Morning Elk

A herd of elk were hanging out in the snow this morning just below the mountain. Sorry for the quality of the pictures, they were taken from the car as we passed.

I'm sure there's a hunter or two drooling over that guy in the middle.

p.s. Yep, it's still snowing! Just eyeballing it, but we've picked up another 4" at least down here at the base area. If you're on Twitter, follow us for updates throughout the day! www.twitter.com/SkiPowderhorn

What's All This?

In a matter of 24 hours we went from mild temperatures and a dry mountain to looking like December or January...definitely not October. This storm has really delivered! We're up to 12" and it's still snowing.

Just for fun, the first snow in-

2007

October 30: 6"

2008

November 6: 4"

2009

October 28: 12+"

UPDATE: Snow stake reading 11am- 21"

WOW!!!!!!!

First Snow!

It's official: today is the first snow day for the 2009-10 season! It just started this morning and could continue through Thursday. Looking at the forecast, we could see all the way up to 17" from this storm! That's an incredibly good start.

Webcam
NOAA Forecast

We're extremely impressed with your snow dancing abilities!

Gear Up

Frost on the windshield this morning made me think it may be time to dig up my jacket for the season. When looking through the closet for the jacket, I found my horribly tattered gloves. Better get some new ones this year. And, when you give a mouse a cookie, why not pants...helmet...goggles...skis?

If you've discovered some gear in your closet that needs replacing for the season, here are some great ways to find a deal.

Tramdock posts different deals throughout the day on hardgoods and outerwear
Steep and Cheap is the same thing but focuses on outerwear
Backcountry.com has everything and is currently running a sale with up to 40% off

The Ski Swap is coming up on November 7th from 7am-4pm. You can find deals on equipment and outerwear but come early for the best selection.

New this year, our very own Alpine Trader is carrying O'Neill and Cloudveil outerwear. They have some really great stuff. The Trader also carries local favorite Loki, Smith Optics, Dakine, Spy, and Swaney. The Alpine Trader will be open every day this season from 8:30am-4:30pm.

Answer Guys

We are the answer guys! If you haven't already, check out the conversation taking place on the previous post regarding terrain parks. Join the convo and get your 2 cents in! As always, if you have any questions please let us know. You can post it in a comment or email ski@powderhorn.com. Often whatever you're wondering about, someone else is too.

Terrain Park News

We got an excellent question on the last post. Will there be anything new in the terrain park this year?

Thanks for asking. We're actually making plans to change things up this year. The park will be moving, actually the plan is to have pockets of features spread throughout the mountain. So you can take laps with lots of variety. You'll see the classic stuff with some new creativity and roller sections. The new park manager (to be announced soon) will be designing the park layout. Plus you'll see it change up more often through the season.

The kid's park on EZ is going to see strong improvement too and a competition just for the little guys. Another Magic Forest course is being cut soon too for the ski school groups to enjoy.

We're Motivated!

Sorry for the delay in posts. Several of us on the management team were in Denver for a business seminar/motivational pep rally. Let me tell you, we're motivated! But it doesn't take a seminar for that. Just dropping temps and the smell of snow in the air. In fact, right now it looks like it could snow any minute.

Things are moving along pretty quickly around here as we prep for season. FYI for the pass holders, you can pick up your season pass (or have your photo taken) at Gene Taylor's on Oct. 24th from 10am-4pm. See you there!

Warren Miller Show

Just got off the phone with the Warren Miller guys. They're bringing the show to GJ on November 7th, starting at 8pm at the Avalon Theatre. It's the same day as the Ski Swap so you can get all your gear, your season pass, then get rowdy with friends at the show! Tickets are $15 in advance (get them at the Ski Swap) and $18 at the door. Each ticket gets you a buy one, get one free lift ticket deal valid Monday-Fridays all season.

Click here to watch the trailer!
(sorry this thing won't let me embed the video for some reason....GRRRR)

Open Season

It's officially ski season in Colorado! With Loveland opening yesterday and A-Basin opening tomorrow, the state is off to an early start. As I type this, it's spitting snow outside here at Powderhorn. The season will be here before we know it! This is cause for great excitement, and total panic, for those of us on staff. We've got a lot to do before we fire up the lifts, but we're working hard because we want to ski soon, just like the rest of you.

Here's some of the things going on around the mountain-

The new restaurant managers are moving in and changing the Wildewood into the Skiers' Union Cafe & Bar.

All the signage around the resort is changing to reflect our new logo.

Season passes are being printed every day and Plus Cards are on sale.

Snowmaking equipment is being prepared and tested.

The Alpine Trader is unloading all the new winter gear.

New trail maps and other materials are being printed.

And we're staffing up soon! Job Fair is on Nov. 14 at the Base Lodge from 9am-noon. It's pretty dang fun being able to ski/ride at work....you should give it a try!

West Bench Trail

A couple of us headed out with the bikes this evening to ride the West Bench trail then drop down the Powderhorn service road. If you've never biked or hiked this trail, you definitely should! It's nice right now with a little color left...and gold leaves carpeting the trail.

The trail takes of from the Mesa Lakes area and wanders through aspens and meadows



We ran into the biggest porcupine I've ever seen!



After just 3 miles you'll find yourself at the top of the Take Four quad. From there you can keep riding West Bench or head down our service road. Just have a shuttle if this is your plan!



The view from Equalizer



The ride down our service road (3 miles top to bottom)



The view from Midway



Unfortunately the high winds have blown a lot of the leaves off, but it's still pretty and a great time for one more weekend on the mesa!

Traz Gear Swap

Deal alert! This Saturday, Oct. 3rd, Traz Snow & Skate is having a massive sale and gear swap! Get big deals on last years stuff plus new arrivals. Also a great opportunity to swap/sell your gear.

The Powderhorn Team will be there taking season pass photos and selling Plus Cards. If you've already ordered your pass and didn't need a photo, come by and pick up your pass! Look for the Powderhorn tent beginning at 10am.

It's time to think snow!