Get ready to ski

Cold weather, combined with early snowfall allowed Colorado ski resorts to open early this 2009-2010 season.

The Loveland Ski Area cranked up one ski lift Wednesday, Oct. 7 to those eager to hit the slopes for the 2009-2010 season, being the first ski area to open North America.

Ski and snowboard enthusiasts will have another mountain to carve when Arapahoe Basin opens on Friday, Oct. 9 as the second resort to open in Colorado.

Those who want to secure deals on season passes may need to act fast.

Jennifer Rudolph from the communications department of Colorado Ski Country USA tells skiers and snowboarders not to worry. “The ski resorts in Colorado are always coming up with great deals to skiers and as the season goes on—there will be other deals throughout the season to keep people coming,” said Rudolph.

CU Boulder senior Tim Ung jumped on a season pass deal before Labor Day when the weather was still nice.

“I bought the five-mountain pass for $439 because I try to go up there 30-40 times a year and it’s cheaper to buy a pass,” said Ung. “I’ve been buying season passes since I was a sophomore in high school and prices seem to go up as it gets closer to the winter season.”

Steals and deals on season passes

• A-Basin: $289
• Copper Mountain: $359
• Eldora: $399
• Epic Pass (unlimited to A-Basin, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Heavenly, Keystone, and Vail): $599
• Steamboat: $1199
• Winter Park and Mary Jane: $369