ECHO MOUNTAIN, Colo., November 22, 2010–Echo Mountain, Colorado’s newest ski and snowboard area, will open Wednesday, Dec, 1, at 9a. The 2010/11 winter season is a milestone for the resort as Echo will be celebrating its fifth full season of operations. As Denver’s closest and most affordable ski and snowboard area, Echo Mountain is perfectly positioned to attract local Front Range and destination skiers and riders. Located only 35 miles and 45 minutes from downtown Denver, the 85 acres of trails and terrain are situated on 240 acres of private land at 10,650 feet and is one of the few Colorado resorts to offer night skiing. Discounted early season lift tickets are $32 for all ages from opening day through Fri., Dec., 10.

Regular season adult daily lift tickets (13 and older) are $49 for a full day and $32 starting at 4 pm until 9 pm. Youth tickets (ages 6-12) are $33 and children five and under ski and ride free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Echo Mountain’s unlimited season passes offer the best skiing and riding value in Colorado with 2010/11 passes currently on sale for only $189 through Dec. 5, 2010. Additionally, the Ski & Ride School offers group lessons for children and adults daily (except Tuesdays) and private instruction is also available.

Although initially earning a reputation as a destination for freestyle snowboarders and skiers, Echo’s three lifts, which include a triple chair, a handle-tow and a Magic Carpet, serve 16 groomed and gladed trails and terrain that have been attracting plenty of snow riding enthusiasts, skiers and snowboarders alike, of all ages and ability levels since opening in March 2006.

“After our first season, we quickly realized our pricing and proximity to Denver was attractive to a much wider audience, including families with beginner to intermediate skiers and riders,” says Cindy Dady, general manager for Echo Mountain. “As a result, Echo has evolved to include family-friendly terrain, lesson options and rental equipment while still staying true to our loyal base of freestyle and terrain park enthusiasts.”

Last summer, Echo Mountain announced a planned expansion resulting in the addition of a top-to-bottom beginner run and increased access to glade skiing. The new run was completed in August 2010 and increases the total number of named trails to 16. Its completion also marks the entry into Phase II of Echo’s ten-year master plan. The beginner run, named “Grady’s,” provides a beginner-friendly, easiest way down to the bottom of the Milk Run Special triple chair.

“From beginners looking for easier top-to-bottom access to freestyle enthusiasts navigating the terrain park features to backcountry aficionados who appreciate the convenience of lift-served terrain, all of Echo’s guests benefit from this additional terrain,” says Echo Mountain Operations Director Travis Elmblad.

The new trail rounds out the beginner terrain at Echo Mountain that includes the LC1 and LC2 learning areas, which provide dedicated “progression” terrain for first-timers through advanced beginners. Each learning area is equipped with its own surface lift–making it ideal for learning and mastering the basics. Echo’s intermediate terrain varies from top-to-bottom “groomers” to trails that include an array of features, including jumps, rails and boxes. Advanced and expert terrain is found in the Asylum Tree Park, the Junkyard and the Westside Glades.

When it’s time for a break, the easy vibe and laid back style of Echo carries into the Bar & Café where a variety of affordable, no-frills favorites for hungry skiers and riders are available with everything from convenient heat-and-eat items for those who want to get in and out fast; to hearty soups, flatbread sandwiches and daily specials. And yes, in addition to sodas, energy drinks, juice and milk, the adult-friendly bar selection features an ever-changing variety of domestic, imported and local craft beers and wines. A fully stocked on-site rental shop has snowboards, skis, boots and poles available for daily rentals while the retail store, located in Echo’s Lodge, has a selection of clothing and accessory essentials.

During the ski and snowboard season, typically December to May, Echo Mountain operates from 9 am to 9 pm five days a week on Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays. On Sundays, Echo is open from 9 am to 4 pm, One of the most unique aspects of Echo Mountain is that the area is closed to the public on most Tuesdays throughout the season.

“There are two significant advantages to our Tuesday closures,” explains Dady. “It allows us to keep the terrain features fresh and ever-changing with a complete park rebuild every week. It also provides groups and organizations with the unique opportunity to rent an entire mountain and our facilities for a private function–and that can be anything from a holiday party to a corporate retreat to a family reunion.”

For more information, driving directions and Ski/Ride School reservations, visit echomt.com or call 303.325.7347.