British Columbia-
Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Resort opens November 21-26 and ends mid-April (13). This year’s Opening Day will feature the first-ever Opening Pass-a-Mania, bringing together 20 competitors to battle it out in a 24-hour battle of 15 epic ski challenges. At the end there will be two winners (male and female) who will get a free pass for the rest of the season. As an added incentive, challengers will get dibs in the gondola.
Vermont-
In the Northeast, Killington is usually one of the first ski resorts to open in mid-November, thanks to one of the largest snowmaking systems in the United States. Stowe Mountain, however, doesn’t open until the end of November. This year, thanks to warmer temperatures, the mountain didn’t open until November 21.
California-
At Mammoth Mountain, the ski season begins in early November and has been known to last well into the summer. Squaw Valley Ski Area usually opens in mid-November (November 21, 2010) and closes around May 10. This year’s opening activities at Squaw will kick off with a ski with a Monster Toast, a massive balloon drop, and a JT Holmes cable car base jump. Opening day traditionally concludes with an evening of live music at the Olympic House.
Wyoming-
The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opens at the end of November (29) and runs through April (5). There’s no better time to enjoy fresh Jackson Hole snow and take advantage of some of the lowest rates offered during the early part of the season.
Colorado-
Vail and Winter Park tend to be early risers, opening in early November and then closing in mid-April. Aspen and Breckenridge season generally begins in mid to late November and ends in late April. This year, Breckenridge opened its doors on the 12th, kicking off with a complimentary breakfast at 8:30 am Copper Mountain, Keystone and Snowmass open mid-November. This year, Snowmass is scheduled to open on Thursday the 26th, with the Aspen National Winter World Cup taking place on the 28th, followed by the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert.
Utah-
The Alta Ski Area opens its doors in mid-November, usually between the 15th and 21st, ending in mid-April (19th). Book early to get the best deals!