Not ideal. Especially when you're trying to open a ski shop. Hope we get a lot of snow and late into the season.

Yep. I'm all in on my 14-16th short ski trip. Where I actually ski will depend on how open Purg can get. If it's a handful of runs on the frontside only, I am entirely content to spend most of my time at wolf creek. It's 75% open already and there's a lot of it I haven't skied yet. Flat with snow is better than skiing on manmade with hundreds of your closest friends mashing it into crud. I think this weather system will help though. I am going to practice and work on skills, vs a "ski experience" trip. I'll save that for a few weeks later.


It's early. It's La Niña but still lots of time for things to regress to the mean.

Running joke in the high country right now is that even the snow had to relocate because of the cost of living.

Regards to Purg vs. WC - I Don't think it's even a debate - stick to WC.

Purg expects 12-15 inches between now and 15/12. That's Not enough to make it worth it when WC has a 22 inch base and 80% open w 19 inches in the 2 week forecast.

Purg only has 19 inches recorded all season but the base is still less than 10 inches which rounds to no base. WC is at 36. So even if Purg catches the full forecast, they still won't be at the snowfall level of WC. Plus, When Purg opens, Itll probs only be 5/6 runs total on almost entirely man made snow. 15 inches isn't enough to really open much with only 19 inches all season and that not including meltoff from the 40 temps last week and earlier this week. They need 25/30 in a 2/3 Day window to push more. Not 15 over 15 Days. That doesn't build an early season base well. Its just not enough.

Purg also doesn't have the snow making equipment of the Aspen or VR Hills. They're probs 10 years behind on a Technology level which in years like the current is massive. For example, BC was able to finish from Centennial mid chair to the base in 3 days. It would take Purg a week or probs closer to 10 days to match that w their capabilities.

Wolf Creek picked up 23 in 2 Days last week and that's why they were able to push more open. Purg doesn't have and isn't expected to catch that amount in a period that would elevate the base significantly or naturally.

Another downside to Purg is they don't have snow making capabilites across the entire mountain like Vail and BC and Snowmass and Aspen have on their front sides. Only about 20% of Purgatory's ski able terrain is fitted w snow making capablties and most of that equipment is portable vs Fixed Guns. Portable Guns don't put out near the volume or quality fake as they don't have the ability to cycle the wet bulb like the fixed Guns w all the new Technology.

Vail/BC/Aspen/Snowmass are closer to 50% of the front side ski able terrain being fitted w snow making equipment w portable blowers to cover the rest.

Purgatory has about ~150 fixed and portable Guns, Keystone before their snow making upgrade in 2024/2025 had 672. Thats over 300% more volume and Keystone has less Guns than Vail & BC. Just to help put things into context.

As much as I love/hate Vail Resorts. More hate then love…. on bad snow years, the 50+ million in cap ex that went to snow making since 2020 really pays dividends on this type of early season drought.

The 2023 snow making enhancement project alone for Vail added 400+ Guns and 500+ acres. Thats on top of what already existed. When You consider Purg at 150 total and then Vail adding 400+ to what was already on the hill, it's a night and day difference on bad years.

Snow Making capabilites by Hill Go somewhere like the following

Tier 1

Vail
BC
Keystone
Breck

Tier 2

WP
Aspen/snowmass
Crested Butte
Steamboat

Tier 3

Eldora
Telluride
Purgatory

Tier 4

Monarch
Wolf Creek

The difference between tier 1 and tier 2 is pretty massive.

For instance WP top of the list tier 2 has the ability to make snow on just over 27 runs on Fixed Guns for a total of just over 300 acres. Vails upgrades alone over the last 3/4 seasons added 500 acres on top of what already existed around 280 acres with over 70 trails on Fixed Guns.

So tier 1 Vail is at almost 800 acres covered while tier 2 WP is around 300. That's a big big difference.

BC - do you have a discount on Cardo?

Yep. Looking like I might we driving the pass to WC every morning. I just put on some new true all weather 3mpsf tires just in case. Might need them.

Yup! Ya looking for the PackTalk? We get 50% off.

Nvm just checked - it's actually 60% off. Ay ay ay ay ay.

CBSP (Crested Butte Ski Patrol) friend of mine just sent me this photo of Crested Butte from this afternoons captains meeting. Low key, they are starting to worry. When there are only 3 runs open Dec 1st that means ALOT of on mountain personel arent getting paid. Feel for then this holiday season. Keep then in your prayers as they may not get a full paycheck until mid January. They're already pulling J1 offers across the CO VR mountains. Uffff.

Oh heck yes. Are you able to get the duo set or would it be 2 single units?

Let me check - im sure we do but don't want to say that without checking. We do alot of business w them.

Glad I checked with you before using my measly 30%

Havent seen this mentioned yet but Telluride is hiring scab ski patrol in expectation of a Ski Patrol strike by United Mountain Workers labor union. If they strike it's going to be a **** Show.

