Get ready to hit the slopes! Ski resorts across the United States are already being blanketed in early snowfall, signaling the start of the ski season. From the mountains of Colorado, Utah, Montana, to even New York, the high country has seen substantial snowfall this week. With temperatures dropping and snow guns in full force, the 2023-’24 season is just around the corner. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how some ski areas are gearing up for opening day. From Keystone Resort in Colorado, Loveland Ski Area, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe in Nevada, Vail Mountain, to Copper Mountain, these resorts are making preparations to welcome eager skiers and snowboarders. So grab your gear and get ready for an exciting winter adventure on the slopes!
Gallery: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Ski Season
Flakes have been a’flying in the high country this week, with substantial snowfall recorded in the mountains of Colorado, Utah, Montana, and even New York. That, plus snowguns blowing at all possible hours, means that the 2023-‘24 season is within a pole’s reach and the race to open has begun.
Here’s how it’s looking at a handful of ski areas across the U.S.
Keystone Resort, Colo.
Opening Day: ASAP
Keystone doesn’t set an opening day months ahead of time like the other Vail Resorts ski areas, but instead plans to open as soon as conditions allow. With this week’s low temperatures, the snowmaking crew was able to get things up and running, and also enjoyed a little help from Üllr, who dropped a few inches on the resort, to boot.
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Loveland Ski Area, Colo.
Opening Day: Nov. 3
It was looking pretty wintry at Loveland this week thanks to the dual affects of the snowstorm and the snowguns.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. Nev.
Opening Day: Nov. 9
OK, this isn’t natural snow, but the resort was able to start making snow at the summit over the last week thanks to cooling temps.
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Vail Mountain, Colo.
Opening Day: Nov. 10
Vail came out a winner in this early storm, notching between 13 and 15 inches across the slopes. That, plus snowmaking efforts, make for a mountain that seems pretty skiable from the looks of it. But we will wait … impatiently.
Copper Mountain, Colo.
Opening Day: Nov. 13
Would you just at the perfect fall snow day colors? With peak autumn colors still hanging around the Colorado high country, this week’s storm is the icing on the cake for skiers eager to set an edge.
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Alta Ski Area, Utah
Opening Day: Nov. 17
This is from last week when a small system moved through the Wasatch, dropping a couple inches on Alta and its neighbors in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
As ski enthusiasts, we can’t help but get excited about the pending ski season. With early snowfall blanketing ski resorts across the U.S., it’s safe to say that it’s beginning to look a lot like ski season. From Colorado to Utah and even New York, ski resorts are gearing up for their opening day. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top ski resorts and their opening day schedules.
First up, we have Keystone Resort in Colorado. Unlike other Vail Resorts ski areas, Keystone doesn’t set an opening day months ahead of time. Instead, they plan to open as soon as conditions allow. With this week’s low temperatures and the help of Üllr, who dropped a few inches on the resort, Keystone’s snowmaking crew was able to get things up and running. Excitement is in the air as Keystone Resort prepares for an epic ski season.
Next, we have Loveland Ski Area, also in Colorado, with an opening day scheduled for November 3rd. Thanks to a recent snowstorm and the efforts of the snowguns, Loveland is looking wintry and ready for skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes. The combination of natural and artificial snow makes for excellent skiing conditions.
Heading west to Nevada, we have Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, which plans to open on November 9th. While the snow at Mt. Rose isn’t natural, the resort has been able to start making snow at the summit due to cooling temperatures. This allows skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the thrill of the slopes even if Mother Nature hasn’t provided a snowy backdrop just yet.
Back in Colorado, Vail Mountain is set to open on November 10th. Vail received an impressive amount of snow from the recent storm, with 13 to 15 inches covering the slopes. Combined with the resort’s snowmaking efforts, Vail Mountain promises an exciting and skiable experience for winter enthusiasts. The snow-capped peaks are a sight to behold and stir up anticipation for a fantastic ski season.
Copper Mountain, also in Colorado, is gearing up for their opening day on November 13th. The recent storm has added the perfect touch to the fall snow day colors, creating a picturesque scene in the Colorado high country. With the lingering autumn colors and fresh snow, skiers at Copper Mountain are in for a treat as they carve their way down the slopes.
Lastly, we have Alta Ski Area in Utah, which plans to open on November 17th. While the resort received just a couple of inches of snow from a small system that moved through the Wasatch, it was enough to set the stage for a thrilling ski season. Alta and its neighboring canyons are a haven for snow lovers, and the anticipation for opening day is palpable.
With early snowfall and snowmaking efforts in full swing, ski resorts across the U.S. are preparing for an exciting ski season. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner looking to hit the slopes for the first time, these resorts offer a variety of terrain and experiences for every skill level. So grab your skis or snowboard and get ready to make some turns on the fresh powder. The 2023-’24 ski season is just around the corner, and it’s going to be a winter wonderland of epic proportions. Get ready for an unforgettable ski adventure!
Source: https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/snow-sports/early-snowfall-blanket-u-s-resorts-2023/
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