It's opening day at Winter Park Resort for the 2016-2017 ski season in Colorado! It's a beautiful drive north on Highway 40 to the entrance to the resort. There's ample parking for the early birds on this cool, crisp morning. The racers from the Competition Center are gathering at the base of the Gemini Express Lift for some very early morning training. It's 7:30 a.m. and they're eager to get started. It's still too early for the general public, but some brave souls begin to form a line at the lift gates. As the sun comes over the top of the mountains, the clock makes its way to the 9 a.m. official opening time, and the maze fills up. Then it's time to jump on the first chair and start the season! The racers have cleared out and Village Way run is wide open for a fast run back to the base area. After a couple of runs, the crowds arrive and raise the general level of excitement on this beautiful, blue sky day in Colorado. Welcome to the start of another great season at Winter Park!