Thursday, October 14, 2011, Epic and Epic Local Pass-holders rejoiced.Arapahoe Basin Ski and Snowboard Area in Summit County, Colorado opened for business, a short 100 days after closing for the 2010-2011 Season back in July.It was only a matter of time. The snow could be seen building high in the Rockies from Denver for a couple of weeks now. Every ski and snowboard enthusiast was getting antsy with anticipation, especially when Wolf Creek Ski Area, a solid 5-hour drive from Denver, had opened the previous weekend.  As soon as the news hit Facebook, Twitter and about every other social network, people were calling in “sick” to work and college students were skipping classes so that they could drive up I-70 to hit the slopes.Although there are only 2 trails open, people flocked to the hill, wearing their lightest layers and some, even getting sunburns, due to the early season sunshine and warm temperature. A friend of mine boarded only in a tank top and was warm!  The snow is a mix of man-made and packed powder. The Arapahoe Basin website advises against beginner skiers hitting the slopes this early in the season because the conditions are not great for all levels of skiing.If you’ve already bought your pass for this season online, you can pick it up at any Colorado Ski and Golf location. Also, there will be representatives from Vail Resorts on-mountain, so if you do not have time to stop at Colorado Ski and Golf before you want to head to the slope, you can pick up your pass there this weekend only.I will be heading up there as soon as I can this weekend. It’s almost as if I can see my skis inching out of my closet in anticipation. My gear is packed and I am reading to strap my skis into my ski rack and go. My roommate and I are making the trek up to the mountains together and we are both completely stoked. If you’re in Colorado, get up there as fast as you can, because ski season, my friends, has finally begun.