Ready, set, ski -- these resorts in California and Colorado are already open or will be soon
Chomping at the bit to get back on the slopes? The lifts have already started spinning at some of the best ski resorts in the U.S. in Colorado and California. And the promise of early-season snow dumps even inspired resorts like California's Mammoth Mountain to throw open their doors weeks earlier than their norm.
If you're looking for tips on booking a ski trip this season, getting an early start is a good one.
When the snowfall cooperates, early-season skiing can be some of the best there is, with cheaper hotel rates and crowd-free slopes where the corduroy and powder stashes can pretty much feel like they're for you and yours alone, especially compared to peak season.
Read on for some of the ski mountains that are already open -- or opening imminently — then scour airfares, press "complete purchase" and make some mountain magic happen.
Mammoth Mountain
After the second-snowiest October on record, Mammoth Mountain is throwing open its doors to skiers and snowboarders for the season before the first boo of Halloween this year, on Oct. 29, 2021, a full two weeks earlier than usual this season.
The favorite California mountain received more than two feet of snow earlier this week (on Oct. 25), so you can count on pretty prime conditions to kick off what’s hopefully heralding an epic winter.
And remember, using points and miles can help defray a ski vacation.
Among the hotels to set your sights on for a stay near Mammoth are the Westin Monache Resort Mammoth, a Category 7 Marriott Bonvoy property in Mammoth Lakes, where overnight stays will cost you between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
About 30 miles from Reno, Nevada, in the Carson Range, the small (just seven chair lifts) but mighty (1,800 vertical feet) Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is opening November 12, 2021, following major capital improvements made this summer to the resort’s snowmaking infrastructure.
The resort’s base village lies at over 8,200 feet, with everything from total beginner runs to expert runs and terrain parks on tap for skiers and riders.
When it comes to where to stay, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino is waterfront in Lake North Tahoe, about 11 miles south of the mountain. And Reno abounds with budget options, too — among them many Marriott Bonvoy properties — including the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa, a Category 5 Marriott Bonvoy property where you can stay for between 30,000 and 40,000 points per night.
Palisades Tahoe
The largest ski resort in the Lake Tahoe region, Palisades Tahoe also runs the longest ski and snowboard season in the area and is opening at one of the earliest times in the mountain's long history, on Oct. 29, 2021, thanks to three feet of recent snowfall in the upper mountains (this is only one of three October openings recorded during the resort's 72 years of operation). The insane terrain at the beloved Northern California resort that's been luring snow-lovers for over 70 years with more than 6,000 skiable acres spread across two spectacular mountains.
Note that the resort, formerly known as Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, changed its name to Palisades Tahoe earlier this year as its former name was considered derogatory to Native Americans.
After Halloween weekend, Palisades Tahoe will be open weekends only in November (weather and conditions permitting) until the season's official full-time opening day, scheduled for Nov. 24, 2021.
Boreal Mountain
Located in Soda Springs, California, 28 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe, Boreal Mountain (also known as Boreal/Woodward) just announced its earliest opening in a decade. The lifts start spinning Oct. 29, 2021.
The 380-acre resort is one of the best values in the area (there are staggered prices depending on what time of day you hit the mountain), with 41 trails, seven chair lifts, two magic carpets for beginners and a tubing park, too.
You can ski or ride here from opening day through the first weekend, and then Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. thereafter until the resort fully opens to seven days a week, from Nov. 19, 2021.
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Open since Oct. 16, 2021, Wolf Creek Ski Area in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is off to a super snowy start (on October 26, 2021, the resort received six new inches of snow atop earlier snowfall).
The majority of the mountain’s terrain, accessed by 10 chair lifts, is rated intermediate. And the longest run, Navajo Trail, winds for a full two miles.
You can stay at hotels on the east or west side of the resort in the towns of Pagosa Springs, South Fork and Creede, with a range of Homes and Villas by Marriott properties in the mix, too.
Keystone
A favorite Colorado ski mountain less than two hours west of Denver International Airport, the popular Vail Resorts mountain, Keystone, which is actually three mountains plus some killer bowls, started turning its lifts on Oct. 22, 2021 (roughly two weeks earlier than it opened last year).
In Colorado's famed Summit County, the mountain has terrain for all types but offers the most variety and options for intermediate and advanced skiers, with over 3,000 vertical feet and 128 runs to explore (when fully open).
Cash in World of Hyatt Points to stay at the recently remodeled Hyatt Place Keystone, where the 103 rooms include one-bedroom suites and the hotel's free shuttle can bring you to Lakeside Village and River Run to access the gondola and lifts.
Arapahoe Basin
If you want to be first in and last out, Colorado's longest ski season awaits at Arapahoe Basin, around the corner from Keystone and less than 100 miles from Denver International Airport. The mountain opened Oct. 17, 2021 and will remain so into June 2022.
Fans of A-Basin love it for its rustic and hardcore appeal (you're hardly in Aspen here). The resort was founded in 1946 by World War II veterans and Olympic skiers and started from very humble beginnings, with just a single tow rope up the hill.
Today, more than 1,800 acres of skiable terrain and 147 trails (half of which are considered "most difficult") await at what's considered a skier's mountain if ever there was one. More than six inches of snow have fallen at A-Basin since Oct. 25, so the season is off to a promising start.
Loveland Ski Area
Perched atop the Continental Divide, Loveland Ski Area is one of the closest ski resorts to Denver, with Denver International Airport just 61 miles away. And according to weather reports about the snowiest destinations to visit this winter, it's likely to be one of the next Colorado resorts to open for the season.
TPG called the Loveland ticket office on Oct. 28, 2021, and was told the official opening date remains Nov.19, but that the mountain has had "nonstop snow" and is likely to open to skiers and snowboarders as early as this weekend.
The announcement will be made via the resort's social media accounts and website, so stay tuned for imminent information there. When you're ready to ski, it's easy enough to base in downtown Denver, just an hour south of the mountain.
Vail
With the calendar marked for Nov. 12, 2021, Vail's planned opening this season will be one of the resort's earliest on record. And things are looking promising when it comes to the white stuff.
The behemoth Colorado resort has already seen 21 inches of snowfall this season and reports an 18-inch base. In the seven days leading up to Oct. 28, 2021, 15 inches of snow fell on the mountain.
It all bodes well for the planned opening to take place in a place that rarely disappoints skiers and snowboarders. After all, Vail has over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, a whopping 31 chair lifts plus 195 runs and insane terrain parks to explore.
Consider making the new Hythe, A Luxury Collection Resort, Vail, your Vail base. The reborn Marriott property underwent over $40 million in renovations and is opening Nov. 10, 2021, for the 2021/2022 season.
TPG received confirmation from a publicist representing Marriott that the property will remain Category 7 for redemptions throughout the full winter season, with stays going for between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night -- a terrific value for a luxury resort just steps from the gondola.
Utah news
If you're wondering what's going on in Utah, there are several ski resorts that will be opening after mid-November but before Thanksgiving, including Brian Head Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Park City, Woodward Park City, Alta and Snowbasin Resort.
Skiers, make your move.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.