Smuggler's Notch in northern Vermont started its season today. This shot was taken at the summit on the Rumrunner's trail.
Now we’re on a roll!
More Eastern ski resorts are open today after cold weather allowed them to fire up the snow guns. Stratton in southern Vermont, Smuggler’s Notch in northern Vermont and Jiminy Peak in northwestern Massachusetts have their lifts turning today.
In New Hampshire, add Waterville Valley, Cranmore and Pat’s Peak to the Granite State areas back in business. Other New Hampshire areas that were already open include Cannon, Bretton Woods and Loon.
Over in the Great State of Maine, Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Big Rock are back in the game.
Stratton Mountain opened at 8:30 a.m. today with snow flurries falling, temperatures in the teens and winds are blowing from the SW at 20-35 mph. They are offering top-to-bottom skiing/riding on 12 trails via 4 lifts with some delayed openings for additional grooming.
Trails include Black Bear, Old #8, The Chute, Polar Bear, Upper Grizzly Bear, Bear Bottom, Grizzly Access, Overpass, Village Walk, Runaway, Yodeler Express, and Suntanner. Surface conditions are machine groomed loose granular with a base depth of 24″.
There’s skiing and snowboarding on eight trails at Jiminy including West Way, North Glade and 360. Tickets cost $35 for adults, $25 juniors.
Sugarbush in Vermont opened for the season on Thanksgiving thanks to work from snowmakers earlier this week. Upper elevation trails like the classic Jester are open.
There’s some snow – and ice – in ski country today as northern New England makes the quick transition to winter.
The National Weather Service has posted winter weather advisories until noon today throughout most of northern New England with periods of snow and freezing rain. It’s not a big storm; just a few inches of snow expected in the higher peaks.
While today is not the best day to go skiing or snowboarding, this weekend is shaping up to be a good one hit the slopes. The only downside is some steady winds Saturday.
In Vermont, there’s a slight chance of snow showers early Saturday then turning partly sunny with highs around freezing. Sunday looks like the best of the weekend with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid to upper 30s.
In Vermont, areas open include Jay Peak, Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush, Okemo and Mount Snow. Killington is at the head of the pack with 18 trails open, including summit to base runs.
New Hampshire areas open are Bretton Woods, Cannon, Granite Gorge and Loon.
In Connecticut, the only game in town is in Woodbury (with limited terrain). Look for Mohawk, Southington and Ski Sundown to be open by the second weekend of December.
In Massachusetts, Jiminy Peak is planning to open this weekend.
Hours are 9 am-4 pm Saturday and Sunday. Pricing is $35 for adults and $25 for juniors. All 10/11 Jiminy Peak season passes will be valid. They will post the projected trails later today.
We’ve finally turned the corner on this warm weather nonsense and are NOW in the season where the serious skiing and snowboarding season has begun. Yeah, yeah, I see those snow condition reports from out west from snocountry and naturally, I’m really jealous. Heavy snowfalls, dry powder, lots of trails and terrain open so early in the season.
Go ahead, dig the dagger deeper in the heart as the snow totals increase in the West. But that’s OK, we’ll recover as cold temperatures settle in and, hopefully, we’ll get socked by some big snowstorms. Our time will soon come when marginal conditions will change from thin base depths to packed powder.
Today, Thanksgiving Day, another eastern ski area opened.
Mount Snow started turning its lifts at 8 a.m. with temperatures in the twenties. There’s seven trails open .On the Main Mountain open trails include Cascade, Canyon, Long John, Beaver Hill and Launch Pad. Over at Carinthia Mineshaft opened as a regular ski trail with the Gulch as a park playing host to roughly fifteen features.
The picture at the left was taken this morning.
Things are looking up here. Look at this video from Stowe in northern Vermont and you’ll see the sliding looks pretty cool …
With the return of cold temperatures, Mount Snow in southern Vermont has turned on its snowmaking guns near the summit. The resort plans to open for the season on Thanksgiving Day.
Thankfully, cold weather has returned. And that means ski resorts can again fire up their snowmaking arsenals and open trails … just in time for Thanksgiving.
