Well folks, it’s October. The leaves are changing, pumpkin spice lattes are flowing, everybody on my social feed is going apple picking, and I can’t stop thinking about WINTER.
I get as excited about the “First To Open” race as my dog does to roll in anything that smells like sh*t. We’re both drawn in, and then realize it maybe wasn’t worth the hype…
Either way, let’s take some early season bets as to which ski area will open first. Last year, Arapahoe Basin surprised everybody by opening for a few hours on October 11th to beat out neighboring Keystone.
Who will take the title this year? Here’s our top picks.
Arapahoe Basin, CO
Don’t put anything past the savvy snowmakers and staff at A-Basin. Will they swoop in and steal somebody’s thunder again this season? God, I hope so. I need more memes.
Keystone, CO
Keystone has recently become Vail Resort’s best chance at having a resort that opens first. Hopefully David Lesh doesn’t show up with his snowmobile again…
Killington, VT
The only resort on this list not located in the state of Colorado, Killington can surprise skiers and riders with early-season snow due to their beefy snowmaking system. ‘The Beast’ might mess-around and have skiing in 9 consecutive months, you never know!
Wolf Creek, CO
Wolf Creek was the first to open in 2018 after some more than generous October snow storms. Will we see the same thing happen this season? Hard to say, but powder turns in October doesn’t sound like a bad thing to me.
Loveland, CO
Loveland is typically mentioned as a contender for the “First to Open”. It benefits from a high base and summit elevation that allows for early-season snowmaking. Will they be the first to open?
Featured Image Credit: Boston Magazine, Sunday River, Opening Day 2015