Wanting to receive the honor of being the first ski area to open in the state of Colorado, Keystone swooped in front of Arapahoe Basin Ski Area on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 25, announcing it will open at 3 p.m. the same day.

Arapahoe Basin announced on Saturday morning it will open on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 8:30 a.m. Barring any other preemptive openings, Keystone will be the first ski area to open in the state.

Keystone will kick off the season with more than two miles of freshly groomed terrain on the Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon trails, according to a news release. For the first time ever, Keystone will start its season in the afternoon and ski and ride into the early evening under the lights in a nod to its signature night ski operations. Keystone’s opening day will also feature an early season hike-to terrain park under snowcat lights, a live DJ and $5.50 beers and hot dogs to commemorate the resort’s 55th season. The festivities continue on Sunday with Keystone’s first full day of operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring more music, free donuts and hot coffee.

Day passes for Saturday will be the resort’s night skiing rate, $85, according to a resort spokesperson.

“We’re thrilled to kick off the season here at Keystone with over two miles of skiing and riding,” said Keystone Resort vice president and general manager Shannon Buhler. “We know how much this moment means to our employees and community, and our team has poured their hearts into creating an incredible early opening celebration. We’re just excited to be back on snow!”  

Opening terrain will be accessed via the River Run Gondola, with skiing and riding laps off the Montezuma Express lift. At the end of the evening, guests will download the River Run Gondola back to the base of the resort. Starting Sunday, the resort will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with night skiing available until 7 p.m. on select Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays, starting on Thanksgiving.

Keystone’s snowmaking team will continue working around the clock to make snow whenever weather allows, expanding early season terrain as quickly as possible, the release states. During early season operations uphill access remains closed and once open, will be permitted only on designated routes before and after lift operating hours. More information is available via the resort’s safety page.  

This is a developing story and more details will be added.