Opening day has arrived, and the 19/20 winter season is officially underway in Colorado – and North America.
Arapahoe Basin won the “race to open,” turning on its lifts at 3:30pm on Friday, October 11. Opening day kicked off with the traditional banner break at first chair, marking the beginning of the season in Colorado. Crowds of eager skiers and snowboarders arrived ready to ride, welcoming winter in classic Colorado fashion.
A-Basin started prepping for the season early, making snow as often as possible, with the hopes of an October opening. The team had been eyeing October 11 as an option, but didn’t make the final call until that very morning. After the word got out that A-Basin would open for two hours that day, about 200 skiers and riders booked it to the lifts, hoping to make first chair.
On Friday, conditions were ideal, with fresh snow from the previous day, plenty of sunshine, and minimal crowds. The early opening has gotten everyone stoked for winter, and more excitement is ramping up as other Colorado destinations start to open.
Check out some of the highlights from Arapahoe Basin’s opening weekend.
Credit: Ian Zinner – Arapahoe Basin. Song Credit: “Run” by Broke Down Rodeo (follow the band on Instagram – @brokedownrodeo)
Ready to hit the slopes? Plan your Colorado winter road trip!
A-Basin is the first Ikon Pass destination to open for the 19/20 season, but many more are gearing up. Destinations across the Northern Hemisphere open soon, check back to see festivities at other Colorado destinations. And share your first runs with us on social media.
