There’s no denying it. Fall is upon us in the High Country, which means ski season is close. Each winter ushers in a litany of exciting "new" things: new snow, new terrain conquests, new memories and maybe even new destinations. We compiled an A-Z list of some of the new stuff at SKI RESORTS you can count on ahead of time.
Aspen
Photo: Aspen Snowmass
Photo: Aspen SnowmassThis winter, Aspen Snowmass has two new two new on-mountain adventures: the Buttermilk Deluxe and the Guided Experience. Buttermilk Deluxe is discounted ski lesson on Buttermilk Mountain for up to five people, and will run only during the X Games. The Guided Experience allows guests to skip the lift lines and tour around the mountain with a knowledgeable guide, learning more about the history and makeup of Aspen. Both the ski lesson and guided tour must be purchased with lodging. In addition, Aspen Snowmass will be debuting it’s new 4,000-foot-long, 400-foot-descent Breathtaker Mountain Coaster.
Beaver Creek
The Drink of Water Lift (#5) at Beaver Creek is set to become a new high-speed quad and renamed Red Buffalo Express (#5).
Breckenridge
Photo: Breckenridge Ski Resort
Photo: Breckenridge Ski ResortPeak 10's Falcon SuperChair will be updated to a six-passenger lift at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain will be debuting plenty of new bells and whistles this year, too. They're replacing the beginner-area lift with a new, high-speed quad, and the resort will nw offer RFID tickets.
Joining fellow Colorado resorts, Copper is also unleashing a new mountain coaster, which will have a track of 5,800 feet, a total descent of almost 4,000 feet and a vertical drop of 430 feet.
Deer Valley
Photo: Deer Valley
Photo: Deer ValleyFor the 2017-18 ski season, Deer Valley is unveiling its new text concierge program (435-538-2900) where guests can text questions, make dining and shuttle reservations and ascertain general resort advice. In addition, international visitors receive free ski days (ski eight days, get two free and ski 10 days, get three free).
Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie is getting two new groomers, two new snow guns and is removing some trees on Arrow and Bow to make extra room for arching wide turns. In addition, the resort will be debuting a brand new restaurant in the plaza at the base of the resort (where Kelsey's previously was).
Keystone
Keystone to upgrade the Montezuma Express Lift to a new six-passenger chair, the Labonte's Smokehouse BBQ will be renovated and expanded to include a new 150-seat indoor facility.
Loon
Loon is enhancing its commitment to snowmaking this winter by installing 11 semi-automated, ultra-efficient snowmaking hydrants on Rampasture, which will allow the resort to open more terrain, more quickly, especially in the early season. In addition, there will be key snowmaking infrastructure updates in the resort's West Basin area.
Park City
Photo: Grand Summit Lodge
Photo: Grand Summit LodgeThe Grand Summit Hotel, located in Canyons Village, just opened for the season after an extensive $15 million renovation, now as a RockResorts property. The renovation included a complete overhaul of all 212 suites and much more including, a full remodel of the on-site spa, café and general store.
Park City travelers are also in for some new on-mountain adventures. Unlock the secrets of the past and discover Park City’s rich mining, skiing and local history on the Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour. On this free, guided ski tour, you will explore the mountain with an expert guide and uncover the historic mining buildings and hidden relics scattered across the resort. Tours are recommended for intermediate level skiers/riders and above and depart daily from the Park City Resort Base area at 10:00 am and at the Trail Map near the top of Bonanza lift at 1:00 pm. After the tour, you’ll receive a signature pin to commemorate your visit to Park City Mountain.
This summer, Park City Mountain installed a new, enclosed surface lift and a new designated beginner trail to serve entry-level skiers and snowboarders at the Park City Base Area. In addition, there will be expanded snowmaking capabilities on the Treasure Hollow.
Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows
This winter, Squaw vacationers will be treated to a High Camp remodel, Alpine Meadows Lodge improvements, new snowmaking, grooming and snow-removal machines.
Steamboat
Steamboat is now home to the longest mountain coaster in North America--the Outlaw Mountain Coaster. The 6,280-foot coaster, which is perched among the treetops about 40 feet up, zooms 400 feet down the mountain as it turns, dips and waves. Open year round, including during night-skiing hours, the Outlaw is located near Christie Peak Express lift.
Taos
Taos Ski Valley kicks off the 2017-18 ski season with a lot of new, including a new beginner area, a fully renovated Children's Center, a pulse gondola to improve transportation around the resort, and the first full winter of its new premier alpine hotel, The Blake, all which give visitors a more convenient and enjoyable experience.
Vail
Vail will be updating the Northwoods Express (#11) to a new six-passenger chairlift.
Whistler
Photo: Whistler Blackcomb
Photo: Whistler BlackcombWhistler Blackcomb is officially a part of the 2017-18 Epic Pass, which is currently on sale for $879 USD. The 2017-218 Epic Pass offers access to 45 of the world's best mountain resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb.
Last summer, renovations began on Whistler Mountain's Roundhouse Lodge, and this winter will see the completion of the Roundhouse Lodge Terrace and Viewing Deck. The renovations will feature a new upper terrace and lower deck which are both set to open in November. The two new patios will add increased seating.
Whisky Jack's Umbrella Bar will be complete fall 2017 and add 63 year-round patio seats overlooking Whistler Village at the Roundhouse Lodge. The umbrella bar will be heated and feature a collapsible roof that can accommodate changing weather conditions.
