News-Colorado Ski Company

IMPRESSIVE EARLY SNOW FALL SEEN STATE-WIDE IN COLORADO

Snow falls on ski runs and in town

National Weather Service calls for more snow

Denver, CO - As promised, more snow covered the high country of Colorado and many woke up to snow in town as well as covering the slopes. Snow could be seen at Copper, Winter Park, Ski Copper, Loveland, Arapahoe Basin,Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Aspen and Snowmass.

Skiing at Silverton Mountain in September
Silverton Mountain, Colorado's newest and highest ski area gets first tracks of the 2002-2003 ski season. With several September snows dropping over 20" inches of snow at the top of the ski area, Silverton Mountain experienced its first ski run of the season on September 18, 2002. The abundance of early season snowfall has allowed Silverton Mountain to push the projected opening date for skiing up to October 17th 2002. Silverton Mountain with all natural snow and no snowmaking should be the first ski area open in the nation this year and for years to come. Once open, all Silverton Mountain ski runs are advanced and expert meaning early season skiing will be much more than the usual strip of man-made snow found at many other areas.

A handful of Silverton Mountain employees lucky enough to be working, fired up the lift to get in a couple of pre-season runs before work. Jerome Gardner, Silverton Mountain employee said, "Best run of the season" after skiing calf deep powder September 18, 2002 at Silverton Mountain.

Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone received anywhere from three to six inches of snow, from measurements taken by operations staff on the mountain thismorning. Driving on I-70 east towards Avon and Vail, Game Greek Bowl looks completely white as does the entire top half of Beaver Creek Mountain. Snow continues to fall at Aspen/Snowmass, with another nine inches (23 cm) falling overnight. Over the past 48 hours a foot (12-inches/30 cm) of snow has blanketed the slopes and covered the streets of Aspen and Snowmass Village.

According to NOAA, after months of developing in the tropical Pacific Ocean, El Nino is poised to influence fall and winter weather across the United States, NOAA's top climate experts said today. The El Niño influence will be weaker than the very strong 1997-98 version, but will still impact temperature and precipitation patterns.

For those planning their winter vacation, early season deals are now available:

ASPEN/SNOWMASS - Stay Aspen Snowmass

Offering one-stop shopping for your Aspen/Snowmass winter vacation with a varietyof special packages available throughout the winter season, from Thanksgiving weekend until spring 2003. Agents at Stay Aspen Snowmass are also experts at booking flights into Aspen/Snowmass and are there to help get you the best flights and rates. Choose from one of the packages below or ask for a customized package to suit your needs. Phone 800-290-1325 or 970-925-9000 or log onto www.aspensnowmass.com.

World Cup 2002 Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, 2002:

Join us Thanksgiving weekend and watch the world's fastest women and 2002 Olympic medallists compete in the super G and slalom races on Aspen Mountain. This weekend-long event includes a winter carnival, après-ski, live music andentertainment, stadium seating, racer autograph-signing, prize giveaways, fireworks extravaganza and much more. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass open November 28, 2002. World Cup Packages start at $55 per person, per night and include lodging and lift tickets - valid on Aspen Mountain and Snowmass. Based on doubleoccupancy. Subject to availability. Valid Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, 2002. Phone800-290-1325 or 970-925-9000 or log onto www.aspensnowmass.com.

Early Booking Winter Packages Book Before December 1, 2002: (Available AllWinter)

Book your 2002-2003 Aspen/ Snowmass winter vacation before December 1, 2002 andreceive 20% off the entire package of lodging, lift tickets, equipment rentals and select ski-school products. That's a savings of $350 per person on a 6-day,7-night package! Packages include a choice of lodging from Aspen and SnowmassVillage properties, 6-day lift ticket - valid on all four mountains, 6-dayequipment rental and one day of ski school. Subject to availability. Offer validfor any booking made prior to December 1, 2002. Based on double occupancy and value-season rates. Phone 800-290-1325 or 970-925-9000 or log ontowww.aspensnowmass.com.

Highlands/Buttermilk Packages Available All Winter:

Stir up your adrenaline in Highland Bowl, flip out on Buttermilk's top-to-bottomterrain park -- home to the 2003 ESPN Winter X Games -- or cruise the blues and greens on some of the sweetest terrain you've ever seen. Experience thedifference at a price anyone can get in to.

