Early winter storm brings snow woes and hope for Colorado ski season

An early-season winter storm hit Colorado’s Front Range, causing challenges for Monday morning commuters but boosting prospects for this year’s ski season.

On Monday morning, the WeatherRadar showed winter storm conditions stretched from Fairplay to Red Feather Lakes, calling for snowfall accumulations of up to a foot in some areas. Commuters traveling along I-70 encountered icy conditions near the Eisenhower Tunnel, which sits at an elevation of around 11,000 feet. Traffic cameras showed slick roads and reduced visibility.

While some faced the regular traffic challenges that the season's first significant snowfall brings, others started to get into the groove of the ski season. Several ski resorts and locations across the state received substantial snowfall. Copper Mountain led the way with 11 inches, followed closely by Loveland Ski Area with 10 inches and Arapahoe Basin with 9 inches.

Summit County saw heavy snowfall, with Copper Mountain's 11 inches signaling a strong start to the ski season. Wolf Creek Ski Resort opens on October 22, 2024, marking the first of the season. Arapahoe Basin and Keystone, known for early openings, also benefited from the storm, with snowmaking efforts underway and potential openings later this week.

Daytime temperatures in the mid-40s and overnight lows in the mid-20s create ideal conditions for snowmaking. While Copper Mountain and Vail plan to open in November, the storm could lead to earlier openings. Overall, early snowfall and snowmaking suggest a promising start to the ski season, with more resorts likely to follow soon.