UPDATED SEPTEMBER 23RD 2009:

First snow of the season on the Bowl!

Here's a pic, shot from Smuggler Mountain this morning, with the

first dusting of snow for the season on my favorite winter

pow pow escape: Highland Bowl. As is typical, the G Zones

on the far side seemed to pick up more of the precious white

stuff, totalling several inches. The Y Zones on the near side

don't have as much coverage due to their orientation and daily

levels of (greater) sun exposure.

Aspen Mountain, in the foreground, shows some signs of fall color,

as the aspens slowly change. Due to our very rainy spring and fairly

rainy summer, many aspens are affected by mold. The forecast for

fall color is a little less color than in past seasons due to the funky

moldy green many leaves will turn as the days become shorter and

the nights get colder, dramatically reducing photosynthesis which

keeps leaves green.

According to weather forecasts, the Bowl may pick up more snow

over the next 48 hrs. The snow may not last long however, as

temperatures will soar into the 70s this weekend; the rollercoaster

of weather typical of September!

Aspen Highlands is scheduled to open for the ski and snowboard

season on December 12th and will close on April 4th. Per usual,

the Highland Bowl will open for the season as snow conditions dictate.

Safety of the snow rider is always paramount.

I look forward to entertaining and informing YOU with my weekly blogs this season. I also look forward to seeing 

YOU on the hike or the ride down her 40-45 degree slopes!  LET IT SNOW! Erik