For the third straight year Arapahoe Basin has won the friendly contest between nearby ski area Loveland for the title of “First Ski Area to Open” in Summit County, Colorado. 

Loveland Ski Area is set to open Tuesday, Oct. 23, beginning its 75th anniversary season.

Rob Goodell, Loveland's director of business operations, says snowmaking crews have been hard at work creating one top-to-bottom run with an 18-inch base.

Nearby Arapahoe Basin opened with an 18-inch base, one intermediate trail and one lift operating. 

Other Colorado ski areas have set opening days for November or December.

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