Vail Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States, will open portions of Sun Up Bowl and China Bowl this Thursday, Jan. 19 and portions of Blue Sky Basin on Friday, Jan. 20.

With the addition of the Sun Up Lift (#17) and Orient Express Lift (#21) on Thursday, Jan. 19, skiers and snowboarders will have access to following lifts and more than 2,100 acres of skiable terrain in these areas on Vail Mountain:

• Avanti Express Lift (#2)
• Wildwood Express Lift (#3)
• Mountaintop Express Lift (#4)
• Riva Bahn Express Lift (#6)
• Game Creek Express Lift (#7)
• Born Free Express Lift (#8)
• Highline Express Lift (#10)
• Northwoods Express Lift (#11)
• Gopher Hill Lift (#12)
• Sourdough Express Lift (#14)
• Little Eagle Lift (#15)
• Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16)
• Sun Up Lift (#17)
• Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19)
• Cascade Village Lift (#20)
• Orient Express Lift (#21)

Beginning Friday, Jan. 20, skiers and snowboarders will also have access to Big Rock Park via the Skyline Express Lift (#37) as well as terrain in the Pete’s Express Lift (#39) area of Blue Sky Basin, bringing the skiable terrain to more than 2,300 acres. Southern portions of Pete’s Bowl and Earl’s Bowl will not be open. The Tea Cup Express Lift (#36) will be open for transportation out of Blue Sky Basin.

“We’re looking forward to more snow throughout the week, according to the weather forecast and hope to open up additional terrain as soon as possible,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “Until then, skiers and snowboarders need to observe the many closures in place in both the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin.”

Skiers and riders must observe all slow zones, posted signs and closures. Closed trails may contain hazards due to early snow coverage. Crossing an on-mountain closure is a violation of the Colorado Ski Safety Act and will result in the loss of skiing privileges and could involve prosecution and a fine of up to $1,000.

The majority of front side lifts open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m. Hours in the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin are shorter to accommodate opening and closing procedures. Lift operating hours are posted at the base of all open lifts.

For more information about Vail Mountain, visit Vail.com or contact the Mountain Information Center at (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).