GEORGETOWN, Colo. (AP) — Another Colorado ski area has fired up the snowmaking machines.

Loveland Ski Area took advantage of cold temperatures and began making snow early Thursday.

Copper Mountain started making snow Tuesday, a month before its expected opening date.

Loveland hopes to open by mid-October.

Last ski season was a difficult one for the ski industry. Total skier visits dropped more than 12 percent at some resorts.

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