Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

Photo by Mark Fox, Summit Daily News

By CADDIE NATH, SUMMIT DAILY NEWS

KEYSTONE — Skiers and snowboarders were greeted with clear weather and highs in the low 40s Friday, as Copper Mountain and Keystone Resort kicked off the 2011/2012 season with the usual opening day party.

“It's one of the best opening days for sure,” Austin McHodgkins, a snowboarder also from Ft. Collins said.

Keystone opened with skiing and riding on the gondola-serviced Spring Dipper and River Run trails as well as two learning areas. The early-season terrain park was open with 25 features and its own lift.

At Copper, the start of the season was festive, with skiers and snowboarders out in force to take advantage of the mountain's four runs and 18-inch base.

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