The higher elevation peaks in and around Summit County saw the first significant snowfall of the season last week on Sept. 5, bringing excitement for the upcoming winter season. Although afternoons have continued to remain relatively warm in the High Country, the cold chill in the mornings has made it abundantly clear that the summer season is almost at its end.
As outdoor enthusiasts savor some of their final warm-weather mountain bike rides and hikes of the season, Summit County ski areas have begun turning their focus towards preparing for the 2024-25 winter season. One of the first steps in the ski areas’ prep for the upcoming season is planning and eventually beginning snowmaking operations. With Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Loveland Ski Area and Keystone Resort often battling for the honor to be the first ski area to open in the state of Colorado, the trio have sketched out snowmaking operation plans for this fall.
On the same day Summit County saw snow on higher elevation peaks, chief operating officer at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area Al Henceroth announced on his blog that teams at the ski resort had started placing fan snow guns on High Noon. Attempting to open as soon as possible, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area will start blowing snow the moment the weather allows. According to communications manager Shayna Silverman, last season A-Basin had its first snowmaking test during the ski area’s Oktoberfest celebration.
This year’s annual event is set to take place from Sept. 21-22. .