North America has welcomed an early winter this week, significantly affecting the East and Midwest regions. Ski resorts are seizing this opportunity to open earlier than usual, with over a dozen centers preparing for the season ahead.
Early Ski Resort Openings Across North America
The bulk of early openings are taking place in Alberta and Colorado. Ski enthusiasts can visit a range of operating resorts here. Currently, Western Canada enjoys cold and snowy conditions, while Mt. Rose in Tahoe has delayed its opening due to a recent warm spell following blizzard-like weather.
Resorts Preparing for Winter
- Mammoth Mountain plans to open on November 14.
- Alyeska in Alaska continues to lead snowfall reports with significant accumulations.
- In Vermont, Jay Peak and Killington are producing snow amid a weekend natural snowfall of approximately 30 cm.
- Newly opened resorts include Nakiska and Norquay, alongside Lake Louise and Sunshine, which report ample terrain for skiing.
This week presents the most promising early-season conditions for Northeast resorts. Western Canadian resorts are celebrating favorable conditions, with some areas reporting up to 25 cm of snow in just 24 hours.
Snowmaking and Natural Accumulation
Weather forecasts predict additional snowfall and cold temperatures in the coming days, particularly in Alberta and British Columbia. Eastern Canada has also embraced winter weather as ski regions in Quebec and Ontario activate their snowmaking systems.
- Mont-Saint-Sauveur has officially opened its slopes.
- Mammoth Mountain remains on track to be among the season’s first resorts to launch due to recent investments in snowmaking technologies.
Colorado and Midwest Updates
In the Rockies, Colorado’s resorts have commenced their seasons. Loveland has confirmed enough snow for opening day, with Breckenridge and Copper Mountain following suit. Currently, Colorado boasts six operational resorts, ahead of many other global regions.
The Midwest’s cold snap has facilitated snowmaking efforts across Minnesota and Wisconsin, allowing these resorts to kick off their seasons. The East Coast is also experiencing positive snow accumulations. Vermont has noted up to 12 inches of snowfall, with Killington set to open for pass holders on November 12.
Looking forward, forecasts indicate favorable conditions for both snowmaking and natural snowfall across various regions, particularly the Midwest and Northeast. The upcoming days promise a combination of light snow and colder air, creating optimistic prospects for a fruitful ski season ahead.
