[Sparky]

Arapahoe Basin, CO -- Gearing up for the ski season, Arapahoe Basin fired up the snow guns two nights ago at 10:00 p.m. These photos were taken on the High Noon run at approximately 7:45 this morning. All guns are running from the top of the Exhibition chairlift at midway to the base area. The guns will continue to run as long as conditions are optimal.

A-Basin was the first ski area to open in the nation last season on October 13, 2007. Ski area officials plan to open the ski area sometime between mid to late October this season.