Eldora ski area is scheduled to open on Thursday, a week earlier than expected planned.

In a release, spokesman Sam Bass said that thanks to recent snowfall, cold temperatures ideal for snowmaking and the hard work of Eldora crews, the ski resort is set to open eight days before the original scheduled opening of Nov. 15.

After picking up their passes at the automated pick-up box at Indian Peaks Lodge by using the QR code in their confirmation email, visitors will be able to access the Alpenglow chair at 9 a.m. Thursday. Those who reloaded their Eldora Cards from last season can go straight to the lift. Ikon pass holders can as well. Those who haven’t received their Ikon passes in the mail can have them printed at the Subie Shack just west of Indian Peaks Lodge.

Bass encouraged visitors to upload their photo and sign their waiver ahead of time to avoid being stalled at the RFID gate.

The chair is set to run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

According to the release, a full 1,000 vertical feet of terrain will be open, including Hornblower, Windmill, International trails as well as a small terrain park near the West Wing Lodge. Skiers and snowboarders will not be able to access the beginner terrain, lessons, uphill access or snowshoe trails at opening.

Those celebrating opening day will be able to enjoy fresh donuts, goodies and live music from a local DJ.

“Our amazing employees left it all on the field — or slopes, I should say,” wrote Brent Tregaskis, Eldora’s president and general manager. “Thanks to our hardworking staff, we’re able to open Eldora for alpine skiing and snowboarding more than a week ahead of schedule. They, and our beloved guests, are what have made Eldora the go-to gathering spot for local skiers and riders for more than 60 years. We’re the perfect half-day mountain, where you can grab a couple hours on snow and then get on with your day.”

All tickets or passes must be bought online at store.eldora.com. You can retrieve the passes at the pick-up box within the QR code emailed to you.