Two Colorado Ski Resorts Open Today

Thanks to their fervent desire to be the first ski resort in North America to open for the season, Loveland Ski Area and Arapaho Basin (A-Basin) in Colorado opened their doors this morning, October 15th.

As of 8:30 am Mountain Standard Time, both resorts were welcoming skiers and snowboarders and both were reporting an 18-inch base.

Just to be clear, Colorado has not received much snow, if any, at either of these locations yet this year. Higher altitudes have seen some snow, but most (okay, all) of the 18-inch base at Loveland and A-Basin consists of man-made snow. Not exactly ideal conditions – but the race to be the first ski resort to open is apparently a pretty big deal.

While it does get me thinking about the upcoming ski season, (time to buy a new soft shell jacket and some new ski boots, etc.) I don’t think I’ll actually be skiing for another month or two. Why rush it? There will be plenty of time to ski and board when nature brings the snow. Right now it’s still autumn in Colorado – time to get in some trail runs and big hikes before you need to break out the snowshoes.

I do understand however, that there are people who’d rather rush right through fall and head straight to winter. And it’s for those people that these resorts open early (much to the dismay of environmentalists).

If you’re looking for ski gear and winter apparel to make an early run, visit Sierra Trading Post for savings of 35 – 70% off! Right now, take an extra 10% of ski and snowboard gear an extra 15% off women’s winter jackets and men’s winter jackets.