DENVER -- Snow-melting temperatures have forced Loveland ski resort to postpone its opening again until the weather cooperates.

The Colorado 2003-2004 ski season is almost upon us. Photo courtesy: Winter Park.

Loveland and Arapahoe Basin wanted to open last week. Then Loveland said it would open Friday. Thursday, the ski resort said overnight temperatures caused it to postpone its opening for the fourth time.

Loveland is now hoping to open "sometime next week" after it gets three consecutive nights of freezing weather.

Loveland had originally planned to open Oct. 16.

The latest Loveland has opened in "recent history" was Nov. 6, 1988. The resort's average opening day over the past 20 years has been Oct. 22.

A-Basin announced Monday that it was also postponing its opening, which had also was set for Friday.

"We guarantee that we will open before, on or after Oct. 31," said Jim Gentling, A-Basin's chief operating officer.

As soon as temperatures drop below freezing, snowmaking will continue. About three nights of cold, dry weather should put the ski area back on track, he said.

Copper Mountain is scheduled to open the next day, on Nov. 1.

Breckenridge, Keystone, Eldora and Winter Park are all planning mid-November openings, with Vail opening Nov. 21.

Check Colorado Ski Country for the updated list of openings.