GEORGETOWN, Colo. (AP) – Loveland Ski Area said Wednesday it will open a single run on Friday, becoming the first North American ski resort to launch its season.

The run will have 18 to 21 inches of snow, thanks to snowmaking machines and a strong storm that swept through the state Sunday and Monday, resort officials said.

Colorado Ski Country USA, an industry group, confirmed that Loveland would be the first North American resort to open for continuous business.

Silverton Mountain resort in southwestern Colorado allowed employees to ski on Sunday but did not stay open, Colorado Ski Country USA spokeswoman Ashley Boyden said.

Loveland said this is the sixth consecutive season it has opened first.