Winter’s Alarm Clock: Four Colorado Resorts Kick Off Snowmaking
The waiting game is officially over. As of Monday, October 13th, the high-altitude air of Colorado is thick with the spray of snow guns, signaling that winter is not just coming, it has arrived. Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin), Keystone Resort, and Loveland Ski Area all initiated full-scale snowmaking operations today, joining Copper Mountain in the annual, high-stakes battle to be the first ski resort open in North America.
This annual event marks the unofficial starting gun for the ski world, where resort operations teams work around the clock to capitalize on cold temperatures. It’s a fierce but friendly battle to establish a deep base and welcome the first guests of the season.
Arapahoe Basin: The High-Altitude Contender
A-Basin, perched on the Continental Divide, is a powerhouse in this early-season battle. The resort has the highest base elevation, which gives them a natural, often crucial, advantage. Arapahoe Basin began snowmaking operations yesterday, October 12th, evening around 8:30PM, running all the way through this morning.
The A-Basin team is strategically focused on building up the Black Mountain Express lift area. They want to connect a quality top-to-bottom strip of snow. It mirrors the intense focus that our riders maintain when looking at an untouched line.
Arapahoe opened on November 2nd last season and are hoping to open by Halloween this year!
Loveland Ski Area: First to Open or Bust
Loveland Ski Area, located just across Loveland Pass from A-Basin, is often its main rival for the coveted first-to-open title. The resort has a long, storied history of being first in North America. Loveland’s operations team did not waste any time today. Loveland confirmed they started snowmaking this morning, October 13th, AM.
They are concentrated on producing high-quality snow for their primary early-season run. This "White Ribbon of Death" is the first taste of winter for many dedicated riders. Keep a close eye on their social media; once they feel the base is deep enough, the announcement will drop fast.
Last year Loveland Ski Area opened on November 9th, and are hoping to open even earlier this season.
Keystone Resort: A Race-Worthy Start
Keystone Resort is a powerhouse in its own right and has repeatedly challenged its higher-elevation neighbors. The resort utilizes one of the most technologically advanced snowmaking systems in the state. Keystone Resort also fired up its snow guns today, October 13th.
Keystone's goal is to create a long, consistent skiing experience right from the get-go. Their efforts typically focus on the Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon runs. This gives guests over two miles of continuous terrain early in the season. The commitment to volume and quality shows why this resort is always a major player.
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Vail previously announced with weather permitting, Keystone is aiming for an opening day as early as mid-October. We'll see if they can do it!
Copper Mountain: The Alpine Training Edge
While A-Basin, Loveland, and Keystone are racing for the first public chair, Copper Mountain is on a mission for the professional ski world. Copper is known as "The Athlete's Mountain." Their snowmaking has been running for weeks to prepare for a critical opening. Copper Mountain has made snow 3 to 4 times already this October to ensure a flawless venue.
Their intensive early-season efforts are geared towards an essential deadline: Alpine Race Training is scheduled to begin on October 24th. This early opening is non-negotiable for competitive athletes who rely on Copper's dedicated training venues to prepare for the World Cup circuit. The precision and dedication required to build a race course this early are immense.
The mountains are screaming, and the season is officially underway. It's time to get ready for the 2025/2026 winter.
