Denver's Arapahoe Basin ski/snowboard area's opening day for the 2007-2008 winter season was October 10, the area's earliest opening in its 61 years of operation, continuing its trend of being the first ski/snowboard area to open in the nation. The Exhibition chairlift opened to the public at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning with the resort reporting an 18-inch base on the intermediate High Noon run; some features in the High Divide terrain park are also open. As of yet, there is still no beginner skiing.
New this season, A-Basin will introduce Montezuma Bowl, 400 acres of lift-served groomed runs, glades, chutes and wide-open bowl skiing. The new expansion is expected to open sometime in late December, snow conditions permitting. Ski school lessons will begin when the Molly Hogan Learning Center opens later in November. Call 888-ARAPAHOE or visit [www.arapahoebasin.com]. (DB)