It's a subdued start to New Year's Day 2023 at Vail Ski Resort in Colorado. Where is everybody? Likely, the previous night's celebrations have delayed the skiers and riders from getting out early. It's like having Vail all to yourself. There's a little bit of fresh snow covering the recent days' totals, but the overcast skies and flat light interfere with comfortably navigating the slopes. Fortunately, the sun makes an effort to come out, giving light to the contours and providing warmth to soften up the snow.
Starting at the Golden Peak base area and ending there, a lot of lifts on various parts of the mountain are sampled today: Riva Bahn Express, Northwoods Express, Sun Up Express, High Noon Express, Mountain Top Express, Black Forest Surface Lift, Avanti Express, and the new Game Creek Express six pack.