The resort will offer skiing and riding on more than 1,200 acres served by 17 lifts and eight conveyor lifts.  The Elkhorn Lift (chair 14), Grouse Mountain Express Lift (chair 10), Arrowhead Express Lift (chair 17) and Highlands Lift (chair 2) will open for the season.  On Dec. 19, skiers and snowboarders also will gain 30 extra minutes to explore the mountain when Beaver Creek opens at 8:30 a.m. through the remainder of the season.

On Saturday, all of Beaver Creek's mountain dining venues will be open for the season including Red Tail, Broken Arrow at Arrowhead and the new Mamie's Mountain Grill in Bachelor Gulch. Mamie's is Beaver Creek's newest outdoor dining venue situated at the top of the Bachelor Gulch Express Lift overlooking scenic McCoy Park. The eatery is named after one of the early Bachelor Gulch settlers. Situated south-facing among a secluded aspen grove, its large sunny deck delivers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Mamie's unique menu features "grill your own" options of Colorado lamb or chicken and burgers, homemade signature soups, European style hotdogs and a myriad of other options. Select domestic, imported and micro-brewed beers as well as warm Gluwein and non-alcoholic choices are available. It will be open daily during ski season from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and provides picnic table seating for more than 100 skiers and snowboarders.

Adventure Sessions, the latest addition to the adult ski school, will begin on Friday, Dec. 18. The program features a guided day with a small group of similarly skilled skiers and riders who can ski new routes, cut lift lines and pick up tips and technical information.  It is offered to intermediate and advanced skiers and riders only for just $129 per person. For details call the Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School at (970) 754-5300.