Loveland to open October 15 in hopes of being first ski area to open this season

Loveland to open October 15 in hopes of being first ski area to open this seasonFor the fifth consecutive season, Loveland Ski Area officially kicks off the nation’s ski and snowboard season Friday October 15, 2004 at 9:00 a.m.

“The employees of Loveland Ski Area are excited to open for the 2004-2005 ski and snowboard season. A cool, wet summer and one of the snowiest falls on record has everyone optimistic for a very snowy winter,” explains Loveland Marketing Director, Kevin Wright.

Loveland Ski Area will open with chair lift #1 serving the runs “Catwalk”, “Mambo” and “Home Run.” This is a top-to-bottom run covering more then a mile in length and 1,000 vertical feet. Base depths will vary from 18 to 24 inches. Snowmaking efforts will enable Loveland to open additional terrain as conditions permit. Loveland’s web site: www.skiloveland.com/snowmaking provides regular updates on snowmaking progress and trail openings as well as access to the world’s highest web cam.

Opening Day festivities will include a Rail Jam expression session featuring local pro riders at 8:30 a.m. and a Rail Jam competition sponsored by Mountain Dew will be open to the public at 1:00 p.m. weather permitting. Skiers and riders will receive free Power Bar Bites with the purchase of a lift ticket while supplies last. Complimentary donuts, hot chocolate and coffee will be given to the first 300 people in the lift line. KSMT radio will be broadcasting live from the bottom of Chair #1 providing a count down for the nations first chair of the season. Representatives from Emage Snow and Skate, Santa Cruz, Salomon and others snow sports companies will be on-site showcasing 2004-2005 products. The day’s festivities will conclude with an Après Ski Party sponsored by Tommyknocker Brewery at the Rathskeller Bar.

Lift tickets on Friday, October 15th will cost $34 for adults and $16 for children (ages 6-14). Loveland has extended its discounted season pass and ‘4-Pak’ sales through November 15th, 2004. Season passes and ‘4-Paks’ are available online at www.skiloveland.com, by phone at 1-800-736-3SKI, or at the Denver Ski Expo November 5-7, 2004.