Congratulations to two ski resorts in Colorado for opening this Columbus Day weekend.
Midday Friday, Keystone Resort in Colorado announced it would start its lift operations Saturday morning, October 12. The mountain’s representatives said it is going to be the earliest opening date in 20+ years.
Keystone will open Sat, Oct 12 for our earliest opening in 20+ years! We're positioned to be the first ski resort in North America to open for the 19-20 season. Lifts will start turning as early as possible, so stay tuned for details. We’ll see you tomorrow for #KeystoneKickoff pic.twitter.com/EuvJwaqHBY
— Keystone Resort (@KeystoneMtn) October 11, 2019
Shortly thereafter, nearby Arapahoe Basin announced they were opening today (Friday).
We Are Opening Today https://t.co/426NggjNrQ pic.twitter.com/l1XICwSJM7
— Arapahoe Basin (@Arapahoe_Basin) October 11, 2019
Arapahoe Basin opened for the 2019-2020 ski season around 3:30 p.m. local time Friday. Here’s what it looked like:


According to Arapahoe Basin reps, Friday’s opening came just 99 days after the resort closed out the 2018-2019 season and that’s the shortest time between seasons!
Back to nearby Keystone Resort, here’s what it looked like Friday night:
‘Twas the night before Opening Day. #KeystoneKickoff pic.twitter.com/CGgB5AVNcY
— Keystone Resort (@KeystoneMtn) October 12, 2019
Clear, calm and chilly weather will greet skiers and riders on Saturday morning. Temperatures will be in the teens for the opening of the lifts! Sunshine will warm the mountains up to the 40’s by the afternoon which will feel excellent.
The outlook for Colorado is dry through the holiday weekend with cool nights and warm afternoons. The next snow event could come in as early as Thursday-Friday of this week.
Cover picture credit: Keystone Mountain