Friendly rivals on opposite sides of Loveland Pass, Arapahoe Basin and Loveland have been dueling in recent years for bragging rights by becoming the first Front Range ski area to open for the season. Arapahoe Basin has been dominating the duel in recent years. The last time Loveland won was 2010, and they opened on the same day in 2015. Who opened first? Arapahoe Basin Loveland 2018 Oct.