Dave's Blog

WOW, what an opening day Dave. Thanks to everyone at Telski who worked to get all the terrain open. This was the best opening day we've seen in many years. See Forever is fantastic. The family is going to ski every day through Sunday! We also love the new Hop Garden outdoor bar. Great job.

Dave's reply: Hi Suzy, thanks for recognizing the staff - they're really focused on providing an exceptional experience for our guests. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the skiing!

Happy Thanksgiving Dave! Glad to hear you were able to open as scheduled. Man, those pictures of Alex skiing the fluff looks amazing! Cheers, Tom

Dave's reply: Hi Tom, Great to hear from you! Mt. Hood Meadows has obviously had a great opening this November - which is wonderful to see. Thanks for staying in touch, and I hope to see you out here again this winter with the POMA event! Say hi to the gang for me.

I would like to commend Howard Davis, ski instructor extraordinaire.....It was a pleasure and a privilege to be his student.  I am an older...or more mature :) skier who learned skiing on long straight skis. Only a few turns and he was able to asess my needs.. Thanks for the unlimited lesson pass opportunity.

Nancy

Kudos to Howard....

Dave's reply: Hi Nancy, Thank you so much for recognizing Howard. It is so wonderful when a particular member of the Telluride Ski Resort staff is complimented. Have a great ski season enjoying your new skills!

Great Opening Day! Thanks to all of the staff for the excellent snow coverage.  See forever was awesome!  I totally agree with Nancy.  Howard Davis is the best instructor in the world.  I have taken lessons from him many times and went from a strong intermediate skier to skiing the blacks on the town side. Next goal is to ski moguls. His approach and teaching techniques are unmatched.

I would recommend putting the counter service back in Hops Garden for faster service. We were told by the outside hostess that it would be a 15-20 minute wait for a table either outside or inside. We went inside and there were many empty tables. We were seated right away. Even so, it took us 1 1/2 hours for lunch yesterday.  Not many will want to spend that much time having lunch on a good ski day. Table service sounds like a good idea, but the counter service was much more efficient and faster.  

Dave's reply: Hi Cindy, I'll make sure Howard gets your compliments. Regarding the Hop Garden, we had a technological problem with the point-of-sale system yesterday where the register quit printing order tickets in the kitchen, right during lunch. It's fixed now. Murphy's Law. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Everything was looking really good on opening day. But, I was wondering if there was any news about the parking garage because with it now being paid parking it costs more to park than to drive there. Thank You

Dave's reply: Hi Alex, I'm a little confused. The Gondola parking garage (multi-level complex) is still free during the day. The Town of Mountain Village charges $20 for only overnight there. There is also a new parking garage under the Capella Hotel that cost $2/hour up to a max of $30 for 24 hours. Is that what you're talking about?

The conditions have been great.  And the weather has been more like Spring skiing than November, although it's nice it's been so cold at night, so snow making seems to be going strong.  One question...why is Chair 6 running on diesel?

Dave's reply: We're waiting on a electrical part for Chair 6 so at this time it's running on the diesel backup engine. It will be changed out next week. Glad you're enjoying the November conditions on the slopes!

I just wanted to let you know how much we all enjoyed skiing Telluride Friday.  The kids group ski lessons were fantastic.  My 10 & 7 year olds had Micheal for their instructor.  What an incredibly patient man.  Emily & Alex were both able to ski to the bottom of meadows without trouble at the end of the day.  Amazing!  Also the food & service at Hop Garden was excellent.  Thanks for the information on the wait.  Great Burgers.  Wonderful Job Telluride Staff.

Dave's reply: Hi Glenda, Thank you for all the positive reinforcement - the staff will appreciate the nice comments! Enjoy the ski season.

Congrats on the awesome opening Dave!  The Hop Garden looks very inviting!  Sorry to hear about the POS troubles...that never happens here :)

Dave's reply: Hi Mark, Great to hear from you again! Looks like Mt. Hood has had a fantastic November, good deal!

Hi there TelSKi...while reading your backcountry etiquette page i feel slightly confused.  I'm pretty sure your readers would be better educated had you posted "proper" etiquette, instead of backcountry babble!  I think it's important to inform those inexperienced bc skiers with useful information such as; be sure not to ski above other bc ski groups; ski one at a time; ski to points of safety; always carry a beacon, shovel, probe!, etc...  I think it would be wise to Try Again!!! and give your readers some informative, useful information for the safety off all those bc skiers out there...inexperienced or well versed.

