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Snow Falls as More US Ski Resorts Open

It’s beginning to look a lot like winter is on its way in the USA. More resorts in Colorado have opened this week and the first ski area to open in California fired up some lifts on Friday. UPDATED

A few ski areas in the USA were able to open as early as mid-October, though with limited terrain available for skiers and snowboarders

November is when things generally start picking up and this year there’s been some very convenient weather at the start of the month.

Snowstorms hit the Rockies and the Sierra Mountains this week, allowing more resorts to get going or bring forward their planned openings.

The latest resort to open is Loveland in Colorado that began proceedings on Wednesday 11th.

Arapahoe Basin is usually vying with Loveland to be the first out of the blocks in Colorado.

Neither managed it this year with Wolf Creek taking the honours on 28th October.

It’s just opened more lifts with about 65% of its terrain now accessible.

“17” winter storm at Wolf Creek Ski Area in SOCO! Lots of terrain and 6 lifts spinning. Bring your mask and join the fun,” the resort announced on Monday.

Keystone, Colorado, which celebrates its 50th birthday this season, opened on Friday 6th November.

“We’re excited to welcome you back to play this winter season! Don’t forget that all guests are required to have a reservation and a face covering to join us today, and every day this winter,” Keystone said.

“Let’s all do our part to stay safe this winter and kick off a successful ski and ride season!”

Arapahoe Basin is the third resort in the state to get up and running.

It opened on Monday 9th November.

“The A-Basin ski season has begun and it is snowing,” said Chief Operating Officer Alan Henceroth.

A-Basin’s opening was deliberately a low-key affair.

“We opened yesterday afternoon with very little promotion,” Alan Henceroth said in his blog on Tuesday.

“We are taking management of the resort in the COVID era very seriously. We did not want to see a typical, crowded, rowdy opening day.

“Our strategy worked. With Wolf Creek and Keystone already open, that took away some of the opening bluster. By opening for a couple hours in the afternoon, we took even more of the edge away.

“Lastly, our plans for A-Basin passes, Ikon Passes and lift tickets worked well these first couple of days. We are so excited to be open. With everyone wearing masks, I did not see a lot of friendly faces, but I heard a lot friendly voices.

“It is good to be skiing.”

Loveland left it to Mayor Parker, the snow dog to make the announcement of its opening earlier this week on social media.

“Mayor Parker the Snow Dog has some important news for you! Get those skis and boards ready. Loveland Ski Area will open for the season tomorrow at 9:00am,” the resort said on Tuesday.

“For opening day info and COVID-19 restrictions, go to skiloveland.com Be Safe. Be Smart. Keep Skiing & Riding.”

In California, Mammoth Mountain, opened on Friday.

Just two months ago the mountain had to halt its summer operations due to massive wildfires nearby.

“With continued cold temps and even more fresh snow in the forecast, we are stoked to announce we will be opening for the season one day early on Friday, November 13th,” Mammoth said earlier this week.

“Weather permitting, we plan to operate Broadway Express (1), Stump Alley Express (2), Face Lift Express (3), Unbound Express (6) and Discovery Chair (11) on Friday morning.”

Mammoth generally has the longest ‘winter’ season in the USA, staying open until July or even August.

Heavenly in California is also opening soon.

It’s scheduled to begin operations on 20th November.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, also in California, is planning to open on Wednesday 25th November just before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

They’ve been getting in the mood with this from Whiteroom Films…..

Fall into Winter

The transition from Fall to Winter is well underway! As the ski season approaches, check our website for updates on how operations will be different this year: https://bit.ly/32qsfPDVideo: Whiteroom Films

Posted by Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows on Sunday, 8 November 2020

 

It’s not just Colorado and California that are transitioning from autumn to winter.

“There’s nothing quite like waking up to a fresh white blanket. We got 7 inches of new snow overnight, with 3-7 more expected to fall today!,”  Powder Mountain in Utah said on Sunday.

We’ll be keeping an eye on the weather and the new openings, so do check back.