After a prolonged wait due to Colorado’s dry winter and low snowpack, limited sections of Vail’s Back Bowls finally opened for skiing and snowboarding on Thursday morning.
The Back Bowls, known as “legendary” by many, typically open in January. Recognizing the anticipation among Vail skiers, ski patrol director Chris Reeder addressed the situation in a Facebook post on Jan. 22.
“We’re experiencing a drier start,” Reeder explained. “The front side of Vail Mountain faces north, retaining snow well. However, the Back Bowls face south and receive direct sunlight, causing snow to melt faster between storms. We’re waiting for a substantial storm cycle before opening.”
According to a Vail news release, the limited terrain now accessible includes Milt’s and Over Yonder in Sun Up Bowl; East and West Poppy Fields, Gillet’s Dream, and Shangri-La in China Bowl; Morning Thunder, Big Rock Park, Cloud Nine, The Star, Grand Review, and Hornsilver in Blue Sky Basin.
While this represents less than half of the trails in these areas, it adds 1,150 acres to Vail’s open terrain, totaling over 2,800 acres. When fully operational, Vail offers 5,300 acres of skiable terrain.
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