Packages start at $203 per person and include 3 nights lodging and a 2-day Highlands/Buttermilk lift ticket. Package pricing includes a choice of lodging from Aspen and Snowmass Village properties. Subject to availability. Based on double occupancy and late-season rates. Highlands/Buttermilk lift tickets may be upgraded to a 4-mountain ticket. Phone 800-290-1325 or 970-925-9000 or log ontowww.aspensnowmass.com.

BEAVER CREEK - Ritz-Carlton®, Bachelor Gulch Debuts In November Bachelor Gulch, the second village in Beaver Creek's European-style Village-to-Village skiing and riding experience, will be complete this season with the arrival of the long-awaited Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, the addition of a surface lift, aMagic Carpet and a branch of Beaver Creek's renowned ski and snowboard school. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is scheduled to open its doors in November, justin time for the 2002-2003 season. Amenities include a private 21,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, outdoor pool, more than 40,000 square feet of function space, three restaurants, preferred tee times at the new Red Sky Golf Club, a 1,500-square-foot Ritz Kids center, ski-in, ski-out mountain access and much more. The Ritz-Carlton Club is set to open in the first quarter of 2003,completing Bachelor Gulch Village.

Beaver Creek Ski School Offers "Three-Peat Lesson Deal" To celebrate its third consecutive World Championship title in the annual international "Battle of the Ski Schools" competition, Beaver Creek is offering the "Three-Peat Lesson Deal." The lesson package includes three consecutive days of adult beginner, intermediate, or advanced ski or snowboard group lessons for $159 per person. For more information visit www.beavercreek.com. This offer is valid from Nov. 23 to Dec. 21, 2002 and Jan. 5 to Feb. 13, 2003 and does not include lift ticket orrentals. This package is subject to availability, valid for adults ages 15 and older; other restrictions apply.

The Beaver Creek Family Winter Adventure Package Ski or ride four days, stay four nights and receive group ski or snowboard lessons and ice skating for only $453per person. The package includes one group lesson per guest and ice skating for four people. Lodging is based on a family of four staying in a two-bedroom condominium at the Borders Lodge in Beaver Creek. Taxes & surcharges not included, based upon availability, other restrictions may apply. Valid until Dec.17, 2002.

COPPER MOUNTAIN - Lodging From $119 - Prices start at just $119 per night in a Telemark Lodge deluxe studio and are based on double occupancy. Offer is valid every day of the week Nov. 1 - Dec. 20, 2002

Ski Free/Stay Free - Buy three nights lodging and a three-day lift ticket and get the fourth day and night free. Prices start at $69 per person based on fourpeople in a deluxe two-bedroom condo with a total of four days lodging & skiing.Rate valid Nov.1 - Dec. 20, 2002. Offer not applicable for group or conference stays. Rates subject to change. Based on availability. Other restrictions mayapply.

Kids Ski Free - Kids 13 and under ski free when a package of at least three nights is purchased. For every adult lodging/lift ticket package purchased, receive one free child Bee Line lift ticket. Offer is valid Nov. 1 - Dec. 20, 200. Offer not applicable for group or conference stays. Rates subject to change. Based on availability. Other restrictions may apply.

*Prices do not include tax, surcharge or lift tickets. Offer not applicable forgroup or conference stays. Rates subject to change. Based on availability. Other restrictions may apply.

DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT - Check out the Early Bird Special, 3 day/3 night including lift tickets, from $106 pp/ per night deluxe slopeside, or just $71pp/per night in town. Ref: Early Bird. Based on double occupancy. Durango Mountain Resort Reservations at 800-525-0892.

KEYSTONE - Kids Ski Free All Season at Keystone Resort Kids 12 and under ski free all season long at Keystone Resort with a 3-night minimum stay at any of Keystone's 1,600 condominiums or hotel rooms. To book this offer, which saves a family of four more than $200 on a 4-day ski trip, call 800-427-8308. (This offeris valid on a one-to-one basis with one free child ticket per paid adult, must be purchased in advance, and does not require a minimum number of ski days.)

Early Season Lodging Deals: For vacationers anxious to put the hot summer monthsbehind them, and hit the slopes to ski and ride in the early season, it's a great time for lodging deals:

Adventure Package Deal: Studio condos for $102 & 1-bedroom condos for $139 **Includes $300-worth of free activities on the Adventure Passport, which includes ice skating, yoga class, wine tasting, and more **Condos located in a gorgeous mountain setting a short, free bus ride from slopes, restaurants and nightlife. (Quoted rate from Nov. 26 - Dec. 19, per person/per night based onstandard occupancy)

Family Package Deal: 2-bedroom condos starting at $135, located in a gorgeous mountain setting a short, free bus ride from slopes and restaurants; or 2-bedroom condos starting at $205 in popular River Run village, near the gondola, restaurants, and shops.

