Arapahoe Basin, CO – More Colorado ski resorts launched into the 2011-12 season this week. Arapahoe Basin opened their lifts for the season at 9 a.m. Thursday morning, followed today by nearby Loveland Ski Area. In the state’s southwest corner, Wolf Creek will re-open tomorrow for its second weekend of skiing and riding.

Arapahoe Basin’s snowmaking team worked relentlessly over the past week to produce snow for Thursday’s opening. The snowmakers’ efforts were complemented by early snowfalls in the area, including several fresh inches over the past week. Skiers and riders enjoyed an 18-inch base, and Black Mountain Express escorted guests to the intermediate High Noon run, and several features in the High Divide Terrain Park.

Perched on the Continental Divide, Arapahoe Basin and Loveland enjoy an elevation conducive to making snow and keeping conditions fresh for long periods of time. With a late season July 4 closing after one of the longest seasons in 14 years, Arapahoe Basin opened on Thursday after having been closed this summer for only 100 days.

“After an impressive season that extended for 10 months last year, it’s exciting that resorts are starting lifts and offering skiing in October,” said Melanie Mills, president and CEO of Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA). “Having three resorts open at this point in the year gives people even more options and hopefully encourages people to take advantage of the natural playgrounds Colorado offers.”

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