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Canyons open for the season

Nick Miller tears through the Canyons 2013 opening day banner at the top of the Saddleback lift on Friday. The sign greeted the first skier to make it to the top of the lift for the first run on Friday. (Christopher Reeves/Park Record)
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Some people spend their Thanksgiving night waiting in line for Black Friday shopping. Others spend it in line at Canyons to ensure they got first shot at the slopes, which opened at 9 a.m. Friday morning.

That was the case on Thursday night, according to Canyons’ senior communications manager Steve Pastorino.

"We had a couple local guys come out at 11 last night to make sure they got the first chair," he said.

With three lifts open for skiing – Saddleback, High Meadow and Sweet Pea – and three groomed runs ready for skiers and snowboarders, Pastorino said it’ll be a fairly low-key opening weekend.

But, he added, that doesn’t mean people aren’t excited to get out and ski at the resort.

"It’s a nice morning," he said on Friday. "It’s a picture-perfect day and a lot of people are excited to get on the mountain."

As a part of Vail Resorts this year, Pastorino said there are several Epic Pass skiers at the resort who are participating in the Epic Race – skiing all 26 Vail Resorts across the globe. The first 10 to complete the race win season passes for life.

"We have at least six or seven riders out here doing the Epic Race," he said. "We’ve met several of the individuals, none of whom are from Utah. It was interesting to get their perspective on Park City and Canyons."

Those who got to the resort early Friday received a special treat, courtesy of a local Olympic hopeful.

"Sarah Hendrickson was out greeting guests in line this morning," Pastorino said.

With a summit base of 18 inches and a year-to-date snowfall total of 41 inches, Pastorino said the resort is hoping it will be able to open more lifts and runs in the near future.

"We’re optimistic there will be plenty of snow in the forecast next week," he said.

As of Friday morning, snowfall is predicted in Park City on Tuesday and Wednesday. But, until then, Pastorino said there’s plenty of excitement about the parts of the mountain that are open.

"The season is back and people seem excited," he said.

For updates on the snow conditions at Canyons, go to canyonsresort.com or call 888-CANYONS.


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