If you open, they will come. A little snow helps, of course.

The storm everyone was looking for finally landed on us last night- about 9 hours before Vail’s rescheduled opening day. Vail opened one trail, Born Free, and its corresponding express lift, as well as the adjacent Eagle Bahn Gondola, but only to site-seers and folks seeking lunch without their equipment.

Eagle Valley Blog went to Lionshead to catch the buzz of the excitement of opening day. When we got there, it was snowing like crazy!

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From Weather.com:

Tonight: Snow this evening will become lighter late. Colder. Low 16 degrees. Chance of snow 100%.

Tomorrow: Snow showers early becoming more scattered later. Cold. High 23 degrees. Chance of snow 70%.

Despite the early pessimism for Thanksgiving skiing, the weather appears to have given way. You should come skiing tomorrow and enjoy opening day. (In our own, humble opinion.)

This also in: Beaver Creek will be shuffling opening back until Friday, November 23. Now theres something else to do on black Friday.

From a statement released by Vail Resorts yesterday, 11/15, at noon:

VAIL MOUNTAIN TO OPEN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Vail, Colo. – November 15, 2007 – Vail Mountain resort officials announced today that they are moving the resort’s 2007-08 season opening day from Friday, Nov. 16 to Wednesday, Nov. 21. Snowmaking crews have been making snow on Born Free trail since Nov. 1, but early November snowmaking temperatures have been marginal. Last evening a cold front dropped into the region producing the first significantly cold temperatures that allowed for a great night of snowmaking.

“We are very confident that with the big drop in temperatures, and indications of a strong shift in the weather pattern that we will open with a very good snow surface next week,” said Bill Jensen, chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “It appears that the first major winter storm of the season is headed our way next week as well, which is very good news for our Thanksgiving holiday guests who may even experience a powder day.”

Snowmaking operations continue and will accelerate as colder temperatures prevail. Weather forecasters also indicate that a major change is in store for the Central Rockies in the next several days including a traditional Thanksgiving snowstorm.

The town of Vail will now implement paid parking to coincide with the mountain opening. Paid parking will begin at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21.

So what does this mean for Vail? How many guests are here for the anticipated opening? Is everyone completely bummed out? We went to find out, just hours after the release of this news.

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Looking forward to getting out here this winter? You’re not alone. And Vail and Beaver Creek have you in mind as well, particularly if you’re bringing the whole family along, or coming out with the buddies in December to catch some early powder. The resorts have made some major improvements and changes to ensure an enhanced experience for as many visitors as possible, especially the little ones. (more…)

10/10/2007 – Arapahoe Basin (A-basin) opens on the earliest day ever since it became Colorado’s first public ski area with lifts in 1946. Today, A-Basin having received 13 inches new in 3 days, A-basin is optimistic about opening more trails very very soon. This is the official beginning of the ski season for residents and visitors to the Vail Valley, as A-basin is only a short drive over the pass in Summit County, and is one of the first areas to open every year, with Loveland being a close rival.

Now why the “White Ribbon of Death?” Locals who have grown accustomed to fresh powder and wide open spaces refer to the single man-made intermediate slope overrun with every enthusiastic skier available in a 100-mile radius “risky,” especially with torn ACL’s being rampant in the early season. Wish to risk it? We recommend you look before you leap by the mountain’s web cam.