Heather Canyon opened today for the first time this young 2010-2011 season! It is one of the earliest openings of the legendary Canyon ever. The lower Canyon was opened from the Twilight gate down..
 
With the Civil War game going on, crowds were light when Ski Patrol dropped the gates just after 1pm. Only 25 or so lucky skiers and riders were waiting at the Twilight gate, and they scored fresh powder tracks the whole way down. The Heather chairlift operated today and is on the schedule for the next several days before the next storm system arrives, as conditions in the Canyon allow.
 
Cold temperatures this week kept the snow from the last storm light and fluffy in the Canyon, and continued cold temperatures the next three days should keep the snow light and carveable. Ski Patrol continues to work on the upper Canyon. If Mother Nature works with them, we may see more terrain open soon, with more early-season black diamond powder turns!
 
On your way back to the lift, stay to the skier's left of the waterfall rope lines to exit the Canyon. Watch for the bamboo poles marking the snow bridges. Be safe and have fun. Pictures and video are coming!

Happy riders on the Heather Chairlift first day that the Canyon opened!