We Love October openings!

ARAPAHOE BASIN — Maria Fox and her mother Michele Fratarcangeli had been looking forward to Arapahoe Basin’s opening day for more than a year.

They couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces as they buckled their boots at the top of Black Mountain Express — the new, high-speed detachable quad that replaces the old Exhibition lift this season — and got ready to tear down High Noon.

While most skiers and riders stowed their planks at the end of April, May or June this year, these two hadn’t skied more than two days last season.

That wasn’t for want of hitting the slopes, though.

Maria’s pregnancy kept her off the slopes entirely (the baby girl was at home with grandma on Monday), and Michele saw two days of slope time, with one of those on her annual birthday bash in April. A breast cancer diagnosis slightly more than a year ago had her otherwise occupied.

“I’m starting my new life here today,” she said, adding that she’s currently cancer free. “I’m going to stay that way for the duration.”

The season pass holders and mug club members said their eagerness for A-Basin to open has been nearly uncontrollable.

“I’ve been obsessed with (opening day),” Maria said. “I’ve been reading Al’s blog and checking the website like every ten minutes.”

When Arapahoe Basin Chief Operating Office Alan Henceroth reported in his blog that the ski area was 70 to 80 percent ready to open, “I almost peed my pants,” Maria said with a chuckle. “It’s been too long.”