SAM Magazine - Vail, Co., November 15, 2007 - It's hot! Too hot, actually. In a mirror image of last year's slow start for Eastern ski resorts, Rocky Mountain ski areas are struggling to make snow and open on time. While both Loveland and Arapahoe Basin opened in October, November has been unseasonably warm. Some resorts have been able to make due. Keystone opened early and Winter Park opened as scheduled. But Vail has just postponed their opening from November 16 to November 21.

Vail is not alone. Taos has delayed their scheduled opening, as has Alta. However, good news seems to be in the forecast for the region: a system is expected to move into the central Rocky Mountains by early next week, bringing much needed snowfall as well as colder temperatures.

"We are very confident that with the big drop in temperatures, and indications of a strong shift in the weather pattern that we will open with a very good snow surface next week," says Bill Jensen, chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. "It appears that the first major winter storm of the season is headed our way next week as well, which is very good news for our Thanksgiving holiday guests who may even experience a powder day." \

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