So yeah they may not open 6/12 because that will be the first walk day. Theyve already voted to approve the strike and Telluride is calling the liklihood of reaching a Deal "bleak and getting bleaker"

Just a heads up for anyone planning to ski telly opening day. It likely won't be open or open w very limited terrain and long ass lift lines as they can't open without sufficiently Staffed and trained SP.

BC, I'd also be interested in some PackTalks if you'd be willing to hook it up

Snowmass base this morning….

Park City yesterday - looks like AZ. Actually that's a lie. AZ has a ton of snow. Snow bowl is 38 inch base and 2x more snow than WC and 3x+ more snow than any hill in Colorado not named WC. What a crazy early season.

Heres AZ Snowbowl - pivoted the end of our CO trip to Flagstaff. Can't wait to get on the hill. According to our friends that rode there yesterday, they still have some crazy POW tree stashes. Plus it usually almost totally empty compares to the big Colorado Hills. Snow dust stoked to get into the mix before heading back to 85 degrees and Sun.

BC, I'll send you an email.

White or Black?

Singles are ~$108. Duos are $197.6 for 2 (less than $100 each). The quad/family pricing is the same as the single after discount. Best bang for your buck is the duo.

Quiet about Arizona please. There's nothing but a desert here.

Over the last 2 months we've had 7 inches of rain in Phoenix and they got snow starting early in the high country at the same time. It's even snowed at Tucson already so maybe Lemmon will be open sometime soon.

Vail/BC expecting 35/40 Over the next 15
Steamboat - 49
Keystone Breck - 22
Purg - 18
Telly - 30
WC - 22

Taos - 13


Park Xity - 38

Bayou City said:

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Vail/BC expecting 35/40 Over the next 15
Steamboat - 49
Keystone Breck - 22
Purg - 18
Telly - 30
WC - 22

Taos - 13


Park Xity - 38

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Hey Bayou, any Vail restaurant recommendations? We have reservations at The 10th, Bully Ranch, Mountain Standard, The Remedy, and Up the Creek. Any places we should add or remove?

Would like to get kids new Smith helmets- anyone with discounts?

The burgers at Bully Ranch and Great. Brunch at Vintage on sundays - bottomless mimosas, Blue Cow has Great sndwiches, el sabor has great burgers and queso con chorizo - it's base of Lionshead gndola. I like it and Blue Cow Over Up the Creek. It's Good - If You Go and Max Gacek Is the bar tender tell him I say hi. He will take care of you.

Mountain standard and sweet basil are probs the best in town of Vail.

I love te amo in eagle/vail - Friday is osso buco and the pollo involtino and the artichoke are amazing - it's not vail priced but been there since the 70s. The fords had their own private booth there.

Mandatory shout out to the Rocky Mountain Taco Group in Minturn. Those are my guys.

Also shooters and prices at lionshesd liquor are the cheapest in town. West vail liquor is next best.

If you're a tourist in Vail and go to a liquor store other than Beaver Liquors you failed

I'm gonna guess Bayou didn't mention it because it's touristy but is vendetta's not good anymore? It's been 15 years since I've been there.

Also remember Red Lion always being great for live music. Bayou you may know this or could confirm but was the owner also one of the main acts singing at night? Again, this was 15 years ago but I remember a guy in his 50's just absolutely living it up behind the mic

Finally getting some measurable snow here NE of the springs. Hopefully the mountains are catching more.

Vendettas is good. It's the late night after Shake Down or bridge street or the George slice and beer. Or Apres after getting off the Hill.

The Arcade at chasing rabbits is cool too

Red Lion for Wednesday night bingo if they're still doing it

He passed away during COVID. Name was Steve Meyer. Amazing guy and amazing entertainer.

maroonpivo said:

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Would like to get kids new Smith helmets- anyone with discounts?

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I've got one code left. Post your email and I'll send you one.

That's right I think you mentioned that before

There's also Minturn Country Club in Minturn. You buy and cook your own steaks and then order sides. It's a cool atmosphere for families.

Appreciate you!

In case anyone has plans for there, Angel Fire $400 for 4-pack lift ticket Cyber Monday sale. Each pass is good for one individual to ski four times throughout the season with zero blackout dates. Typical holiday rate is $130/day.

https://www.angelfireresort.com/packages/4-pack-pass/

Bayou City said:

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The burgers at Bully Ranch and Great. Brunch at Vintage on sundays - bottomless mimosas, Blue Cow has Great sndwiches, el sabor has great burgers and queso con chorizo - it's base of Lionshead gndola. I like it and Blue Cow Over Up the Creek. It's Good - If You Go and Max Gacek Is the bar tender tell him I say hi. He will take care of you.

Mountain standard and sweet basil are probs the best in town of Vail.

I love te amo in eagle/vail - Friday is osso buco and the pollo involtino and the artichoke are amazing - it's not vail priced but been there since the 70s. The fords had their own private booth there.

Mandatory shout out to the Rocky Mountain Taco Group in Minturn. Those are my guys.

Also shooters and prices at lionshesd liquor are the cheapest in town. West vail liquor is next best.

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Thanks!