Conditions Report
Report from Sunday, November 3, 2024
Arapahoe Basin officially opened for the 2024-25 season after a seemingly never-ending warm fall. Colorado’s first day of ski season is a highly sought-after claim to fame and often a friendly race among neighboring resorts. For most of October, the Colorado Rockies along the I-70 corridor were dry as a bone. Wolf Creek was the first Colorado ski resort to start spinning its lifts again, with an opening day of October 22nd. However, it wasn’t long until the snow began flying for the resorts in the north.
The warm weather finally took a turn in the mountains this past week, bringing new snow and low temps—ideal for snowmaking crews to begin building a base. This Saturday, Arapahoe Basin welcomed skiers and riders back to its beloved slopes. The past few months of preparation and hard work from snowmaking, lift, and resort op teams paid off—it was quite possibly one of the best opening days yet.
As always, it begins early; the excitement builds as the sun begins to peek over the East Wall. Coffee, donuts, and even breakfast sandwiches were enjoyed in the lift line while skiers and boarders waited for Black Mountain Express to come back to life. A scene much like eager children on Christmas day, moments away from getting back to the one thing we all have a common love for: sliding around on snow.
While this season’s kickoff is later than in years past, it seems much of Colorado is still soaking up the warmth, and dirt as long as possible. The ratio of mountain bikes to skis on cars during the commute from Denver was quite even. However, opening day wasn’t lacking enthusiasm. It was busy, but not chaotic, on Saturday morning when the area’s most dedicated skiers and riders returned.
Chatting with other riders on the chair, many had big goals for the season. The first day back is significant, as it’s time to get back in the groove of it all. From remembering where you store your wax, to picking up where you left off last season. Like learning to ski switch or hitting new features in the park. Sure, skiing the same groomer 15 times over is just scratching the surface for most, but it’s a reset for everyone to become reacquainted with their skills and gear. No matter the skill level, the vibes were high for everyone.
Lovingly and commonly referred to as the White Ribbon of Death, Arapahoe Basin’s High Noon, was skiing surprisingly well. With fresh snow beginning Sunday afternoon, turns around 2:00 and 3:00 were quite good. It was soft and forgiving, perfect for getting those ski legs back underneath you. By now the crowds had died down, opening up the run for some fast carvey turns.
Large flakes began to fall consistently for the remainder of Sunday. It was like Chicken Soup for the Skier Soul; large white snowflakes hitting your face with the thrill of sliding downhill at high speeds. It wipes away all the summer sadness. Excitement in Colorado is building with more snow on the way and additional resorts planning to open within the next week.
While stoke may be high, temps will remain low with a storm on the way this week. With conditions allowing, snowmaking teams will continue to move up the mountain with goals to open top-to-bottom in the coming weeks. It won’t be long now until we’re back to skiing T to B all day long. In the meantime, wax your skis and dial in those boots. Winter is here!
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