We can’t believe it’s here already: midseason, but we’re excited that the Vail snow report is looking strong right now as we gear up for a buzzing spring ski rentals season. Flurries are falling outside of our shop today, just steps away from Vail’s Gondola One in Vail Village, so we can’t complain, and we want to share with you how the 2017 Vail ski season has shaped up for us here at Vista Bahn Ski Rentals so far. Plus we’ve got a lot to look forward to in the upcoming weeks when Vail’s famed spring skiing season arrives.
Vail Snow Report: Then and Now
Early on this winter, we were all holding our breath, waiting for the snow to fall. When it didn’t come in October, we just continued tuning our gear, taking winter ski rental reservations, and getting our ski tuning shop ready. But when the snow still wasn’t coming down continuously by mid-November, we started getting a bit more nervous. And everyone else was getting nervous, too. Vail delayed its opening until November 25 this year, and unfortunately a lack of early season snow led to the Audi Birds of Prey World Cup cancellation at Beaver Creek.
But then in December the snow started coming…and coming…and coming, and it hasn’t let up. One of our favorite snow forecast websites, OpenSnow.com, went as far as calling January 2017 the Snowpocalypse, referring to the big snow dumps that fell not only on Colorado but also on major ski areas across the West.
So where does that bring us now with a midseason Vail snow report? Well, in short, conditions have been awesome, and we have a solid base that will make for some good spring skiing. As of early February 2017, snow telemetry (SNOTEL) maps are showing Colorado statewide snowpack at 151 percent, with Vail registering in the higher end of that range. With a base at over 50 inches of snow, Vail’s got a great foundation for more snow that will make spring skiing a blast.
Historical data tells us we have much more snow to come. Click to image watch the video.
While anything can happen, we’re feeling optimistic about what will follow. And we turn to OpenSnow Meteorologist Joel Gratz for some insights about what to expect later this month. In his February 2 extended forecast section, Gratz says:
“Most models show that between now and mid-February, temperatures in Colorado will be warmer than average and that we’ll be on the edge of the storm track. So through about February 15-20th, expect few cold periods and a tough forecast with lots of precipitation heading to our north and a close call if Colorado gets in on the action.
The long-range European model and the American CFSv2 model both show a colder period starting around February 20th. The weather prediction community generally agrees that we have very little forecast accuracy beyond about 10 days, so I hesitate to make a 20-day forecast. But, both of these models have been hinting at this cooler and snowier period for a few days, so I thought it was worth mentioning.”
Plan Ahead for Spring Ski Rentals
With good news in the Vail snow report through now and with a solid base beneath us, we’re dreaming about spring skiing. If you’ve already got a spring Vail skiing trip planned or if you’re working on making plans now, take some time to make sure that your ski rentals are sorted out, too. Here are a few things you can do, right now, to take care of this detail so that when you arrive in town, you’re ready to slide right out onto the slopes:
- Preview the Vista Bahn Ski Rentals ski and snowboard rental package options.
- Call us with any questions about packages offered or specific demo line brands and models: (970) 476-2566.
- See something you like? Reserve ski and snowboard rentals online ahead to time to make sure you’re all set, and save 20% in the process!
- Cruise into town, pick up your gear, and relax knowing that our guests can bring skis and snowboards in after a day on the slopes for free overnight ski storage steps from Vail’s Gondola One at the end of each day.