Mount Snow in southern Vermont is the latest area to announce its opening on Thanksgiving Day.
The Grand Summit Express, Canyon Express, Nitro Express and Discovery Shuttle will all be turning Thursday starting at 8 am. Open trails will include Cascade, Canyon, Long John, Beaver Hill, Launch Pad, Mineshaft and the Gulch. The Gulch will be setup as a terrain park with top-to-bottom features.
Yet Snow warns: “While we will be open with skiing and riding for all abilities there are some early season conditions on the lower elevations. What does that mean? Thin spots, some potential grass poking through, stuff like that. The usual early season east coast conditions! However don’t expect that to last long, with a major cold front coming our way the Fan Guns will get turned back on and cover this place in snow.”
How much will it cost to ski/ride Mount Snow this weekend?
Adults: $55 (19 years – 64 years)
Youth/Senior: $45 ( 6-18 years/65+ years)
Children 5 & under: Free.
Okemo, also in Vermont, had its opening day on Tuesday. Here’s a video from Okemo:
Today was also the first day of the season at Stowe in northern Vermont.
Stowe’s report: “We will open today with 6 trails and 2.5 miles of top-to-bottom skiing/riding: Ridgeview, Lower Ridgeview, Upper Lord, Lord, North Slope, and Lower North Slope, with all those trails groomed overnight; we also have three features on Ridgeview. Please note conditions will be for advanced skiers/riders only. Winds may affect lift operations today; so, far, it looks likely the FourRunner Quad will run. The Lookout double will be the back-up, and we’ll keep the snow phone & website updated as needed. We’re making snow on Sunrise, Centerline, Lord and Inspiration. One reminder: during these first few days when there is unlimited enthusiasm but only limited terrain, please be especially aware of snow conditions and other people around you.”
Stratton in southern Vermont is also on course for a Friday opening.
Their lastest report: “After another short period of mild weather here at Stratton Mountain, we’re happy to report that we expect snowmaking to resume late tonight and continue through tomorrow evening/early morning Thursday. Thursday may bring a wintry mix late, which hopefully leaves us with a net gain to our snowmaking production. Currently, we are targeting to open on Friday with upper mountain skiing and riding (downloading will be required) through this weekend starting at 9am. Colder weather is expected to return on Friday night and stay through the weekend into next week which should give us a great opportunity to expand our terrain. Snowmaking operations are focusing on the following terrain: Black Bear, Polar Bear, The Chute, Grizzly Bear, Bear Bottom, Old #8, Grizzly Access, Overpass and Village Walk.”
Jay Peak in northern Vermont is also planning a Friday opening.
Okemo kicks off its season today with a few upper elevation trails open.
Today is opening day at Okemo in Vermont!
Okemo will have two lifts, Northstar Express and the Glades Peak Quad, servicing four trails on the upper mountain; Buckhorn, Drop Off, Countdown, and Upper World Cup. This terrain will be open for advanced skiers and riders only.
There will be shuttle service from the bottom of the F-10 carpet area to the base of the Northstar. You can expect to ride the Northstar to the summit, ski and ride until your heart is content, and then download on the Northstar with a shuttle to the base.
Lift ticket pricing will be as follows for opening day: Adult (full-day/half-day): $39/$29Young Adult/Seniors (full-day/half-day): $33/$25Juniors/Super Seniors (full-day/half-day): $25/$19
Stratton in Vermont still hopes to open by this weekend.
Their most recent report: ”This week’s weather, and forecast, has been as variable as the market. After a 48-hour start to the snowmaking season, we put our systems on pause and have re-evaluated our projected opening with an eye on Friday. Please stay tuned to the snow report on Stratton.com for updated information. Currently, temperatures are above freezing with light precipitation in the area. We do expect temperatures to drop back down as this week progresses, and will make snow at every opportunity that comes our way. Since the forecast is changing so drastically, it’s very easy for a light drizzle to quickly turn into flurries at the summit if Mother Nature cooperates. Despite the questionable weather conditions we’re still gearing up, stretching out and getting rest so we’re ready to ride this weekend. Trust us, we are as anxious as you to start this season, but only if it’s on a high note. We’re now projecting to open before this weekend.”
