It's that time of the year again when resorts go head to head to see who will open first in the country. It's debatable as to what constitutes an official opening day. Is it being the first open? Is it being the first open and staying open for the entire season? Does one sliver of snow that you get bused to count as an opening? Many have their opinions, but when it comes down to it we are all just excited to have the winter season back in full swing. With Arapahoe Basin opening their slopes for the 2011/2012 season we knew it was officially on.

As we made our way over the Continental Divide and down to A-Basin's beach we grew with excitement. Cars piled in one after another to get in line for first chair. And we must say we are proud of our fellow snowboarders who took both first and second chair of the season. That's two years in a row as they did it at Loveland's opening day last year.

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First chair went to 4 ecstatic snowboarders. We wonder how long they stood
in line for that claim. | Photo: Soren McCarty

Before the lifts started turning, A-Basin sent up two empty chairs tied with ribbons as a tribute to founders Marnie Jump and Max Dercum who passed away earlier this year. A moment of silence was held and then it was on. Rowdy, excited winter fanatics made their way up to the top for the first runs of the season. It was a beautiful sunny day, with warm temperatures and a perfectly groomed run along with a four feature rail setup.

From A-Basin's famous bacon bloody marys to a crowd that was beyond stoked, opening day was all time. The Beach was going off as the crowed partied on after they broke in the season with a few runs. We cooked up hot dogs, gave out plenty of magazines and enjoyed another opening day in Colorado. The season is officially here!

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From Arapahoe Basin:

Arapahoe Basin opened for the 2011/12 season today at 9:00 am. Skiers and riders were energized to get the season going on A-Basin’s High Noon trail. A-Basin was closed a mere 100 days between the 2010/11 and the 2011/12 season (A-Basin closed for the 2010/11 season on July 4th). The ski area will be open 7 days a week through closing day in June 2012. For more information about Arapahoe Basin snowmaking, terrain and conditions visit The Basin 411 page on the ski area’s website.

Additional trails will be opened as condition warrant and snowmaking will continue as weather permits.