You know it’s officially ski season in Colorado when the hiss of snowguns cuts through the stillness of a cold autumn morning. At first light on October 1, Copper Mountain fired up its snowmaking system for the first time this season, filling the air with that familiar, misty white spray that makes skiers’ hearts skip a beat.

The chill finally stuck around long enough for snowmaking crews to get moving.

Image: Map Quest

Temperatures dipped into the mid-20s overnight, and the mountain wasted no time taking advantage of it. The first round of snowmaking marks that unofficial turning point, the moment when summer finally loosens its grip. With more cold nights in the forecast, the mountain should be able to keep the snow guns running. There’s even talk of natural snow reaching down to 9,300 feet this weekend, just to really set the mood.

Opening day isn’t far off, and Copper’s crews are pushing hard to build the base.

Image: Sky-Hi News

The team will keep blasting snow at every chance they get leading up to opening day on November 7. It’s all part of the mountain’s ongoing plan to get more terrain open early and keep conditions consistent.

Those early mornings are a little sweeter this year thanks to some major upgrades.

Image: Unofficial Networks

This summer, Copper wrapped up the first phase of a big multi-year snowmaking improvement project. Upgrades were made across nine trails, making the system more efficient and reliable, good news for everyone chasing early turns.

Copper is also gearing up for a busy winter of world-class competition.

Image: Ski Racing Media

The resort is stepping onto the world stage with two major FIS events this season. The Stifel Copper Cup, an Audi FIS World Cup race, is set for Thanksgiving weekend with men’s and women’s slalom, giant slalom, and super-G races. Then, from December 17–20, the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe event returns, bringing some of the world’s best freestyle riders to Copper’s famous pipe.

It’s only the first snowmaking session of the season, but the vibe is already electric.

Image: Copper Vacations

For now, those glowing snowguns are enough to make winter feel close. You can almost hear the sound of edges carving turns and the lift hum echoing through the cold. The snow’s not deep yet, but it’s enough to remind everyone that ski season is just around the corner.