This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

DILLON, Colo. — Arapahoe Basin became the first ski resort in North America to open for the season Friday afternoon. The resort announced opened at 3:30 p.m.

A-Basin is narrowly beating out Keystone Resort, which announced earlier in the day it plans to open Saturday. That would have made it the first resort to open in North America. It will be Keystone’s earliest opening in 20 years.

Full list: When Colorado ski resorts plan to open this season

Arapahoe Basin and Loveland have traditionally been in a race to open first each season. Keystone’s near surge to the front was credited to a new automated snowmaking system.

The brief Friday opening for A-Basin featured $15 lift tickets. The Alley Bar & Grill was open, but no rentals or retail were available to skiers.

Aside from Loveland, which plans an October opening, other Colorado ski resorts are planning on November openings or after. Most Colorado ski resorts plan to be open before Christmas.