Fresh snowfall in Western North America has led to the first ski resorts opening for winter.

Loveland ski area in Colorado, one of the world’s highest ski areas, was the first to open its slopes to excited skiers and boarders. It’s opening on Wednesday, 7th October, was the earliest for 40 years.

Its neighbour, Arapahoe Basin, is expected to open in the next few days and the Californian ski area of Boreal is also reported to be snowmaking and considering opening soon.