Snowmass Village, CO – Plentiful snowfall, cold temperatures and the hard work of the Snowmass operations team will allow Snowmass to open Saturday with more than 160 acres of terrain including the Big Burn. This opening comes five days before the scheduled opening of the ski mountain near Aspen, Colo.

“The 2011-12 season has started as a talented overachiever with near perfect snowmaking temperatures and abundant natural snowfall,” said Rich Burkley, vice president of mountain operations.

The Village Express and Big Burn lifts will run accessing more than 3,200 vertical feet, seven trails and 160 acres. The Sky Cab Gondola and the Ski School Magic Carpet will also be in operation. Sneaky’s, Mick’s Gully, Max Park, Lunchline, Upper Scooper, Hals and Fanny Hill all will open as it stands today, with more terrain to be added depending on weather and snowfall. Lifts will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The mountain will open with two terrain parks, one on Water Plant Flats with several jib and urban features and a double jump line on the Dawdler steeps. The Ullrhof and Up 4 Pizza will be open for dining. The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center will also be open. Parking is free in Snowmass until Thanksgiving Day. All Aspen/Snowmass season passes will be valid.

Aspen Mountain will open to the public as scheduled on Thursday, Nov. 24, following the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club benefit day on the 23rd.