Jesse Zarat catches opening-day air at Eldora Mountain Resort last year. ( MARK LEFFINGWELL)

A few more Colorado resorts have joined Loveland and Arapahoe Basin in opening early this weekend.

Copper Mountain opens today with the fifth-annual Lift-Off Festival, and Wolf Creek Ski Area opened with more than four feet of snow.

Remaining resorts will trickle open through Thanksgiving weekend and, by early December, you'll have your pick.

Take advantage of a long season by packing up and heading up early.

Here are five ways to kick off the season.

1 All aboard

University of Colorado Ski Bus

What's better than not driving to the mountains? Riding up with a bunch of Buff snow freaks. The CU Ski Bus often sells out and has limited seats, so make sure you get tickets in advance. $15 roundtrip for students.

Info: colorado.edu/skibus, 303-900-2761

2 Room and board

Get a bunch of friends and rent a cheap condo for the weekend. Preferably one with a hot tub. This way you can sleep off the party a couple hours more the next morning before you do it all over again.

3 Take it in

Sit at the top of the hill blasting that awesome song on your iPod. Soak up all that summer took away from you. Now wipe your tears away, you Sally.

4 Take it easy

Don't be stupid. And don't be an asshole. You aren't Johnny Moseley or Superman. Well, maybe you're close, but try not to end up in the emergency room -- or land someone else there.

5 Après ski

After a day of runs (yes, after) head to the bar and relax with some beers. Make sure you have a ride. We don't want you coming down the mountain with us.