As is its tradition, Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin became the fist ski resort to open for the 2016-17 season today. Some will call it the “White Ribbon of Death,” as the mountain opens with man-made snow and 18 inches at mid mountain. Regardless, the season has started in October with A-Basin offering discounted lift tickets for the first part of the season while celebrating its 70th year. Who’s next:
Mammoth’s early snow. Photo: Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain: Mammoth has already had some significant snow this year and announced this week it will open Thursday November 10th with $50 lift tickets, free coffee and hot chocolate at Broadway Express and a beer swilling toast to celebrate opening day at 11 a.m. at Tusts Bar.
Mt Bachelor: Oregon’s premiere resort has set its opening date at November 25th. It’s been a pretty serious fall of snow storms near Bend so the mountain is looking at a solid season.
Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows: Squaw Valley has moved its opening date up to November 11. The California resort is boasting $1 million in new snowmaking technology this year.
Jackson Hole: The Hole has been pummeled with early season snow, reporting 49-inches at the top already from recent storms. Unfortunately, the resort can’t open until November 24th due to Forest Service permitting. Hikers are going off.
Sun Valley: Sun Valley is also looking at a November 24th opening with Mt. Baldy and Dollar mountain providing riding for the masses. Hiking for turns on nearby Galena Summit is on though.
Whistler-Blackombe: Whistler has been getting pummeled this falls so the winter is off to a great start. We’ll see where it ends up. Opening day is a week early as lifts start turning north of the border Nov. 19.
