A potent combination of moisture and arctic air left significant amounts of new snow throughout the high country over the last couple of days. Central and southwestern resorts are experiencing the brunt of this storm and are expected to continue accumulating snow through Thursday. Snowfall has been extremely heavy at times in the last 48 hours; the powder piled up at a rate of two inches per hour in Telluride, which recorded 16 inches of snow this morning as the snow continued to fall at a remarkable pace.

Since the first flakes began to fall on Tuesday, Wolf Creek has received 19 inches of new snow so far, Monarch and Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort measured 18 inches with snow still falling, Ski Cooper reported 15 inches this morning as the powder collected, and Crested Butte reported a foot of new snow.

Aspen/Snowmass was hit with over one foot of fresh powder on the slopes. Even better news, it’s still snowing and should continue to do so through tomorrow.   Boarders at Aspen Mountain were all smiles with great conditions and plenty of fresh tracks to be had all over the mountain.

So far the resort has seen a remarkable eight feet of snow (96 inches) since October 1, making for one of the best early season starts to date.

Elsewhere in Colorado Ski Country, 15.5 inches of new powder fell at Loveland, Arapahoe Basin reported 14 inches of new snow, Sunlight recorded 12 inches of new snow, Steamboat received 9.5 inches with more on the way, Winter Park and Eldora each received 9 inches, Howelsen recorded 8.5 inches, Powderhorn received 8 inches, and Copper reported 7 inches.

Recent weather patterns have accelerated the scheduled openings of several CSCUSA member resorts, and today’s storm will make opening day conditions even better. Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort will open for the season on Friday, December 6, Powderhorn will open Saturday, December 7, and Ski Cooper will open this weekend and will open for the season on Saturday, December 14.

Total recorded snowfall has already exceeded 100 inches for the season at Loveland; While there’s nothing like an epic powder day in Colorado Ski Country, skiers and snowboarders should continue to keep safety in mind to get the most out of this fresh round of snow. Wearing the right equipment for enjoying deep snow, and taking extra precaution while skiing and snowboarding in flat light and reduced visibility is highly recommended. Know your responsibilities on the mountain; it’s the key to having a great day on the slopes.

Keep up to date on snowfall totals with the CSCUSA snow report updated by the resorts themselves:http://www.coloradoski.com/snow-report. Keep up to date on resort openings at http://www.coloradoski.com/resort-season-dates.