Oct. 29, 2008. A chilly wind blew across the country this month, leaving happy skiers and snowboarders in its wake. This week, two more ski areas joined two mountains in Colorado to be among the first in the nation to open.
In Colorado, Arapaho and Loveland opened in mid-October. A blog entry on the Rocky Mountain News described the good times. Only the highest elevations of the Rockies have received serious snow, but the lower elevation ski areas have taken advantage of cold temperatures to fire up the snow guns.
In Western North Carolina, Cataloochee Ski Area has once again claimed the title of "First to Open." Long known for its superior snow-making and grooming capabilities, this hill has only opened two beginner slopes. Still, it's an auspicious beginning to what many are saying will be one of the coldest winters in the recent years - which is key to Southeastern resorts that receive little natural snow.
Up in Wisconsin, Tyrol Basin Ski and Snowboard area also opened this week.