SAM Magazine-Telluride, Colo., Mar. 3, 2008-Telluride has opened Palmyra Peak for the first time in the resort's history. The new hike-to terrain comprises more than 200 acres and nearly 2,000 vertical feet of north facing expert only skiing off of the 13,320 foot peak.

The mountain, which towers above Black Iron and Prospect Bowls, was formerly off limits. But the resort has slowly been opening lower terrain adjacent to and on lower ridges of the massif over the past few years. According to ski patrol director Pat Ahern, the installation of a new avalauncher allowed Telluride's patrol to better control the area. The new terrain is accessed via a 90-minute hike up Prospect Ridge.

"There can only be one or two places in North America where skiers and riders can enjoy the thrill of this type of experience in an in-bounds, controlled environment," said Ahern. "This is truly a unique opportunity."

The expansion caps a process that started with in 2002 with the opening of 700-acre Prospect Bowl, which nearly doubled the resort's terrain. In 2005, the area extended guide-only access to Black Iron Bowl, with open access starting this season. According to Telluride CEO Dave Riley, "Palmyra Peak was the natural next step" in the expansion process. How much of the peak's expert acreage will open depends upon snow conditions and avalanche hazards. \