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Nov 7, 2009

Keystone (November 7, 2009)

Categories: Keystone, Photography, Snow
Written By: Devin Reams

Keystone had opened just this Thursday (check the excellent write-up of opening day over at Snowboarder Guide) and so we decided to check out opening weekend. It sounds like it was busy on Thursday and it surely was twice as busy today (Saturday). The drive up is really nice this time of the year and the weather is unbeatable (Fall skiing is basically the same as Spring skiing) so either way it was going to be a great time. The scenery is disappointing in the sense that there’s hardly much snow around yet.

Keystone (Day 1, November 7, 2009)

We got up bright and early for first chair (8:30 AM on weekends) and were parked in first row and on Gondola #6 or so… not a bad start to the season.

Keystone (Day 1, November 7, 2009)

But, by mid-morning (10:00 or four runs in) it seems everybody turned up at the same time. In fact, the Gondola line at River Run was backed up past the ticket counters, over the bridge, and into the village. Needless to say the time to take a break (bloody mary) quickly presented itself. So we headed over to Inxpot (a favorite bar slash café).

Keystone (Day 1, November 7, 2009)

Luckily, Summit Express, the lift parallel to the gondola had opened around 10:15 AM and things thinned out.

Keystone (Day 1, November 7, 2009)

Overall, the snow was clearly man-made (slushy in the sun, hard in the shade) with most of the grooming worn by lunch time. The afternoon was a slick, crowded, tired mess of people as expected so you found most folks in the terrain park. Over 20 items had opened which seemed to accommodate everyone from beginners to experts. Needless to say, there were some early-season spills.

Keystone (Day 1, November 7, 2009)

Overall, I’m excited for new snow. This season has already proven to be a stronger start than the last and I’m excited for many more days ahead.

Check out more photos below. Also check out others’ photos in our flickr group, and check for daily updates on twitter.

Keystone (Day 1, November 7, 2009)Keystone (Day 1, November 7, 2009)Keystone (Day 1, November 7, 2009)

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One Response to “Keystone (November 7, 2009)”

  1. cosnow
    Nov 7, 2009

    New post: Keystone (November 7, 2009) http://bit.ly/1KxmP3

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

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Quick News

January 26, 2010
# 

There are a ton of parties, events, and concerts coming to Denver this week as the snowsports industry descends on Denver, Colorado. The 2010 SIA Snow Show trade expo will be taking over downtown. Even if you’re not attending the show, you should be downtown this week as there will be plenty of fun to be had. Check out the Apres Ski website for the comprehensive list of events: http://www.denver.org/apresski/home.aspx

I’ll be downtown all week at various parties and events. If you’re around and would like to meet up, feel free to follow Colorado Snow on twitter or send an email to devin@cosnow.com.

January 20, 2010
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Here we are half-way through January 2010 and most of Colorado’s most popular resorts are at 20-30″ bases. Most resorts don’t have enough snow to open up expert (non-man-made snow) terrain such as the Montezuma Bowl at Arapahoe Basin. So, it’s with even one or two inches that we get excited. It’s not much to get excited for, but it’s something. Given the state of things, every little bit helps. Joel Gratz has more information on the wave of storms moving through Colorado this week. Expect some good snow by this weekend!

January 15, 2010
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Congratulations to Lindsey Vonn, alpine ski racer, U.S. Ski Team member, and Vail celebrity. The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame named her the 2009 Athlete of the Year. This year she re-claimed the overall World Cup champion title and became the first American woman to win the world Super-G title. You can follow Lindsey on her blog at lindseyvonn.com, and is active on twitter at @lindseyvonn.

January 13, 2010
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If you hadn’t heard, Arapahoe Basin is losing it’s “hard core” exterior and becoming “resortized” by Vail Resorts. With the parking upgrades and Montezuma Bowl lift, it’s hard to argue the resort isn’t trying to stay competitive with the major resorts. So, this summer A-Basin will be adding a high-speed quad lift to replace Exhibition at the bottom of the mountain. Suggestions for the name of the lift are being accepted at alanh@a-basin.net with the winner reciving a 2010-11 Arapahoe Basin Season Pass or $300 gift certificate to Arapahoe Sports. (via DenverPost)

January 12, 2010
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It’s going to be a busy weekend January 28 – January 31, not only with the SIA Snow Show be in Denver, but the Winter X Games will be in Aspen. Winter X Games 14 will be broadcast on ESPN and online coverage can be found on their Snowboarding blog and Freeskiing blog.

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If you’re a Vail Resorts season pass holder (Summit Pass, Colorado Pass, Epic Pass), keep in mind you have 6 “Ski With A Friend” passes to use this season. This entitles you to discounted lift tickets at the window. We recently visited Beaver Creek where a $97 adult ticket became $65 with the discount. For pricing details (as it varies during the season) visit snow.com or call 888-215-3867.

Updated: As Nicole pointed out, ‘buddy passes’ are different than ’ski with a friend’ passes and prices are posted online. Thanks!