Ski season in Colorado has begun.
Arapahoe Basin opened its slopes at 9 a.m. giving skiers and boarders a chance “to make turns on the intermediate High Noon trail,” the resort said. The Black Mountain Express high-speed quad chairlift is running to midmountain, the resort said.
The mountain began snowmaking Oct. 2, and maintenance crews were able to create the 18-inch base needed to open its slopes over the course of several days, according to a news release.
The ski area also was blanketed in roughly a foot of snow during the past few weeks.
“Conditions have been outstanding for snowmaking, and we are very excited to open this Friday,” chief operating officer Alan Henceroth said in a statement.
Tickets for opening day through Dec. 19 will run $69 for adults, $57 for youths and $34 for children.
