The great race to be the first ski resort to open for the season in North America has begun, with three Colorado resorts all kicking off snowmaking over the past several days. Copper Mountain started making snow a few weeks ago to get early season race training going, but they aren’t scheduled to open to the public until November 7th.
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Loveland Ski Area have all kicked off their snowmaking with the goal of opening as soon as possible. None of them have specific opening dates set, but lifts could start spinning in a handful of weeks if the weather cooperates.
So who will open first? It all depends on the conditions. Last year, Wolf Creek Ski Area was the first to open in Colorado on October 22nd. Arapahoe Basin and Keystone both opened on November 2nd, while Loveland opened on November 9th.
Barring any large storms, it seems likely that one of the three already making snow will be the first to open. As for exactly which, we’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, get those skis sharpened and waxed and pack your emergency ski bag for when opening dates are announced.
