Testing the snow in Colorado, close up and personally!

Summit County has two ski resorts open so far this year.  Actually, we only have one as Loveland is not in Summit County, but in Clear Creek County.  However, it is just on the other side of the tunnel and sometimes we claim it as our own.  On Thursday I skied my first day of the year at Loveland, and the conditions were surprisingly good for this early in the season.  The temperatures were almost like spring skiing, and although most of the 18" base was man made snow, it softened up nicely and made for good conditions. 

The first ski day is normally just a testing out of the skis and the legs, but we got in 2 1/2 hours without breaks except while on the chair.  Admittedly, the two runs open are not long, but it was nice to know that our pre-season conditioning has been doing some good. 

We had hoped to have some video for you, but forgot to take extra batteries, and of course were out of juice.  The camera didn't even have enough for a one minute video! 

Loveland has a good deal on lift tickets if you order them online, with four lift tickets for $109.  They are mailed to you, so you have to order in advance, but they can be used any day of the season and all four can be used on the same day, which is what we did today.  You must order by November 23, 2007 as after that, they will not be offered.  An even better deal, the 4pak can be bought for $99 at several of the ski shows around town.  Loveland has more information on their website. 

Copper Mountain is scheduled to open November 2nd, with Breckenridge and Keystone both opening a week later on November 9th.  We have had snow a couple of times but this week has been warm enough to melt the snow in my yard and in town.  The ski mountains are higher and oriented north which keeps the snow from melting there, plus they are making it fast and furious. 

More information on Summit County Colorado season pass prices.