The race is on to be the first ski resort in Colorado to open its lifts and the competition is stiff.

Arapahoe Basin had its first dusting of fresh snow of the season last week and Loveland Ski became the first resort in Colorado to start making snow for the ski season.

Loveland needs a base of 18 to 21 inches to open. Last week, the temperature fell into the 20s and that's what Loveland had been waiting for. On Monday morning, Arapahoe Basin also fired up 11 of its 17 snow making guns.

A-Basin's snowmaking system is designed to cover 125 acres from the top of Lenawee Face to the base area.

"The snowmaking system has aided the ski area and guests by giving the ski area a more predictable opening date, it helped weather- proof the business, and has been a great tool for hiring and recruiting employees by giving seasonal workers a better idea of when they will start their positions," said Alan Henceroth, general manager of A-Basin.

Typically, the ski resorts start opening in mid to late October. Last year, Loveland opened on Oct. 15, A-Basin had its earliest opening in history on Oct. 22.