Ah opening day! Is there anything as good as hitting the slopes for the first time for the season? Sure core season may offer better skiing, but opening day isn’t about the skiing! It’s about the fun and camaraderie of being in the great outdoors with like-minded ski bums.
I made it to Arapahoe Basin for their season opening day on Sunday, October 29. This was definitely a late opening day for Colorado, so I was beyond ready to ski. Winter storm be damned; I was getting to A-Basin! Road conditions were mostly packed powder (though I heard I-70 actually wasn’t as bad). I was able to get one of the last spots in the Early Riser lot when I rolled in late at 8:45.
A-Basin reported 14 inches of fresh snow in the 24 hours prior to opening day. While it didn’t feel like a typical powder day, the fresh snow was definitely fun.
The energy of hundreds of stoked ski bums is infectious and the people-watching was entertaining.
And man, did the ski bums deliver! It didn’t matter that the day started out at a balmy 10 degrees on mountain; many people still donned their best costumes. I rode a chairlift with a unicorn who was kind enough to let me touch his butt. I was passed by the Pope in line, which eased my Catholic guilt for skiing on a Sunday (that’s what I tell my mom at least). There were a lot of capes, proving not many people have seen or remember The Incredibles. I ran into someone I know, which is rare for me as a staunch introvert. Strangers shared lift line beers and snacks with a smile and a fist bump!
Opening day satisfied the intense desire to finally ski. The skiing was fun and the party was even better. Let’s hope the fun continues throughout this season. See you next weekend!
Photos Courtesy of skiingsolo