Fans of Vail Mountain, we've got some good news: Vail just opened the back bowls, providing access to portions of Sun Up Bowl via the High Noon Express (chairlift #5) and Sun Up (chairlift #17). According to the Vail Daily, the resort also plans to open portions of Sun Down Bowl today. This is an early opening for the back bowls at Vail; locals' consensus is that it's a good season if the back bowls are open by Christmas. Chris Jarnot, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain, told the Daily, "It has been a great start to the season, and to be able to add Back Bowls terrain this early is fantastic. The 6 feet of snow we received in November has made for an excellent early season at Vail Mountain." As of today, Vail has over 1800 acres open. Head over here for more details on open terrain.