Ski season?

Silverton or some other southern mountain might have enough snow to be OK but, but if you can, wait until late December or later for good skiing.

-F

 

Aspen always opens on Thanksgiving Day and the last Day is Easter...this year we went longer because we had so much snow. we were skiing in mid-June for the annual Food and Wine Classic but this was only the second time that has ever happened.

Life is good.

 

I can't wait for Christmas and NY!
Incredible crowds in Aspen,yet the same number of skiers as normally on Ajax!!??
Why do they even bother to come to Aspen??

 

A few places are open a week or two before Thanksgiving but the number of runs is limited usually till about the 2nd week of December. Loveland, Winter Park etc are two that i have experience with in recent years during early season. Be prepared for bare spots and limited access to runs if you want to do some early season skiing. I know this does not help you situation, but the decent skiing usually gets going after the Christmas holidays.

 

Crowds? Never a line where I ski.

 

If you are moving to Asia, you may want to look at skiing in Australia and New Zealand. I think their seasons are opposite of ours?

 

That's my point,huge crowds on streets and in restaurants but very few people (relatively) on the slopes....

 

Copper mountain has a base elevation of 9700 feet and opens nov 4...there are several professional ski camps and instructor camps earily season their because of the reliable good earily season snow...loveland ski area at eisenhower pass often opens in october and so does a- basin....

 

Part of the charm of Aspen: you don't have to ski to enjoy it! To quote Phil, life is good... life is good indeed.

 

Usually when theres enough snow. I know that doesn't say much, but last year some resorts (if you can call them that) in Ontario didn't open until mid-December last year because we just didn't get much of a winter. Of course they were crying the blues. It did all work out because late season we got considerable snowf accumulation. But expect by mid-November to get going up here, the Rockies in Alberta/BC are obviously best, and the Laurentians in Quebec might get snow sooner. All very unpredictable. I think since last winter was balmy and not winter like that this year should be a winter. Next year the wife and I plan on a trip to Tremblant (so far we've only been there in the summer, of course the Ferrari Festival at Tremblant is very important and not to miss!).

This year we are getting passes for Horseshoe Resort. http://www.horseshoeresort.com/
I've never been there, driven by a million times, but i've heard its good so why not. Heck, I grew up in Alberta skiing at Sunshine Village so I don't build my expectations too high here in Ontario. Although I'm going to miss the summer (where was it) and only got out a couple of times on the wakeboard I'm starting to get into the snowboard mindset.

Chris

 

Arapahoe Basin Opens TODAY. I am sure just one run, and certainly not top to bottom. Normally late November is OK. We have a timeshare at Marriott Streamside - Vail, week after Thanksgiving/first week of December. Have not used it in awhile, but when we did, I felt the skiing was reasonable...especially by MidWest or East Coast standards.

That said, we skied over Thanksgiving last year and there was one run open at Breck, all man-made. Better check the weather as to how things are shaping up in late October/early November before jumping on a plane.

 

Loveland is opening a run today, too.

 

YEP....keep an eye on this post....we'll let you know when the real stuff starts. or PM me. We are up to our condo in Frisco (near Breck, Keystone, A-Basin most every weekend)....especially as it gets closer to real ski season

 

Phil when does the season end at Aspen

I miss Aspen, it was fun, got to go back again

 

That's how it is every year when the first resorts open.

 

Hit Lake Louise / Sunshine in Banff, Alberta... usually opens mid November, sometimes earlier.

Edit: Website says opening day is tentatively Nov. 8.
http://www.skilouise.com/

Excellent spot if you've never been.

 

I would agree that Banff/Lake Louise has arguably the most beautiful mountain terrain anywhere. However, I would disagree that the skiing there is phenomenal. If you end up going, I would highly recommend either of the two Fairmont hotels. They are both fantastic.

 

+1 the Chateau Lake Louise is incredible.

http://www.fairmont.com/lakelouise

Enjoy!

 

If you want great skiing and an easy process getting in and out go to Salt Lake City. You find 8 ski resorts within 45 minutes of the Airport. If you want to avoid crowds don't go to Park City, but ski at Alta ( no snowboarders) Snowbird, Brighton or Solitude. If you are a boarder go to Snowbird or brighton. They usually open up 1-2 weeks before thanksgiving.