ASPEN SNOWMASS, Colo.—Nov. 3, 2014—Last night, Aspen Snowmass officially kicked-off snowmaking operations in preparation for the 2014-15 ski & ride season. With the necessary sustained cool temperatures, the snow guns fired up beginning the highly-anticipated countdown to the ski/ride season. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass open Nov. 27 followed by Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Dec. 13.

With five to nine inches of new snowfall across the upper mountains coupled with the snow guns cranking, the surrounding area of Aspen Snowmass made for a welcomed sight as winter makes a stronghold in the Valley.

“All of our systems are tested and ready and you should hear the Zen-like murmur of snowmaking on the streets of Aspen. Summer projects are buttoned-up, the lifts are inspected and licensed and the excitement of the new season is palpable,” states Rich Burkley, Vice President of Mountain Operations for Aspen Skiing Company.

Snowmaking operations began on Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands with focus on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup course as well as Deer Park, Spar Gulch and Little Nell trails and the Aspen Highlands AVSC (Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club) training venue. Operations are scheduled at Snowmass for tonight (temperatures permitting) with focus on Fanny Hill, Scooper and Hal’s Hollow trails. Snowmaking at Buttermilk is scheduled to begin Nov. 15.

Ski racing runs deep in Aspen, and the resort is excited to continue the tradition by hosting the 2014 Audi FIS Ski World Cup at the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational Aspen Snowmass’ opening weekend Nov. 29-30. 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 a.m., followed by the finals at 1 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 Reel Big Fish, Saturday, Nov. 29 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, an invite-only rail jam that will take place Friday, Nov. 28 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. For a detailed schedule visit www.aspensnowmass.com/events-and-activities/events/thanksjibbing.

For more information about Aspen Snowmass, visit www.aspensnowmass.com or call (800) 525-6200. Follow Aspen Snowmass @aspensnowmass on Twitter and Instagram or at www.facebook.com/aspensnowmass.