**Includes $300-worth of free activities on the Adventure Passport, including guided mountain tour, hockey clinic, NASTAR, figure skating clinic and crosscountry rental and trail fee. (Quoted rate from Nov. 26 - Dec. 19, per person/pernight based on standard occupancy)

STEAMBOAT

Kids Fly, Stay, Ski & Rent Free*- January 6 - February 12, 2003

Steamboat continues to be the industry leader in programs/packages for families. In fact, Steamboat was the first resort to offer the Kids Fly, Stay, Ski & Rentalfree package last year with other resorts quickly following suit. Again this season, when a parent purchases a minimum four nights lodging, a three-day lift ticket, round-trip air and 3-day rental, one child (12 & under) is absolutely FREE.

40th Anniversary - Entire Season

From its humble beginnings in 1963, Steamboat has evolved into one of the premier resorts in the world. Combine Champagne Powder® snow (337"average for the past ten seasons) and the friendly, western atmosphere of Steamboat Springs--Ski Town USA®, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal for both lift and lodging in Colorado. The 40th Anniversary Package features four night motel accommodations and a three-day lift ticket starting as low as $231**. Toss in the option of incorporating Steamboat's revolutionary Kids Ski Free™ program, now in its 20th season, and the deal just got better! Book and pay in full by Oct. 6th for packages as low as $231**, a 20% savings. Save 15% if booked and paid in full by Nov. 1st with packages starting as low as $244**. This package is valid the entire season.

Snowsavers***

Steamboat Snowsaver Packages allow you to get the most out of your Steamboat vacation (lodging/lift) while getting the most for your money. These packagesinclude four night motel accommodations and a three-day lift ticket or six night condo accommodations and five-day lift ticket during certain periods throughout the season.

First Track Snowsaver...... Nov. 27-Dec. 18, 2002..... As low as $250 for 4 night/3-day and $359 for 6 night/5-day
White Sale Snowsaver ...... Jan. 6-Feb. 13, 2003......... As low as $289 for 4 night/3-day and $471 for 6 night/5-day

Spring Snowsaver..............Feb. 23–April 3, 2003........ As low as $298 for 4 night/3-day and $517 for 6 night/5-day
Last Chance Snowsaver.... April 4-13, 2003............... As low as $255 for 4 night/3-day and $359 for 6 night/5-day

SnowFlight - Entire Season
Steamboat SnowFlight packages offer the best price on lift tickets, lodging and round-trip airfare from a variety of cities on American, Continental, Northwestand United Airlines. The SnowFlight package requires a minimum four nights lodging and a three-day lift ticket purchase. On SnowFlight 5-day or more packages, take advantage of Steamboat's industry leading Kids Ski Free™ program. Restrictions do apply, contact Steamboat Central Reservations or online atwww.steamboat.com/snowflight for additional information.

First Class SnowFlight - Entire Season
Steamboat's SnowFlight packages also offer a First Class feature that includes lodging in a condominium with an excellent rating and first-class, round-trip airfare from a variety of cities on American, Continental, Northwest and United Airlines. The SnowFlight First Class package requires a minimum four nights lodging and a three-day lift ticket purchase. On SnowFlight 5-day or more packages, take advantage of Steamboat's industry leading Kids Ski Free program. Restrictions do apply, contact Steamboat Central Reservations or online atwww.steamboat.com/snowflight for additional information.

VAIL - Stay In Vail For As Low As $35 Per Night Stay in the heart of Vail's Lions Head Village for as low as $35 per night with a special early season lodging offer at the Vail Landmark Properties. Choose from fully equipped condominiums just steps away from the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Prices begin at $35 per person, per night Nov. 21-Dec. 19, 2002. Reservations, 800/322-8245.

Steep Savings on All-Inclusive Packages Vail rings in 40 years with all-inclusive packages that focus on variety and value. These packages are designed for every type of vacation from the family getaway to the spring break trip. Packages are $399 to $629 per person for the entire package, based on double occupancy. Children's packages also are available at discounted prices. Additional restrictions may apply on all packages. Reservations, www.vail.com or 800/404-3535.

