Colorado’s 2013-2014 ski and snowboard season will kick off on Oct. 13 when lifts begin to turn at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.
Thanks to early-season snow, low temperatures and snowmaking upgrades, A-Basin will open four days earlier than 2012.
The resort’s earliest opening day was Oct. 9.
The Black Mountain Express lift will start at 8:30 a.m. to shuttle guests to the top of the intermediate High Noon trail – the only run that will open – at mid-mountain.
“This is a very exciting time for us, and all of Colorado,” said Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin Vice President and COO.
Just over the continental divide, seasonal first-to-open contender Loveland Ski Area is not quite ready.
“We’re really close and there is great snowmaking and snow in the forecast,” said Loveland marketing director John Sellers.
Arapahoe Basin will be open daily beginning Sunday including ski and board rentals and mountain restaurants. —Sean McCoy