While things could be better, at least weatherwise, there will be some skiing and snowboarding this Thanksgiving weekend.
Killington in central Vermont leads the back with top-to-bottom sliding from Killington Peak, through the North Ridge area and down Snowdon to the K1 base. It’s a big step and as you would expect, prices have increased to reflect the expanded terrain. The price of a full-day ticket has risen from $49 to $65. Today, Killington will have 14 trails open.
Stowe in northern Vermont plans to open Wednesday.
Their report: “We plan to open the FourRunner Quad at 8am on Wednesday with top-to-bottom skiing & riding on Ridgeview, Upper Lord, Lord, North Slope, and Lower North Slope. Although the snow guns have been temporarily turned off due to warmer weather, our snowmaking team took full advantage of the recent stretch of cold weather and made copious amounts of snow between last Wednesday night and early this morning. During that time, the snowmakers buried portions of Ridgeview, Lord, North Slope, as well as the Mansfield base area. In addition to terrain on Mansfield, they also made snow in the base area of Spruce and the Carpet Learning Area. Looking ahead a bit, the preliminary forecast for Thanksgiving weekend calls for good snowmaking weather along with the chance for some natural snow.”
New Hampshire has also started its season with both Bretton Woods and Loon now open.
Sugarloaf in Maine started snowmaking on Thursday. The resort had hoped to be open this weekend, but warm temperatures has pushed it back to later next week.
Looks like we have to wait a little while longer for more ski resorts to open for the season.
The reason? You guessed it. It’s been a little too warm to have non-stop snowmaking that will turn brown trails into white carpets.
But things are looking up for Thanksgiving weekend thanks to several days of good snowmaking weather.
There’s even a chance for some snow in northern New England on Turkey Day, but it’s too early to count on it.
Sunday River in Maine and Killington in Vermont are the only areas open in the East. Killington is adding more trails. It’s up to 10 now with some terrain open on Snowdon, accessed by the Poma lift. That’s good news because it should reduce the lift lines at the North Peak Quad.
But as skiers and snowboarders know about the weather, it’s always something. Killington had to delay its opening Saturday because of strong winds today, with gusts of up to 40 mph at the summit, steady between 15 and 25 mph (not good).
Other ski areas are waiting and taking advantage of cold nighttime temperatures to make snow.
Okemo has pushed back its opening until next weekend.
Okemo reports: “November, in all of its glory, has once again provided us with unseasonably warm weather, so it is safe to say that we will not be opening for skiing and riding this Saturday, November 20th. However, it appears as though we will be blessed with some snowmaking temperatures heading into the weekend. We are planning to be open for skiing and riding as soon as possible as we get closer to Thanksgiving and will have a better idea of an opening date once we get the guns going. ”
Sugarbush in Vermont has also pushed back its opening. In its report today:
“In an industry that relies a great deal on the weather, you learn to take the bad with the good. At this point, it’s fair to say that we will not hit our November 20th Opening Day target due to the lack of consistent snowmaking temps over the last ten days. The good news is we seem to have passed a pivot point. Snowmaking began on Jester around 11:00 PM Wednesday night and will be going strong into the forseeable future. So what’s this mean? We’re gunning for a Thanksgiving opening day.
“The next couple of days have the potential for some natural snow as well—make sure to stay tuned here or to the Sugarbush Snow Phone (802.583.SNOW) for any updates, and keep doing those snow dances.”
And it’s the same story in Stowe that had hoped to open Saturday. Now it’s delayed to next Wednesday, Nov. 24.
The only areas now open inNew England are Killington in Vermont with nine trails and Sunday River in Maine with one. Sunday River reports a dusting of snow overnight. Picture left was shot this morning.
In New Hampshire, Loon Mountain’s kickoff has also been delayed.
“The 2010/11 winter season is right around the corner, despite mild weather so far this week,” Loon reports. “The forecast for snomaking has been steadily improving and our snowmaking team is ready to fire up as soon as they get temperatures tomorrow night. Snowmaking will continue through the weekend and we will open as soon as we can next week.”
