Loveland Ski Area began snowmaking Monday afternoon in preparation for the 2020 ski season, the resort announced.

“It is beginning to look a lot like winter up here at Loveland,” said Rob Goodell, Loveland Ski Area chief operating officer. “The snowmaking team had been patiently waiting for the cold temperatures to arrive.”

Recent cold temperatures and a 5.5-inch snowstorm Monday finally created the ideal snowmaking conditions for the ski area at the Continental Divide.

It takes about two weeks for snowmakers to cover the opening day run with an 18-inch base. Loveland Ski Area plans to open with a full run of the trails Catwalk, Mambo and Home Run.

The snowmaking team is working on Catwalk and Mambo, with efforts planned for the rest of the week.

“Every flake that hits the ground gets us that much close to opening day,” Goodell said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back in a few short weeks.”

Loveland’s snowmaking typically begins in the last week of September in preparation for a mid-October opening, but unseasonably warm weather has delayed operations this year.

Last season, snowmaking began on Oct. 2 and the ski area opened for service on Oct. 25.