Due to a lack of adequate snow, the scheduled opening of Aspen Highlands on Saturday has been delayed until the area receives 8 inches or more of natural snowfall, the Aspen Skiing Co. has announced.

“In spite of the best efforts of the team at Highlands we haven’t received enough snow to open to the public,” wrote SkiCo spokesman Jeff Hanle on Tuesday afternoon.

However, more terrain will open on Aspen Mountain on Thursday. Copper Bowl opens with the connection from the top of Bell chair via Copper and Lazy Boy.

Additionally on Thursday, after hosting FIS Women, NorAm races, the Canadian Men’s National Team and Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, the lower west side reopens.

Lift 1A will service Spring Pitch, Strawpile and E. 5th Ave. daily. The SkiCo will run a shuttle from Gondola Plaza to 1A until SkiCo makes the connections on Tower 7 and 10 roads. Aspen Mountain is 8 inches away from top-to-bottom skiing.

Snowmaking efforts remain on Banzai Ridge, Coney Glade (the run), Lowdown Park and Funnel. Again, with good temperatures SkiCo is a few days away from these additions. Sneaky’s and Mick’s Gully on the Burn are 8 inches of natural snowfall away from entering the mix

Check Thursday’s edition of the Aspen Daily News for more information.