Loveland Ski Area just announced that it will open Thursday, October 29 for the 2015-16 ski season. After a warm start to October in Colorado, the snow has begun to fly and temperatures have dropped, allowing for nightly snowmaking.

“A winter storm delivered 17.5 inches of natural snow last week and brought the cold temperatures our snowmakers had been waiting for,” says Rob Goodell, director of business operations. “They have done an incredible job getting the mountain ready for the first skiers and riders of the season.”

Assuming its neighbor Arapahoe Basin doesn’t announce an even earlier opening, Loveland is set to be the first ski area in Colorado to open for the season. Cheers, folks.

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Related: More for the Avid Traveler: 12 North American ski resorts to add to your list this winter