Colorado Ski Resort Races to Open Before A-Basin’s Sunday Launch

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Colorado Ski Resort Races to Open Before A-Basin’s Sunday Launch

As ski season approaches in Colorado, competition heats up among resorts to grab the title of the first to open. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (A-Basin) revealed its season opening for Sunday, but Keystone Ski Resort made a surprise announcement that it would open earlier, on Saturday afternoon.

Keystone Resort Opens First in Colorado

Keystone Ski Resort declared its opening at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, just 90 minutes before welcoming guests at 3 p.m. This made it the first major ski area to open in Colorado for the season, despite A-Basin’s prior announcement. This year is particularly notable as it marks the first time since 1997 that A-Basin will not hold the title of first opener.

What to Expect at Keystone

Keystone offers over two miles of skiing and riding, with several runs and two lifts operational. The resort has implemented a reservation-only system due to ongoing pandemic precautions.

  • Location: Just south of U.S. Highway 6/Loveland Pass
  • Distance from Denver: Approximately 72 miles west
  • Facilities: Multiple top-to-bottom runs, two lifts, and a gondola open

Community Response

Shannon Buhler, vice president and general manager of Keystone Resort, expressed enthusiasm about kicking off the season. She noted the significance of the opening for both the employees and the local community.

As the ski season unfolds, ski enthusiasts eagerly await their opportunities to hit the slopes. For further details on operations and conditions, visit El-Balad.