WINTER PARK, Colo. – Winter Park Resort says it’s opening for ski season four days earlier than it had planned.

The resort plans to open five trails on 36 acres Saturday.

Winter Park CEO Gary DeFrange says the resort is responding to high demand from Front Range skiers and snowboarders for early season access to the slopes. He says early snow and snowmaking have made it possible to open early.

Among other Colorado resorts, Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, Wolf Creek, Copper Mountain and Keystone are already open. All except Wolf Creek in southwest Colorado are popular among Front Range riders.

Breckenridge, which also draws visitors from the Front Range, plans to open Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, when it will celebrate its 50th anniversary season with free cupcakes for the first 1,111 guests.