FRISCO, Colo. (KDVR) — Colorado ski resorts are preparing for an earlier and busier 2024 holiday season. AAA of Colorado extended the holiday travel week from five days to seven this year.

FOX31 spoke to skiers at resorts along the Interstate 70 corridor who said they are getting an early start to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

“We are shredding, having a good time on the snow,” Alyssa Green said.

Many skiers are visiting from other countries and areas across the United States.

“I’m from New York but spend a lot of time in Colorado,” said Mateusz Patrosz.

Resorts are preparing their properties for the holidays with lighting displays, cozy outdoor fire pits and family-friendly activities.

“We will have snow tubing up on top of our mountain we’ll also have ice skating,” said Max Winter of Keystone Resort.

Tourists describe Colorado’s high country as a magical winter wonderland.

“When the snow is falling, it’s the best,” said Patrosz.

An RRC Associates study found Colorado’s ski industry generates $4.8 billion, supports more than 46,000 jobs and generates $1.9 billion per year in labor income within Colorado.

Colorado’s abundant snowfall this month means greater visitor numbers at the start of the holiday season. All resorts are able to open more lifts and trails. Examples include Arapahoe Basin which reports an 18-inch base and Loveland ski area with 43 inches of snow so far this season.

Many resorts are also offering Thanksgiving meal events as tourists and those from Colorado craft new family traditions.

“Skiing is a legacy activity, a lot like golf; you learn how to do it so you can give it to someone else later,” said Ivan Collins, a skier.