Plenty of pow at Powderhorn

(KJCT)
Published: Dec. 4, 2016 at 5:41 PM MST
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Skiers and snowboarders got an early chance to hit the slopes at Powderhorn’s preview over the weekend.

Powderhorn Ski Resort planned to open December 15, but with some heavy snow falls and snow-making machines up and running, the resort got an early start on its 50th anniversary season.

“It’s like a Christmas gift this year, being able to come up and ski on December 4…it's incredible," said Kristen Lummis. “I have been skiing here since I was 3 years old."

The resort began its snow making process a few weeks ago in preparation for the scheduled mid-December opening. Recent snow storms brought in 26 inches of natural snow.

The resort reports a base at mid-mountain of 22 inches.

"So this weekend is about two weeks earlier than we planned on opening, a combination of great snowfall from Mother Nature and some really good man-made snow making conditions," said Ryan Robinson, with Powderhorn.

Powderhorn crews will bring out the snow machines every night unless conditions are fair enough that they no longer need the artificial snow.

"For Colorado the snow is great,” said Robinson. “We got one of the best snowfalls in the state out of this last storm."

With more snow expected this week, Powderhorn is planning another preview for the weekend of Dec. 10.

Snowmaking crews positioned the snow guns around the mountain to create snow wherever it's needed. Next, they will move to areas like the terrain park.

The great early season conditions have excited long-time Powderhorn skiers like Bob Sisac, who was at Powderhorn for the first opening day fifty years ago and has not missed a season since.

Sisac said he is hoping the great start to the season is a sign of powder days to come.

“Lots and lots of powder days…lots of powder days when people stay home because they don't like the powder, that leaves more for us"," said Sisac.

Powderhorn officials said they will offer special deals on tickets next weekend, leading up to the official opening on December 15.