Everyone who’s a skier or snowboarder is chomping at the bit for the snow to fall and to get out there and ride. This November has been setting records with the amount of snow that’s fallen in the Western United States. Even the lake-effect snow machine has taken off out East. So, is it worth hopping a plane this early season? This might be one of the few Decembers that I can honestly say it might be worth using those extra flyer miles. If you do, here’s a few things to take into account when ski trip planning as well as the best early season skiing in December 2024.
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. Since they opened on October 22nd, the storms have pointed at Wolf Creek ski area, and as of late November, they’re 100% Open. 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. Or, save some BIG bucks and stay at Healing Waters which has their own hot springs pool as part of your lodging. 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. November 2024 has been exceptional, ranking among the top 20 years for snowfall in November for them. With a 60″+ base already in place and all 8 lifts running, nearly the entire mountain is open and ready for exploration.
Pros:
- Set the world record for snowfall
- Steep terrain is available opening day
Cons:
- Weather can sometimes be fickle
- Resort can sometimes be crowded
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 award-winning breweries in town. There are rumors that November 2024 may be the best November since 1998! The season kicked off with an impressive 51″+ base, 34 groomed trails, and over 950 acres of terrain ready to shred.
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 as 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. 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.
This season has kicked off with a lot of excitement. An Atmospheric River took aim at Mammoth and pummeled it with snow right before and during Thanksgiving week. Thanks to Mammoth’s high base elevation, the recent storm did wonders, allowing them to open up nearly the ENTIRE mountain. Currently, they’ve got 17 lifts up and running, giving access to 173 (out of 178) 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.
While the other resorts on this list have had unusually fast starts, Grand Targhee is right on track with its typical early season snowfall—an impressive 77 inches. With a snowpack of 30″ as of December 1st, the resort has ALL its lifts running, giving access to 86 of its 95 trails.
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.
Even with a small amount of terrain open for how big the mountain is, they still have more options than most mountains in North America. As of December 1st, they have 18 lifts running accessing 131 trails. 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.
Due to how cold it stays in the great white North, the Ski Big 3 are doing well and all three resorts are open. Lake Louise has ten lifts accessing forty six trails which includes both the backside AND frontside. And Banff Sunshine has a whopping seventy two 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
