FRISCO, Colo. (AP) -- Colorado ski resorts are opening to light crowds because of a dry fall and lack of snow.

A relatively new activity is coming in handy for skiers bummed by lack of snow -- snow tubing.

Frisco Adventure Park says it set a Thanksgiving record this year on its tubing hill. The record-breaking opening day drew 600 people.

The Summit Daily News reports that the tubing hill is exceeding expectations in its third season (http://goo.gl/SVsrh ). An official with the park says snow tubing is the best alternative when snow is sparse.

Thanksgiving was also opening day at Aspen Mountain and Snowmass. Aspen Skiing Co. says it opened less terrain than hoped because of the warm, dry fall. Skiers were upbeat, saying the snow was better than they expected.