The Women’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup to Hit the Slopes in Aspen, November 28-29 and last night, Aspen Snowmass officially kicked-off snowmaking operations in preparation for the 2015-16 ski and ride season. With the necessary sustained cool temperatures, the snow guns started blowing snow beginning the highly-anticipated countdown to opening day.
Snowmaking operations began on Aspen Mountain with a focus on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup course as well as Deer Park, Spar Gulch and Little Nell trails. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass open Nov. 26 followed by Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Dec. 12.
“An October start to snowmaking is early for Aspen and our crews are excited to see temperatures in the teens in town. It was beautiful to watch the guns blowing snow as the sun rose this morning,” states Rich Burkley, Vice President of Mountain Operations for Aspen Skiing Company.
Ski racing runs deep in Aspen tradition, and the resort is excited to continue the legacy by hosting the 2015 Audi FIS Ski World Cup at the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational during Aspen Snowmass’ opening weekend Nov. 28-29. The greatest female racers in the world gather to compete on Aspen’s world renowned racing venue as spectators near and far are invited to the base of Lift 1A for prime viewing.
Giant Slalom racing will take place on Saturday at 10:15 a.m., followed by the finals at 1:15 p.m. On Sunday, the Slalom races will begin at 10 a.m. with the finals starting at 1 p.m. As always, the races are surrounded by a host of free community events and activities.
Also part of opening weekend, Aspen Snowmass will officially kick-off the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series with a free concert featuring Jamestown Revival, Nov. 28 at the base of Aspen Mountain in the Upper Gondola Plaza. World Cup Giant Slalom awards will take place on the stage following the concert at 8 p.m. A fireworks display will follow at 8:15 p.m.
Opening weekend at Snowmass will feature Thanksjibbing, a rail jam that will take place Friday, Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Snowmass Base Village. Guests are welcome to come watch skiers and snowboarders throw down for cash prizing as well as enjoy other post-Thanksgiving action in the Base Village such as kid’s activities, bouncy castle, turkey bowling, a restaurant leftover challenge, live DJ and more.
