Colorado ski resorts bask in snowfall after dry winter

A late-season snowstorm has revitalized Colorado's ski industry, drawing crowds to resorts struggling with a dry winter. Significant snowfall over the weekend has transformed slopes across the state, offering a welcome reprieve for skiers and snowboarders.

Resorts report significant snowfall, opening more terrain

Loveland Ski Area reported 7 inches of fresh snow on Friday, leading to the opening of Rookie Road, Challenger, North Star Bowl, and Field of Dreams. At Aspen Snowmass, the storm delivered 16 inches, prompting resort officials to declare conditions among the "most idyllic of the season so far." Copper Mountain celebrated 9 inches of accumulation in 24 hours, while Steamboat Resort declared itself in "full snowglobe mode" with 10 inches.

Beaver Creek Mountain also reported over 7 inches of snow, urging skiers to hit the slopes on Saturday morning. Eldora echoed the enthusiasm, describing Saturday as a "dream day." The Colorado Department of Transportation reported slower traffic heading to the high country as skiers and snowboarders rushed to take advantage of the conditions.

The sudden influx of visitors has strained infrastructure at some resorts. However, the substantial snowfall has effectively erased concerns about a potentially disappointing season. The current conditions offer a powerful reminder of the mountains' enduring allure, and a potent economic boost for the state.