Keystone's New Terrain Park Nears Completion
Ski areas around the country are investing big bucks in terrain parks, and one of the most exciting new playgrounds is the A-51 at Keystone Resort. The numbers speak for themselves: 66 acres in size (three times the resort's old park), 51 rails and funboxes, 450- by 18.5-foot superpipe, 4 cats, 16-person crew, 56 snow guns, and 99 percent is open at night--making it Colorado's largest night park. Powder stole some time from A-51's designer and manager, Chad Ozdemir, for a Q&A session on the park that will be completed by mid-February.--Sarah Smith
Let's start from the beginning. Why did Keystone decide to build the new park?
We wanted to step it up a notch and offer a larger variety of terrain for all ability levels. We also wanted to create a natural separation between the jumpers and non-jibbers--which is exactly what our new location provides.
Give us a quick rundown. We're running on about 66 acres this year--about three times the size of last year's park. We've got 51 rails and funboxes, and an assortment of tabletops, a hip jump, a quarterpipe, and two halfpipes.
What are some of the favorite features?
Our jibbers love the S and C rails. We have a flat funbox that has been used more than any other feature we've ever seen. I think the 51-foot BBQ rainbow is the favorite among the more advanced riders. This rail lights on fire with the use of propane.
What's the craziest thing you've built so far?
We've constructed a triple-Y rail that I don't think anybody has ever attempted to build.
The photo you sent us is of a 14-year-old. How has the new park helped Keystone's Junior Development Program?
We've really been focusing on the youth this year. Though we've expanded our advanced sections, we didn't forget about the little guys and gals. The management here at Keystone has a strong emphasis placed on developing the youth and assisting them any way we can. We're looking to sponsor some young athletes and let them use A-51 as a training ground for them to succeed as athletes.
One of the best things about A-51 is that almost all of it is open at night. Why the interest in keeping so much open so late?
Why not? The lights are on whether the park is open or not.
This year Keystone is running the Rock-n-Rail Jam competition in the courtyard of the main village for anyone who's up to the task. How is the park involved?
The rail jam in River Run idea has been kicked around for a couple of years. This was the first year that the terrain park had the true support from management to get things accomplished. We just wanted to see people having fun without having to ride the lift.
You've got quite a fleet of workers (and machines) on A-51. How's that helped the park?
Tremendously. The entire park and all of its operations are dependant on a strong team working together. Covering 66 acres of grooming features nightly requires a lot of snowcat time. Management understands that and has given us the tools to maintain a great terrain park.
Any additions planned for next season?
Yeah. We'll surprise a few people with some new rail designs and switch things up a little for next year, so people don't get bored.