SAM Magazine - Georgetown, Colo., September 25, 2008 - Colorado ski resort Loveland has commenced snowmaking operations. The resort fired up the guns last night, making the ski area the first in North America to start snowmaking operations for the 2008-2009 ski season. A key ingredient in the mountain's ability to be the first to start snowmaking operations is the fact that the base of the ski area sits at 10,600 feet. With surrounding peaks, including the top of the mountain, which sits on the Continental Divide at 13,010 feet, already covered with natural snow, it was only a matter of time before temperatures at the base were cold enough for snowmaking. The resort is usually one of the first each season to open, with approximately 1,000 vertical feet served by a triple chair available for skiers on opening day. Nearby Arapahoe Basin which has a base elevation of 10,780 feet traditionally competes with Loveland for "first to open" bragging rights.

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