Everyone who is a skier or snowboarder is chomping at the bit for the snow to fall and to get out there and ride. Compared to last season, this winter has started out MUCH slower. Is it worth hopping a plane to ride only a couple of runs in the early season? Currently, no. It might be a good idea to save your money and wait a bit until there’s a decent amount of terrain open. If you just can’t wait or have some extra flyer miles, here’s a few things to take into account when ski trip planning as well as the best early season skiing in December.
Best Early Season North American Ski Resorts
What To Look For When Selecting An Early Season Destination
- Dense snow – This is one of the few times of year that “Cascade Concrete” or “Sierra Cement” is superior. The Heavy maritime snow may not be “blower,” but it sticks to everything! This leads to a better chance for coverage which will allow terrain to open more quickly.
- Low Angle – We all love steeps, but it takes a lot of snow to open that kind of terrain. In early season, like skiing in December, a ski resort with less steep terrain will be a better option.
What Resorts Fit The Mold?
Wolf Creek
Consistently one of the earliest mountains to open, Wolf Creek is a perfect option for any powder hound. In some years, Wolf Creek can be open by Halloween with nearly all their terrain accessible. This year it’s a bit different with only the beginner lift running as of November 20th. The ski area is off the beaten path and doesn’t have lodging so take that into account. They do have over 1,600 acres and tons of powder days. Also, after a long day of blower pow, you can hit the world famous Pagosa hot springs, which overlook the San Juan River. Not a bad way to end an amazing trip.
Pros:
- Receives the most snow in Colorado.
- Hit the hot springs après.
- Uncrowded.
Cons:
- Difficult to get to.
- No lodging on the hill.
Mount Baker
After reading our in-depth post of Mt. Baker, you know this is the mecca for snowboarders. From the open backcountry policy to the famous Mt. Baker banked slalom, this place oozes history. Once they get the mandatory 36 inch base, Mt. Baker can open almost all their terrain by opening day.
Pros:
- Set the world record for snowfall.
- Steep terrain is available opening day.
Cons:
- Weather can sometimes be fickle.
- Resort can sometimes be crowded.
As of Sunday November 20th, their snowpack at Heather Meadows is around 18″, and with no snow through the week, a Thanksgiving opening doesn’t seem to be in the cards. The good news is that the following week (start of December) is expected to be wet and cold which could mean with a cold storm or two, Opening Day may be VERY soon.
Mt. Bachelor
Tony Bennett may croon that he left his heart in San Francisco, but for us, our heart is at Mt. Bachelor. Due to its topography of being an extinct volcano, it holds some of the surfiest terrain we’ve ever ridden. Natural half-pipes, roll-overs, and lips, this place just wants you to lay out a nice carve. And then once the day is done, you can finish off with a nice cold beer at one of the many, many award-winning breweries in town.
Pros:
- The overall intermediate pitch and smooth volcanic terrain means once they get a four foot snowpack depth almost the entire mountain can open.
- Across more than two decades, by December 1st, the base depth has only been less than 40 inches six times and less than 40 inches by January 1st only 3 times.
Cons:
- Secret’s out on Bend and Mt. Bachelor. The town has grown to more than 100,000 meaning competition has ratcheted up.
- Mt. Bachelor is one of the first mountains to get hit in a storm and that means LOTS of wind. Translation: Summit chair which accesses its steepest terrain is often on a weather hold.
Mammoth Mountain
South of the ski and snowboard mecca of Lake Tahoe lies Mammoth Mountain. Three years ago, the season will go down in the record books as the second longest ever for Mammoth. Since this is a maritime snowpack, the mountain is a great early season destination for skiing in December. In past seasons, they’ve run five chairlifts allowing access to over 50+ trails by Thanksgiving. Mammoth is a large hulking mountain with huge open trails, curves, and rollers. Even early season, there is still a lot to explore and enjoy. On top of it, the region around Mammoth Lakes boasts three amazing breweries: Mammoth Brewing, Distant Brewing, and June Lake Brewing.
Last season kicked off with a lot of excitement, but this one’s taking its time to get going. Even so, thanks to Mammoth’s high base elevation, the recent storm did wonders, allowing them to open up a good chunk of terrain. Currently, they’ve got 6 lifts up and running, giving access to seventeen trails.
Pros:
- Fantastic above tree-line terrain.
- 3 amazing breweries located in area.
- Low likelihood of rain.
Cons:
- Can be crowded on weekends due to being the closest major resort to LA.
Grand Targhee
Due to its lower angle terrain when compared to its neighbor Jackson Hole and being located west of the divide, Grand Targhee is one of the most consistent resorts for snowfall in the country. A good option for early season skiing in December. Be sure to set aside an evening to head to the Teton Thai location in Driggs. Our favorite item on the menu is the Bison Pho. Combining high quality Asian ingredients with some thinly sliced game meats makes for an out of this world meal.
Compared to other mountains on the list, they’ve already received a WHOPPING 62 inches and are sitting on a snowpack of 23″. With that being said, due to the dry snow that falls here, it’s going to take a few more storms to fill in the terrain. As of November 20th, they only have Shoshone and the new Huckleberry Conveyor running until further notice.
Pros:
- Mostly moderate angle terrain means they can get the slopes open quickly.
- Since they’ve opened, they’re the ONLY ski resort in North America to always be 100% open for Christmas skiing in December.
- Over the past two decades, the LOWEST snowfall by January 1st was 76 inches.
Cons:
- Not close to any major town.
Whistler
Whistler…need I say more? Voted #1 almost every year with over 8,000 acres, insane terrain and a unique walking only village, Whistler is one-of-a-kind. Other resorts try to imitate but have been unable to duplicate. Typically with a favorable early season storm track, once the snow levels drop in early winter, they get pounded with snow. Currently, they are still targeted to open on November 23rd.
Even with a small amount of terrain open, they’ll have more options than most mountains in North America. Plus, the village has great dining and entertainment. This is not only great early season but any season! If you do end up in Whistler, be sure to check out Moguls Coffee and tell them we said “Hello!”
Pros:
- It’s Whistler!
- Above tree line skiing.
- One of the best car-free villages in North America.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to the rest of the mountains on the list.
- Until they’re 100% open, there will be crowds.
Lake Louise
There’s a reason why the first North American stop of the World Cup has been held in Lake Louise in the past around Thanksgiving. Normally open by the first week of November, that’s thanks in part to extensive snowmaking and its northerly location where storms usually gift them with a decent snowpack. Regardless of how much terrain is open, just the absolute beauty of the Canadian Rockies is well worth the visit ANY time of year.
Although not as good a start as other years, the Ski Big 3 are still doing well and all three resorts are open. Lake Louise has five lifts accessing eight trails while Banff Sunshine has twenty runs open.
Pros:
- The unmatched scenery of the Canadian Rockies will make you forget any runs that aren’t open.
- Always one of the first resorts to open in Canada.
Cons:
- Closest major town is Banff over forty five minutes away.
- Can be VERY cold around Christmas due to its location.
