Breckenridge Fall 2009 (P) Brian Henry

Yesterday, October 7th 2009, Loveland Ski Resort took the coveted honor of being the first North American Resort to crank up it's chairlifts for the 2009/2010 winter ski and snowboard season.

For years the race to be the first to open has been held between the two Colorado resorts Loveland and Arapahoe Basin. The resorts neighbor each other and both sit at high altitudes on the Rocky Mountain Continental Divide. Last year the mountains tied for opening day on October 15th. This year, the October 7th opening is the earliest opening for either mountain in over 40 years.

Makes me wonder if those rumors of another El Nino winter are starting to prove themselves true.


A Basin plans to follow suit and open up her trails to the public this Friday, October 9th.


Breckenridge is quietly waiting her turn to open for the 2009/2010 season. Brian Henry Photo