With the recent string of warm days along the Front Range, powdery slopes might have seemed to be off in the distant future. But on Sunday, Loveland, aided by snow machines, became the first resort in the state to open—and just in time for a major storm that could bring up to 16 inches of snow to the mountains (via The Associated Press). In fact, drivers headed toward Vail, Rabbit Ears, Red Mountain, and other passes are likely to encounter ice and strong winds. 

As for Loveland, just one run is operating, but it's enough to edge out Arapahoe Basin again in the annual competition to be the first Colorado resort to open, notes 9News. Last year, fall was much cooler, allowing Loveland to welcome skiers on October 7. Still, Loveland wasn't the first to open in the United States. Oregon's Timberline Lodge claimed that honor this year on October 1.