Aspen/Snowmass, Colo.- An early season cold front swept through Aspen/Snowmass overnight coating area mountains with a blanket of new snow. The upper runs on Snowmass, Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands received up to 10 cm of snow and more is expected o

Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are scheduled to open November 28, 2002 and trail crews are preparing the slopes for the upcoming season. Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are scheduled to open December 14, 2002.

The Farmers Almanac is calling for heavy snow and colder-than-normal temperatures this winter. ´Folks from Maine to Colorado can expect heavy snow and colder-than-normal temperatures,´ writes Caleb Weatherbee, the pseudonym used by the almanac´s forecaster.

Aspen/Snowmass will host the 2002 Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational to kick off the winter season. The exciting Thanksgiving weekend event, Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, 2002, includes women´s super G and slalom ski races on Aspen Mountain. Also don´t miss the après-ski winter carnival, a street party with live music, prize giveaways, autograph signings, awards ceremony, fireworks extravaganza and ´Dine Around The World´ food and drink specials at Aspen´s favorite restaurants. 5 Night World Cup packages including lift tickets and lodging start at $131US per person, based on double occupancy.

Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk – as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen. In addition to the two World Cup ski races, Aspen/Snowmass will also host the Audi 24 Hours of Aspen the ESPN Winter X Games, 180 Aspen Spring Jam and the U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix Finals. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen Sardy Field (4.8km from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (113km from Aspen).