Andy Cross, The Denver PostThe first chair of the ski season runs at Arapahoe Basin opens Friday, Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostFolks take a break from snow riding on the balcony of the 6th Alley Bar and Grill on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA snowboarder puts on the brakes and spays a bit of snow coming down the High Noon run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA pair of skiers, in dress costumes, head down the High Noon run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostEven Pooh Bear was getting in on the action on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA skier sprays snow making turns on the High Noon run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA skier tests out her skills coming down the High Noon run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA skier cruises down the High Noon run with ease on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA snowboarder rides on the tail of his board coming down the High Noon run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA snowboarder gets airborne on the High Noon run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA young skier tests out her skills coming down the High Noon run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA snowboarder gets a little air coming down the High Noon run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA pair of snowboarders make their way up and past the line at the Black Mountain Express lift for opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostSkiers and snowboarders cruise down the High Noon run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostSkiers and snowboarders head down for their first run on the High Noon run past a long line of skiers and snowboarders waiting to get on the Black Mountain Express on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA snowboarder rides across a stripes of sunshine on the High Noon run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostSnow riders head up the hill to get in line for the Black Mountain Express lift on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA skier navigates an upper parking lot heading to opening day at the Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostLift tickets get scanned for opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA large crowd in line for the Black Mountain Express lift on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA skier heads down the stairs to the lift for opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostFrom left to right, Nate Dogggg, Tom Miller, Justin Smith and Mark Nenninger celebrate being the first on the lift for Arapahoe Basin's opening day Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostHearty snow riders await the opening of the Black Monition Express lift on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostOskar the puppy waits for his owner in front of The Legend's Cafe on opening day at Arapahoe Basin ski area Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostFrom left to right, Nate Dogggg, Tom Miller, Justin Smith and Mark Nenninger celebrate being the first on the lift for Arapahoe Basin's opening day Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostBoth natural and man-made snow grace the Arapahoe Basin ski area on opening day Oct. 13, 2017.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
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The first chair of the ski season runs at Arapahoe Basin opens Friday, Oct. 13, 2017.
ExpandBy Andy Cross | across@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders filled the base of Arapahoe Basin and snaked up onto the High Noon trail Friday as ski season in Colorado kicked off with the first chair running at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 13.




























