavercreek.com. Check these sites for detail updates throughout the opening weekend.
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