If you plan to head to the only ski area open in Vermont this weekend it should be a fun – yet crowded – good time. There’s even a barbeque at the base of the chairlift, although personally it looks like the guy has cooked the burgers too long.
At Killington they have only eight trails open below its North Ridge Triple Chair. But that hasn’t stopped skiers and snowboarders from showing up. It’s one of the first times in years Killington has opened this early. That’s because it constructed a walkway that people have to take to reach the K1 gondola for the ride down the mountain. There are no lower-elevation trails open at this time.
Even Killington admits things will be crowded. But there’s one trade off: you can buy a half-day ticket for $39 that’s good for either 8 a.m. to 11:30 or noon to 4 p.m. Personally, I’d go for the AM ticket because conditions will be better, the snow firmer, better groomed and most of the crowds should be in the afternoon. The price is $10 lower than what it was charging for a full-day ticket earlier this week.
Sunday looks like an excellent day to head up to The Beast. It’s going get cold tonight so they can add some fresh snow. And after some grooming, the first runs of the morning should be awesome! Here’s the weather report; knock off a few degrees for the high elevation.
Here’s Killington’s report for Saturday:
“With sunshine, spring-like conditions, and limited open terrain, we’re anticipating a very busy weekend here at the Beast of the East! Whether you’re coming up for an afternoon, just for one day or the entire weekend, we’re offering special half-day rates and a snow beach BBQ for you to get the most out of your on-snow experience.
You may experience lift lines in excess of 15 minutes and maybe as long as 30 minutes, so don’t forget the sunscreen and enjoy working on your goggle tan. Also, please remember that due to limited open terrain, skier and rider density may be higher than you normally experience.
All skiers and riders will also be required to make the 5-10 minute walk on the newPeak Walkway to access the K-1 Gondola for downloading.
We’re spinning the K-1 Gondola (upload/download only) and the North Ridge Triple from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend and offer special half-day rates, including a $39 Adult (ages 18-64) morning (8-11:30 a.m.) lift ticket, and a $29 Adult afternoon (12-4 p.m.) lift ticket.
We’ll offer the snow beach BBQ at the base of the North Ridge Triple again this weekend. Plus all services at the Peak Restaurant and the K-1 Lodge, including Mahogany Ridge, will be open.
If you don’t want to drive that far the Woodbury Ski Area in Connecticut has a small patch of snow open for some early turns.
Several ski resorts are on the verge of throwing out the first snowball of the ski/snowboard season!
Killington in Vermont and Sunday River in Maine remain the only ski areas now open.
But that will change next weekend with the projected opening of several more. Many more are shooting for a Thanksgiving weekend opening.
While it’s been a slow start to the season in the East, many areas are taking advantage of the cold nighttime temperatures to lay down a base.
Keep in mind that terrain will be limited for a few more weeks, but there should be enough satisfying runs to make the drive up north worthwhile. Beginners, however, may be shut out of some of the action because terrain is more for intermediates and experts.
The following are the projected opening dates. Those not listed don’t have specific dates yet.
Naturally, keep in mind everything can change with the weather. But things are definately looking up. For latest snow conditions visit the following sites:
Believe it or not the Woodbury ski area has already laid down a carpet of snow for limited skiing and snowboarding. Woodbury will be open today (Saturday) so if you want to get some early turns in (close to home) this the only game around. Check out Woodbury’s live came here.
No word yet on Connecticut’s three other areas, but expect them to be open by the first weekend in December.
This cam grab image is from the Woodbury ski area from Friday morning, Nov. 12.
MASSACHUSETTS
Friday, Nov. 26:
Ski Butternut, Ski Ward and Wachusett
VERMONT
Saturday, Nov. 20:
Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush
Wednesday, Nov. 24:
Stratton
Friday, Nov. 26
Bromley, Jay Peak, Smuggler’s Notch
Jay Peak
Friday, Dec. 10:
Magic Mountain
Saturday, Dec. 11:
Burke Mountain
Saturday, Dec. 18:
Pico
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Friday, Nov. 19:
Loon
It's a calm day at the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Temperature at 9 a.m. was 38 degrees and with wind blowing ay 19 mph. That will soon change in the next couple of weeks, maybe days.