Dave's reply: I gave it a look and think we could add some more info. I'll ask for an upgrade to that section. Thank you.

Been trying to rally the troops with this one. COMCAST does not currently carry The Ski Channel. I am a subscriber and can not watch the channel. If you care about The Ski Channel or are just a mountain enthusiast at large, please visit the link below, post a message, and visit the link to send Comcast a message regarding carrying The Ski Channel.

Thanks,

www.theskichanneloncomcast.blogspot.com

Dave's reply: I normally don't allow posts for 3rd party commercial stuff on the blog but feel this is an exception..

If the town of T Ride susidizes the airlines that fly into MTJ. Why is the Delta fare from Atlanta $900 RT?

M

Dave's reply: Hi Marty, Airlines do some interesting stuff when setting prices. They set prices up and down all the time based on a number of factors. It might be the time of the season and/or how close you are booking and how full the flight is that you're trying to get. It's not always that expensive. You might look at different dates?

Hi Dave,

I am arriving at TEX around noon Sat, Dec 19 and am looking forward to the new runway experience.  I'm wondering if I will be able to walk to any of the World Cup events from Heritage Plaza such as the award ceremony on lower Misty Maiden Saturday and/or Sunday?  Is there going to be a place for spectators to catch any of the competition without lift access?  I have visited TellurideWorldCup.com but I am still left with questions.  Any light you can shed on this subject is much appreciated!

Dave

Dave's reply: Hi Dave, I think the easiest thing for you is to have a telephone conversation with Elizabeth Howe. She is running the event for the ski company. Please email me your cell phone number at driley@tellurideskiresort.com and I'll have her give you a call. Thank you!

Hi Dave-

What are your plans for the terrain parks this year.

Last year seemed to work pretty good.

Dave's reply: Beginner park on Ute Park, intermediate park on Polar Queen, advanced park at Hoot's. We've got a great crew this year, it should be excellent.

Learning to ski on the Meadows yesterday was difficult with the snowmaking machines blowing snow in my face.

Dave's reply: Hi Tobi, I understand. We have to complete the snowmaking in certain areas quickly. It will be over very soon. Thank you for your comment/question.

Dave:

We had a lot of guests who were really happy with opening day--Congratulations! Everybody I talk to love the improvements! Here's to a great season! Steve Treacy-Concierge-Mountain Lodge Telluride

Dave's reply: Hi Steve, thanks for blogging! The mountain conditions are really nice for this early in the year. Love Mountain Lodge too. Hope to see you soon!

Dave:

Please give us a status for the snow making progress.

ie:  Will blue runs under lift 5 be complete in a few days, and or runs under lift 10.  I know we are in need of natural snow, but what can you tell everyone about potential openings of lifts...runs etc.

This is important for some of us who would make other choices for ticket purchases and or alternate activities once we get on property.  For me, if I wait until I get to Telluride on Dec 16th, I will have already needed to decide about ski school for my kids and or reservations for dog sledding snow mobiling etc.

Thanks,

Bryan

Dave's reply: Hi Bryan, Snowmaking has been going really well, as the nights have been cold. The Chair 10 pod only has snowmaking at the bottom of the runs, so in order to open that area we need natural snow up above. Same with the Chair 5 pod, except for the connector run from the top of 5 to the bottom of 6.

But, it's only December 4th. All ski areas in Colorado and Utah are operating on limited terrain this early in the month. A lot can change between now and when you arrive on the 16th though. I'm looking at the most recent weather forecast and there is talk about a series of storms rolling through early next week. I don't want to jinx it so that's all I'll say. Check the website for updates!

Also, if you're considering other alpine recreation opportunities, contact Telluride Eco Adventures http://tellurideskiresort.com/TellSki/info/eco-adventures.aspx for more information.

Thank you for choosing Telluride for your vacation!

Dave,

I just wanted to thank you and your team for all the hard work to open more terrain over Thanksgiving. Instead of our normal one day of skiiing at Thanksgiving, we actaully went three straight days. Also, we really liked all the upgrades to Hop Garden (great tuna wrap!). Unfortunately, we have to wait for Spring Break to enjoy the rest of the mountain - I might even try Chute 9.

