Loveland Ski Area to Open Ahead of A-Basin

Georgetown, CO - A day after Colorado's Arapahoe Basin prematurely claimed the title of first ski resort in the U.S. to open for the season by opening this Wednesday, officials at neighboring Loveland Ski Area announced plans to beat A-Basin to the punch, opening at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, a half hour earlier than normal.

Loveland Ski Area started making snow on September 24th but warm weather forced a stoppage until the temperatures cooled again on October 4th.

"Our crew has been working hard to make sure we could take advantage of every opportunity to make snow over the last couple of weeks," said Snowmaking and Trail Maintenance Manager Eric Johnstone. "It finally paid off and we will start the lifts tomorrow with an 18-inch base and tree to tree coverage."

Skiers and snowboarders will have access to Loveland's traditional season

opening top-to-bottom run consisting of 1,000 vertical feet via Chair 1. The trails Catwalk, Mambo and Homerun make up this opening day run which is over a mile in length.

"The start of the ski season is always an exciting time," said Rob Goodell, Director of Business Operations. "We are opening a little bit earlier than anyone expected, but the mountain is ready and we are proud to offer the quality coverage our opening day skiers and riders have come to expect from Loveland."

Loveland Ski Area will open for the season at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15. Loveland's regular hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends and designated holidays. Early season lift tickets are $44 for adults and $21 for children ages 6-14.

A-Basin officials could not be immediately reached for comment. Loveland will break Arapahoe Basin's two-year streak as first to open in the U.S. if it stick to its scheduled 9 a.m. opening.

Tickets are $271 for the week of the 8th of December... seriously considering buying some plane tickets for the husband and I.....

itching to ski