The White Ribbon of [insert noun]
Some people scoff at October skiing. “You’ll either kill yourself on the white ribbon of death or the thinly veiled scree under that pretty-looking fresh.”
Hates will hate. Others folks subscribe to a different principle: the white ribbon of joy.
However you see it, the return of ski season reminds us of something we already knew. Skiing is, just, better. All those other activities—from bikes to boats to crimps to trails—are mere placeholders. Sliding snow reigns supreme. And whether you get up for opening day or wait until Thanksgiving, you’ve got gravitational euphoria in your future.
The October 17, 2021 season opener at Arapahoe Basin unfolded just like you’d guess. A moody sky and crisp air gave way to sun-kissed bluebird with temps reaching into the 40s. Television crews set up shots of stoked snow riders. An alien made turns next to a dinosaur. The bar line formed early and kept growing. And no one really cared how long they spent in the queue for Black Mountain Express.
Arapahoe Basin’s 75th season began with Ski Magazine ranking the resort at number 18 in the West in its annual ski resort guide. Make of that what you will. In October, The Legend has a way of being number 1.
Other Highlights from Around the High Country
Wolf Creek Opens First
Home to the most annual snow in the state, Wolf Creek was the first resort to drop ropes this season. Stand by for early-season powder chasing…
Silverton Teases with Pow Shots
The gang down at Silverton know how to milk their early-season snowfall. Same blower pow, same spot, different October. We’re chomping at the bit for San Juan season.
California Gets Pitted
Record-breaking snowfall in California allowed resorts like Palisades Tahoe to push their opening days forward—by up to a month! Palisades Tahoe has only opened in October three times in its 72-year history. Hopefully it all foreshadows a big snow year.
The East Awakens
With peak leaves in the rearview, northeastern resorts saw October snow. Per usual, die-hards made turns down a couple inches of snow, leaves, and grass.
Backcountry Skiers Go Hunting
Here in Colorado, handfuls of knuckleheads chased wind-buff and early season drifts into the alpine. Their relatives told them it must be nice to have rock skis. They said, “They’re all rock skis.”
You ready for opening day? Shop 2022 skis to level-up your kit.