Early Season Starter Package - Four nights lodging. - Three-day lift ticket. -Full day class lesson or an expert guided tour. - Ski or snowboard equipment demo day. - Dinner at two of Vail's premier restaurants. - Free admission and special offers at local bars. Parties, t-shirts and more. Valid: Dec. 1-21, 2002.

Ski Vail For Less Than $33 Per Day Vail's Perfect 10 allows vacationers to ski 10 days at Vail or its sister resorts Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Heavenly as well as Arapahoe Basin, for less than $33 a day throughout the 2002-2003 season. The multi-day lift ticket program rewards guests who ski earlyand often. Early, because it must be purchased and used at least once before Jan. 31, 2003 and often, because it includes up to 10 days of skiing and snowboarding which can be used consecutively or non-consecutively throughout the season. An adult Perfect 10 sells for $329, and a child (ages 5-12) Perfect 10 is $199. Valid all season with the exception of Dec. 20, 2002 - Jan. 4, 2003. Additionalrestrictions apply. The Perfect 10 is available at any Vail ticket window during the season or by visiting www.vail.com.

Learn To Ski or Snowboard with Vail's First Time Series This season Vail ismaking it easier for adults to take up skiing and snowboarding with its special First Time Series. Qualified, trained instructors share their technique tips and teach beginners how to feel comfortable on the slopes. Participants get three adult ski or snowboard lessons for the price of one. The offer includes a three-day lesson, beginner lift ticket and rentals. Price is $135 from Nov. 22 –Dec. 21, 2002 and April 6-20, 2003 and $155 from Jan. 5-Feb. 13, 2003. Days must be used consecutively. Participants must be 15 years old or older.

WINTER PARK - Back by popular demand, the Free 4 All package is Winter Park's best value. The package is simple: visitors buy three days of skiing, three nights of lodging and get the fourth day and night free - a 25 percent savings! Package options may include a free fourth day of ski or snowboard lesson, rentalequipment and NASTAR race. Lodging properties range from moderately priced motels to luxury accommodations near the base of the slopes. This package, whichis available throughout the season, must be booked by Dec. 15, 2002 and a deposit is required at time of booking. Restrictions may apply and is based on availability. Packages are available through Winter Park Central Reservations at 800-729-5813.

Early season is the perfect time to take up a new sport and the Beginner Breakthrough package is the best way to do it. This learn-to-ski or snowboard package is designed to encourage "never-evers" to try skiing or snowboarding fora minimal investment. Offered from Nov. 13 - Dec. 20, 2002, this offer includes three nights of lodging, two days of lift tickets, two days of equipment rental and two adult "first-timer" lessons. The package starts at $254/person based ontwo people in a motel, $311/person with two people in a one-bedroom condo and$319/person based on two people in a room at a bed and breakfast. Prices areslightly higher for snowboarders. Packages are available through Winter Park Central Reservations at 800-729-5813.

For more information on all Colorado Ski Country's 24 resorts, go to coloradoski.com or media-coloradoski.com
Resort Opening/Closing Dates
2002/2003

Resort
Opening Date
(subject to change)
Closing Date
(subject to change)
Arapahoe Basin
November
July 4
Aspen Highlands
Dec. 14
April 6
Aspen Mountain
Nov. 28
April 20
Beaver Creek
Nov. 23
April 13
Breckenridge
Nov. 9
April 21
Buttermilk
Dec. 14
April 6
Copper Mountain
Nov. 2
April 20
Crested Butte
Dec. 14
April 6
Durango Mountain Resort
Nov. 28
April 6
Eldora
Mid-Nov.
Mid-April
Howelsen
Late Nov.
Late March
Keystone
Nov. 1
April 20
Loveland
Mid-Oct.
Mid-May
Monarch
Nov. 22
April 6
Powderhorn
Dec. 12
March 30
Silverton
Nov. 15
June 15
Ski Cooper
Nov. 28
March 30
SolVista
Dec. 14
March 30
Snowmass
Nov. 28
April 13
Steamboat
Nov. 27
April 13
Sunlight
Nov. 27
April 6
Telluride
Nov. 26
April 6
Vail
Nov. 22
April 20
Winter Park/Mary Jane
Nov. 13
April 20

Colorado Ski Country USA is the non-profit trade association representing Colorado's 24 ski & snowboard resorts.