What’s New in Colorado Ski Country for the 2017-18 Season
November 7, 2017
Colorado Ski Country USA offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, while also embracing families with little ones who are just getting the hang of the bunny slopes. The 2017-18 ski season promises new events, updated infrastructure including new terrain and chairlifts, as well as plenty of new lodging and dining options.
Some highlights to look forward to this ski season in Colorado.
Aspen Snowmass
Snowmass celebrates its 50th Anniversary this season with monthly firework displays and other festivities. Lift tickets will cost you just $6.50, the original price for a lift ticket on opening day in 1967, on December 15, 2017!
The Olympic qualifying events are coming to Aspen Snowmass on January 10–14, 2018. You’re bound to add an extra edge to your ski skills as you watch the U.S. Snowboard Team and U.S. Freeski Team athletes compete to qualify for February’s Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games.
If you’re looking for even more more mountainside thrills, you’ll want to take the plunge on the Breathtaker mountain coaster, which is set to open at Snowmass Mountain in December 2017. The mountain coaster will drop guests more than 400 vertical feet on a mile of turning track!
Copper Mountain
Another thrilling mountain coaster will be popping up this season when Copper Mountain unveils its Rocky Mountain Coaster. Boasting over 5,800 feet of track and a vertical drop of 430 feet, the mountain coaster will be open year round.
Copper Mountains Center Village will also debut three new restaurants including Toast & Co., a relaxed breakfast and brunch diner that morphs into a cocktail lounge during evening hours; Downhill Dukes, a casual eatery that even features dog-friendly dishes; and Ten Mile Tavern, a restaurant/taproom with a cozy indoor/outdoor fireplace.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Have you dreamed of experiencing the famed North Face? At Crested Butte, North Face Guides will help expert skiers and riders navigate the resort’s more extreme terrain. Those looking for a less adventurous skiing experience can choose from over 80 family-friendly blue and green runs.
Steamboat
Steamboat‘s gondola was revamped for the 2017-18 season: new grips, hangers, terminal equipment, electronic controls, and other infrastructure will enhance the resort’s main access point and make for a smoother ski experience.
Yet another mountain coaster (are you noticing a trend?!) made its debut just in time for the upcoming ski season. Steamboat’s Outlaw Mountain Coaster descends more than 400 vertical feet with a riding length of more than 6,000 linear feet, making it the longest mountain coaster in the U.S.!
Telluride Ski Resort
Another anniversary celebration: Telluride is commemorating its 45th year with a multi-million-dollar investment in snowmaking upgrades and technology, including an expanded grooming fleet and a 15-acre terrain-based learning area.
Expect new upgrades at the resort’s Peaks Hotel, including refinements to the in-house spa. www.tellurideskiresort.com.
