FILE - In this Oct. 21, 2016 file photo, skiers and boarders who have waited in line since Oct. 19 for the first chair react on the opening day of ski season at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado as A-Basin becomes the first ski resort in North America to open for the season. The ski industry skews big, with megaresorts adding terrain and attractions. Smaller resorts can't compete with the big guys, so they tout authenticity. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)

DENVER  | Arapahoe Basin Ski Area announced it will open its slopes on Friday.

The Denver Post reports that A-Basin’s Black Mountain Express lift will start turning at 9 a.m., giving skiers and snowboarders access to the intermediate High Noon trail.

Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin’s chief operation officer, said recent weather has been kind to the Basin. He says it’s exciting to kick off the ski season earlier than usual.

Last year, A-Basin opened on Oct. 21.

Opening day is an annual party at A-Basin, featuring neon outfits and Halloween costumes.