The Telluride Ski Resort has kicked in preseason pass deals this year, offering 30 days of free skiing for six= and 10-day buyers.
The new deals are intended to target the local market, said Telluride Ski Resort CEO Bill Jensen.
“We care about our communities, and we want local people to enjoy some extra days at Telluride. It’s a great value,” he said.
Six-day and 10-day pass holders ski for free opening day through Dec. 18, and March 30 through closing day.
Opening day is Nov. 28, and closing day is April 5. The deadline for purchasing the early season passes is Nov. 16.
The six-day ($420) and 10-day ($630) passes are available only at regional sales events, or online for those who purchased a pass in the past three years.
The next sale events are Nov. 2 at La Plata County Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nov. 9 at Dolores Ski Swap, Dolores Community Center, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Nov. 9-10 at Great Outdoors Co., 10 S. Selig Ave. in Montrose (Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.); Nov. 15-16 at Oak Street Mountain Sales Office in Telluride (Friday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Telluride also created a glade area this offseason, Jensen said.
A helicopter logging operation moved 6,000 dead or diseased trees in the vicinity of Lift 9.
“We gained 44 acres of gladed tree skiing. We think it will be very popular,” Jensen said.
The project was completed in conjunction with the Uncompaghre National Forest to reduce wildfire danger, thin the forest and create a firebreak for the town of Telluride.
The new glade area will be named next season after hearing feedback from the ski patrol and locals.
Telluride received 6 inches of fresh snow Sunday night, and 2-3 inches are predicted for the next 48 hours. Snowmaking is ongoing, thanks to low temperatures.
“It is a good start. We are very optimistic for a great season,” Jensen said.