Early snow could prompt an earlier ski season

Early snow could prompt an earlier ski season

Early snow could prompt an earlier ski season.

'Tis the season for strong cold fronts bringing snow to our beloved ski resorts. Whether you bought an Epic or Ikon pass, any snow is a welcome sight for skiers and snowboarders. 

The season traditionally starts in November, but snow on the mountaintops has ski resorts prepping early.

Jodi Saeland, meteorologist and former Ski Utah blogger, says that some of the resorts in Utah are trying to start to open just before Thanksgiving. 

When the resorts open, Saeland says that Park City is the only resort that currently has COVID protocols in place. These protocols will impact ski school and those wishing to dine in the food halls and restaurants. Any indoor dining will require a vaccination card in order to sit down to eat. Children 12 and older registered in ski school will also be required to show proof of vaccination if they wish to eat lunch with the group. 

No reservations are needed at the Utah resorts currently, but Saeland says they will be coming. 

With measurable snow accumulations at the resorts, opening dates could happen sooner than originally scheduled. 

Ski resorts have yet to start making snow. Because of the recent fluctuation of temperatures, they want to make sure that they have fully transitioned to colder temperatures before getting out the snow-making machines. 

Once those temperatures stay consistent and snow continues to fall, resorts will take the necessary steps to turn the chair lifts on to allow riders on the mountains. 

Utah and Colorado resorts will differ with opening dates and COVID protocols. Make sure to check before heading to the slopes. 

Here are when chairs will start turning for some of the top resorts in Colorado this season:

• Arapahoe Basin: October (TBD on conditions)
• Aspen: November 25
• Breckenridge: November 12
• Copper: December 22
• Keystone: October (TBD on conditions)
• Loveland: Late October
• Steamboat: November 20
• Vail: November 12
• Winter Park: November 17

Just hang tight, skiers and riders. There will be fresh pow soon enough.