SAM Magazine-Denver, Oct. 24, 2010-Loveland Ski Area opened at 9 a.m. today, one day ahead of the scheduled opening of neighboring Arapahoe Basin on Monday. For both, this is the start of continuous operations for the season.The news brought an energized crowd to Loveland today, demonstrating that people are eager for ski season.

Snowmaking efforts combined with recent snowstorms allowed Loveland to open with an 18-inch base and provide lift-served access to one mile-long, top-to-bottom run. More snow is expected in the coming days and will add to the packed powder conditions.

Today's early opening gives Loveland another year of bragging rights in the "first to open" competition. Loveland was the first to open for seven consecutive seasons, from 1999 to 2005, and in 2009. Arapahoe Basin was first in 2006 and 2007 before both resorts opened at the same time in 2008.

The two areas are the first to open in the U.S. for continuous operations, aside from Timberline, Ore., which operates nearly year-round.

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