This year, there was a tie in the annual race to see who would open first. Both Arapahoe Basin (http://www.arapahoebasin.com/) and Loveland (http://www.skiloveland.com/) ski areas opened this morning for the 2008-2009 season. We have had a little natural snow, but in the last couple of weeks it has really started getting cold at night--which is perfect for making man-made snow. Man-made snow is also more durable as a base, so it is a great start for the season because this base will hold up much better once the natural snow starts falling more heavily.
I have not verified this, but I heard both resorts opened up 3 runs with an 18 inch base of primarily man-made snow. No pictures of actual skiing yet, but the shots on this page are a few of the late fall and early snowfalls up here in the Summit County (mostly Breckenridge) area.
The fall colors were spectacular this year--but they changed REALLY quickly (thus, not too many photos from me--I just did not have enough time to get out there!). After the rough winter we had last year (lots of snow and unusually cloudy and cold), I guess part of me could use a few more weeks of summer, but it is definitely time for winter to hit at this point.
Oh well........
In any case, it looks like it is going to be another EPIC season up here, so make sure to get your group reservations in now! We still have availability, but the prime dates are filling up fast!
THINK SNOW!!!!
Steve
