In the wake of a memorable 2013-14 Colorado ski season that set a record for statewide skier visits, Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts are aiming to maintain that positive momentum by investing in guest-facing amenities and operations improvements that will further enhance every facet of the skier and snowboarder experience, on and off the slopes.

From major investments in hotels, on mountain dining and learning centers for young skiers and snowboarders, to new chairlifts, groomers, and snowmaking systems; CSCUSA resorts continue to hold guest satisfaction in the highest regard and make concrete improvements that will maintain and enhance the premier skiing and snowboarding experience at Colorado resorts.

Below is a summary of the many upgrades at CSCUSA resorts near the Front Range guests will enjoy during the 2014-15 ski season. Many more upgrades have occurred in Steamboat, Aspen, Durango and others.

Learning, Lessons & Little Ones
Arapahoe Basin will unveil a new Kids Center in the spring of 2015. The A-Basin Kids Center will be more than 7,000 square feet and will add to the convenience of the base area. In addition to the amenities the Kids Center will provide for children in the Snowsports lessons and programs, the construction and décor of the building will be in line with the resort’s award-winning emphasis on sustainability. The Kids Center will be partially powered by solar energy, and will be decorated in the spirit of A-Basin’s on-mountain ecology education displays such as “Ace’s Wild Adventure,” and trails like Moose Hollow and Lynx Lane, where signage informs guests young and old about the flora and fauna ecosystem on the Continental Divide. Guests can follow the progress of the construction on the A-Basin Facebook page by clicking here: http://bit.ly/abkcphotos. For more information visit http://bit.ly/A-Basin-WhatsNew2015.

Loveland Ski Area is adding a second Magic Carpet surface lift at Loveland Valley. Loveland Valley is a unique learning area with a base lodge, equipment rentals and other amenities, and is used by beginners and those looking for a slower pace while visiting Loveland Ski Area. The Valley is adjacent to Loveland Basin and is accessible by a short shuttle ride. This new magic carpet will be open to the public and will provide access to gentle terrain perfect for first timers. For more information, visit http://www.skiloveland.com.

Guest Service & Experience
Copper Mountain re-engineered the resort smartphone app game with the introduction of Sherpa last winter. Providing on-mountain audio intelligence, Sherpa makes the mountain experience better for all guests. New for the 2014/2015 winter season, Copper hands over the controls of Sherpa to everyone, allowing for an open-sourced mountain. Not only will guests be able to create and share their own mountain tips and favorite trails, but Copper will reward the best contributors with swag, tickets, passes and even a prized treasured spot on 2015/2016 winter trail map. Sherpa 2.0 will change how guests interact with the mountain and create a community rewarding those who help to improve the mountain experience. Learn more about Sherpa at http://www.CopperColorado.com/Sherpa.

Further advances in efficiency and guest services in Ski Cooper’s rental shop will be completed for the 2014/15 ski season, improving on its complete remodel last season. Ski Cooper will enhance the flow of guests renting skis and snowboards by re-positioning electronic sign in stations, while adding more printer stations and re-configuring the area for guests to fit boots. For more information, visit http://www.skicooper.com.

At Loveland Ski Area, the new Ginny Lee Cabin, a day use on mountain structure, will provide skiers and riders on the north side of Loveland Ski Area a convenient place to meet friends and warm up without a trip to the base area. The new warming hut is located off Chair 8 and offers amazing views, restrooms and vending machines. For more information, visit http://www.skiloveland.com.

Food & Beverage
At Loveland Ski Area’s Loveland Basin, a newly remodeled cafeteria will be unveiled this season. The remodel will improve the guest dining experience including making it easier and more convenient. The cafeteria will be able to provide more food and beverage options, comfortable seating and a cozy place for guests to take a break and take in the views. For more information, visit http://www.skiloveland.com.

For 2014/15 Ski Cooper will offer an on mountain mobile food service with the new “Cat Trax” snow-cat. In similar vein to a food truck, the Ski Cooper Cat Trax will serve hot food at different locations on the mountain this season offering the ski areas first on mountain dining service.

In the base lodge at Ski Cooper, guests will experience the newly enhanced Pub. With an even more laid back vibe and atmosphere in tune with the guest experience at the mountain, the Pub will feature an Irish theme, together with Irish music and quality Irish beer. For more information, visit http://www.skicooper.com.

Winter Park Resort’s largest on-mountain building construction in over 25 years, Lunch Rock Restaurant will be a state-of-the-art facility utilized year-round, with 150-seat heated deck, 250-seat indoor restaurant, bar, and hydration station all focusing on Colorado themes. At 16,000 square-feet, the new restaurant will be over five times larger than the previous structure at Lunch Rock, which was built in 1985. While adding another exciting experience for visitors to the Mary Jane Territory, Lunch Rock Restaurant will also service guests skiing and riding Winter Park Territory, Parsenn Bowl Territory, Eagle Wind Territory, and the Cirque Territory, making the restaurant a convenient hub for the many people who pass through the area each day.

In addition to convenience and comfort, at 11,200 feet in elevation Lunch Rock Restaurant will boast amazing views of Parry Peak, James Peak, Parsenn Bowl, the Fraser Valley, and the Continental Divide, which Winter Park Resort lovers have enjoyed from Lunch Rock for generations. Most importantly, the new facility will stay true to the tradition of Mary Jane, one of Colorado’s most iconic destinations. For more information, visit http://lunchrock.co/.

Terrain & Snow Conditions
For 2014-2015, Eldora Mountain Resort has added two new Kassbohrer grooming machines to the existing fleet of five groomers. Combined with 100 percent snowmaking coverage on all groomed territory, the new grooming machines improvement will ensure a consistently high-quality snow surface for all ability levels. For more information, visit http://www.eldora.com.

Loveland Ski Area has invested in snowmaking upgrades at Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley to improve efficiencies and productivity. Loveland’s location on the Continental Divide provides cooler temperatures that allow the ski area to make snow early in the season and help it keep snow in good condition all season long and well into spring. For more information, visit http://www.skiloveland.com.

Ski Granby Ranch visitors will experience terrain improvements and expansions in 2014/15. The ski area is adding two new runs on West Mountain, improving access to Dean’s Glade on West Mountain, reopening the Poma Lift which gives access to Lone Pine Bowl, and adding a new gladed area off Bronc Rider on East Mountain. For more information, visit http://www.granbyranch.com.

Anniversaries & Milestones
Several resorts in Colorado are recognizing significant anniversaries and milestones during the 2014/15 season. Winter Park will celebrate its 75th anniversary on January 28, 2015 with a weeklong series of events that kicks off with a celebration at Winter Park resort and finishes with Mary Jane’s 40th birthday party.

Wolf Creek is also celebrating 75 years this season. Along with a 75th anniversary logo, Wolf Creek will host a Retro Day to commemorate the occasion.

Additionally this winter, Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs will recognize the 100th anniversary of ski jumping at the nostalgic ski area.