So barring some unexpected events, Arapahoe Basin will officially start the Rocky Mountain ski season tomorrow, Friday the thirteenth. This will be the usual opening day white ribbon of death on the High Noon run. Aside from the long lines and crowded piste, it’s a damn good time…over the hill at Loveland, they’re down to the bottom of Mambo/top of Home Run — see photo above, taken yesterday. With a longer run and slightly less snowmaking power, they aren’t ready but are optimistic about next weekend. Loveland offered the usual congratulations to neighboring A-Basin…big news in New England skiing circles, well big news everywhere I guess, Mount Snow GM Kelly Pawlak has been named President and CEO of the National Ski Areas Association. Longtime Sneaux employee/manager Erik Barnes has been named as Pawlak’s replacement. “We look forward to having Erik guide our resort and its staff as we continue this exciting period of development and growth,” sez Jesse Boyd, Senior VP for Peak Resorts…congrats to both…huge news follow up in Utah Tuesday, deal for Deer Valley has been finalized, it’s now owned by affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC and Henry Crown and Company. Deer Valley joins other properties in the KSL roster that includes Squaw Valley, Mammoth Mountain, and Steamboat among others.
Photo above taken yesterday at Loveland