Heavy snowfalls have prompted many ski resorts in the American state of Colorado to open their slopes early.
Arapahoe Basin was the first, on October 13 – the earliest start in its 60 years. Loveland opened the next day, a fortnight earlier than its previous earliest start. Wolf Creek opened on October 27 and Keystone is to open this Friday, a week earlier than expected.
Sue Baldwin, vice-president of Colorado Ski Country USA, said: “If this is any indication of the coming season, we’re looking forward to a wonderful year. Resorts across the state have reported above-average snow for the month, with falls this year totalling 73 inches in Loveland, over 60 at Aspen and 53 inches in Telluride.” Breckenridge opened on November 10, Vail on November 17 and Beaver Creek is due to on November 22. Visitors can check the state of the slopes on the resorts’ mountain webcams (www.coloradoski.com).
