Steamboat Springs — A weekend storm dropped more than a foot of fresh Champagne Powder on Steamboat Springs in the last 24 hours and 17 inches in the past 48 hours, creating a 39-inch base on the summit of Mount Werner and allowing Steamboat Ski Area to open new terrain Monday morning.

“Champagne Powder snow always tops the holiday wish list, and Mother Nature is delivering it with abundance,” Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. President Chris Diamond said in a news release. “The current snowy weather pattern shows no signs of letting up and guests will be enjoying a powdery treat as the resort heads towards the holidays.”

Currently, 48.5 percent of the mountain is open with 10 lifts operating. Skiers and boarders are enjoying 87 trails across 1,438 acres.

On Saturday, Morningside chairlift is expected to open, providing access to Cowboy Coffee, Frying Pan and Rooster trails in Morningside Park. Thunderhead Express lift also will open this weekend if current weather conditions persist.

Snowmaking crews currently are focusing on Vagabond, Betwixt, Between, Giggle Gulch and Eagles’ Nest, and Steamboat’s First Tracks program is scheduled to make its season debut Wednesday.

John Kohnke, Ski Patrol director, continues to warn people against backcountry skiing.

“At this time, there is no access to the backcountry from the ski area due to snow stability concerns,” Kohnke said in a news release. “Plenty of fantastic skiing is available inbounds, and I strongly recommend that people enjoy the ski area and not venture into the backcountry until conditions change.”

According to Kohnke, the avalanche rating for the Steamboat zone is “moderate” on all aspects and elevations but is expected to rise to “considerable” quickly.

The National Weather Service is predicting another round of snow will arrive in the region Wednesday and Thursday.