Loveland ski area in Colorado, one of the world's highest altitude ski centres, has been given the go ahead to expand its terrain.
Two new trails will be created in the existing Loveland Valley area, and two existing runs, Zig Zag and Boomerang, popular with novice skiers and boarders, will be regraded to make them easier and wider.
The plans, now approved by the regional Arapaho National Forest Service, also allow for the creation of around 500 new parking spaces in a new carparking lot off Interstate 70.
Work is expected to start on the upgrades this summer.
Loveland is usually one of the first northern-hemisphere non-glacier ski areas to open each autumn, usually in late October or early November.
It is also famous for its 'Marry Me & Ski for Free' annual mass on mountain wedding ceremony/renewal of vows each Valentine's Day in which participating couples receive a free lift pass.