Winter Season In Colorado Is Here - Arapahoe Basin Opens

The 2019-20 ski season has begun in Colorado with skiers and snowboarders celebrating the opening of Arapahoe Basin this afternoon. At 3:30 p.m. the Black Mountain Express lift began delivering skiers and riders to the intermediate High Noon trail with an 18-inch base of packed powder.

Recent cold temperatures have allowed four Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) ski areas to make snow in advance of the season, while all ski areas in the state received between a dusting and 10 inches of snow yesterday, Thursday, Oct. 10. Colorado Ski Country member ski areas are in the midst of a multi-year period of investment focused on major upgrades to the guest experience. New for the 2019-20 season, Colorado will welcome four new chairlifts, including the second new gondola in two years, five new dining experiences and five terrain expansions.

“October snowfall is not only exciting for our ski areas, but a reminder to both experienced skiers and riders and those that may be new to the sport that the 2019-20 winter season is here,” said CSCUSA President and CEO Melanie Mills. “The recent snowfall has been helpful, but we can’t forget the countless hours of labor and logistics that our snowmakers, groomers and operations crews have undertaken over the past weeks. We are looking forward to welcoming guests from locations worldwide and of all ability levels after a summer and fall of significant investment across Colorado at ski areas of all sizes.”

Opening Day is a highlight of the early ski season, a title often held by either Arapahoe Basin or Loveland Ski Area. Both resorts are perched atop the Continental Divide, which allows for one of the longest ski seasons in the country. 

Below is a current list of scheduled opening and tentative closing dates for CSCUSA member resorts*.

Operating Dates for Colorado Ski Country USA Ski Areas: