Roughly 1,500 skiers and snowboarders made the trip for opening day at Wolf Creek today. Excitement was in the air as the people amassed early, vying for the first lift tickets with hopes of the first lift ride in Colorado, on possibly the earliest opening date in Colorado history. Some even slept in their vehicles in the parking lot to gain that extra edge. The atmosphere continued throughout the day with hooting, hollering and various exclamations of how great the snow is. With 8 inches overnight to compliment the three feet that had already fallen, skier and riders had much to be happy about.

A snow depth of 35 inches at the summit and 32 inches midway is quite respectable, considering many aspen still have their beautiful foliage, and 44 inches of snow year to date is unheard of for an opening day. The three open lifts service a variety of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain, including the infamous Alberta Peak and it’s neighboring Step Bowl, which is far more than most mountains can boast in October. And with all natural snow, the snow gods clearly love Wolf Creek. Wolf Creek will remain open through Columbus Day, and then reopen for Saturday and Sunday, the 15th and 16th, after not operating Tuesday through Friday.