Are you excited to hit the slopes this winter season? If you’re eager to get an early start on your skiing or snowboarding adventure, you might be wondering which ski resort opens the earliest. Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders.
1. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Arapahoe Basin, also known as A-Basin, is famous for being one of the first ski resorts to open each year.
Located in Summit County, Colorado, A-Basin typically opens its lifts in mid-October or early November and stays open until June. With a summit elevation of 13,050 feet and over 1,400 acres of skiable terrain, A-Basin offers a challenging skiing experience for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
2. Loveland Ski Area, Colorado
Another ski resort located in Summit County, Colorado that opens early is Loveland Ski Area.
Typically opening around mid-October as well, Loveland offers 93 trails spread across 1,800 acres of skiable terrain. Known for its long runs and varied terrain that caters to both beginners and experts alike, Loveland is a great option for those looking to get an early start on their ski season.
3. Mount Rose Ski Tahoe, Nevada
Located just outside of Reno in Nevada’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, Mount Rose Ski Tahoe is known for being the highest base resort in Lake Tahoe.
Typically opening in late October or early November depending on snow conditions, Mount Rose boasts over 60 trails spread across 1,200 acres of skiable terrain. With stunning views of Lake Tahoe from its summit elevation of 9,700 feet and plenty of challenging terrain for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
4. Killington Resort, Vermont
Killington is the largest ski resort in the eastern United States and is known for being the first to open in the region each year.
Typically opening in late October or early November, Killington offers 155 trails spread across 1,509 skiable acres. With an impressive vertical drop of 3,050 feet and plenty of beginner-friendly terrain as well as challenging runs for experts, Killington is a great option for those looking to get an early start on their skiing season on the East Coast.
5. Wildcat Mountain Ski Area, New Hampshire
Located in Pinkham Notch in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Wildcat Mountain Ski Area typically opens in mid-November.
With a summit elevation of 4,062 feet and over 225 inches of annual snowfall, Wildcat offers stunning views of Mount Washington and challenging terrain for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking to hit the slopes early this winter season, there are plenty of ski resorts to choose from that are known for opening their lifts earlier than others. From A-Basin in Colorado to Killington Resort in Vermont to Mount Rose Ski Tahoe in Nevada and beyond.
Be sure to check with your chosen resort ahead of time to confirm their opening date and any restrictions or guidelines they may have in place due to COVID-19.