Thanks,

Mike

Dave's reply: Hi Mike, thank you so much for recognizing the ski company's staff for their good work to open with a high-quality ski product as well as the Hop Garden improvements. See you back in March!

"IF THE LATEST PROJECTIONS ARE

ACCURATE...MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS COULD SEE FROM 1 TO 2 FEET OF NEW SNOW

WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR HIGHER AMOUNTS IN THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS." From the NOAA.gov site. Hoping for a ton of the fluffy white stuff for Tride!

Dave's reply: Hi Tim, yes, I saw that too. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

Dave:

CAn you update all of us on the status of the snowmaking?

Thanks

Dave's reply: Hi Robin, snowmaking has been going really well because of the cold nights we've had for the past few weeks. The Chondola pod is pretty much complete with the exception of the Peaks trail, which is underway right now. Lot's of snow is now going down on Misty Maiden from top to bottom. The connections between the top of 4 to the bottom of 5, and the top of 5 to the bottom of 6, as well as the See Forever run are all skiing really good. We have a favorable weather forecast for early next week - keep your fingers crossed!

I am so impressed with your ski instructors.  Using the limitless lesson pass, I had the opportunity to take 2 lessons with Olga S.  She is truly an inspiration. As an experienced skier looking to refine and understand technique, she was instrumental in giving me those "ah ha" moments.  

Can't wait to transfer these skills on the bumps.

Dave's reply: Hi NG, thank you for recognizing Olga and the Telluride Ski and Snowboard School. We're blessed with some really fantastic instructors.

Dave,

Looks like two good storms rolling in. I'm trying to plan out a possible trip for Dec. 17-20. If you get some good snow out of them, what are the odds for opening up 6, 9, 14 by then? Still too thin up top?

Dave's reply: Hi Patrick, I think the odds are good for more terrain in the near term. Stay tuned to the website and the blog!

Dave,

Looks like we're about to get a ton a snow. Wondering if you've ever checked out snowforecast.com/tellurideresort? It's a great site that seems to do a good job with their long term forecasts. They're predicting 18-24 inches on Monday!

Dave's reply: Yes, I do look at that site. I sure hope this forecast comes true. It could really make things happen for us. The natural snowpack we have has compressed, but we didn't loose it completely like some resorts up north, so, if we get a good storm on top of this pack, it's going to make for a good base in many areas throughout the ski area. I'm watching this one closely.

is there any chance you might leave the x-course open to the public for a bit after the races are over?

Dave's reply: Hi Snowball, By contract with USSA, we're required to tear it down... We're working on some ideas to reuse the snow though - more on that later...  :)

Hi Dave,

Is upper Misty Maiden set aside for the training/comps?  I thought it looked like a cool course with all the whales, but it was all mowed down flat Saturday leading me to think we may be able to ski it for at least a couple days:)

Dave's reply: We're going to split Upper Misty tomorrow morning with a rope line and let the US Team train on one half and the public will get the other half until the World Cup competition. It's got great coverage.

Dave,

my family and I will be in Tride for New Years. We look forward to the photo of the day as we anticipate the trip. Could you update more frequently.

Thanks,

Tony

Dave's reply: Hi Tony, yes, I'm going to post another blog tomorrow. Thanks for choosing Telluride for the vacation. It's going to be a great time for you and the family!

Any information on more terrain opening up?  It should be about that time.

SM

Dave's reply: We all have out hopes up for this storm. I'm planning on updating the blog tomorrow. Check it out. Thanks!

Hi Dave,

Really happy with the way the snow is setting up so far this year. Given the snow falling right now, how close are we to getting new terrain open? Specifically, when can we expect to ski some powder under 9? Also, I've notice a lot of snowmaking in the area of Telluride Trail. How long before we can ditch the gondola for skiing into town? Thanks for the updates.

Dave's reply: Hi Ryan, it all depends on what this current storm delivers. I'll update tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Any update on more terrain?

Dave's reply: See the new blog I just posted. Thank you.

Update on New Terrain opening???

Dave's reply: check out the new post. Tx.

Hi Dave,

I must say, these pictures are utterly spectacular. I plan on moving out to Denver next year, and I can't wait to get down to your neck of the woods, to do some skiing.

Keep on submitting those gorgeous pictures !

Best Wishes,

Don Heyman

Dave's reply: Hi Don, thanks - if you think the pictures are cool, you'll be amazed with the place in real-time :)