Ski resorts open early thanks to November snowfall
Thanksgiving is more than a week away, and yet parts of the western U.S. are getting a hefty dose of winter. It's proving to be good news for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Recent snow — particularly major winter storms this week — have helped the snow base quickly pile up at some popular mountain resorts, bumping up the season-opening dates to the delight of those itching to get in a few early-season runs.
Autumn snowfall has hit several states of late from California to Utah, Idaho, Colorado and Montana. TPG managing editor of news Clint Henderson shared some images of the November winter scene in Montana this week.
While the first major U.S. ski resort opened a few weeks ago, the recent storms have allowed far more resorts to follow suit.
Ski resort operator Ikon Pass has opened — or is planning to open — 13 resorts ahead of schedule, "offering skiers and riders bonus days on the slopes," company officials said Friday. A number of lifts began running to kick off the season this weekend.
As is often the case with early or late-season skiing, the trails may not be perfect — some resorts, like Homestake Lodge in Montana, cautioned would-be visitors that they may find some "early season conditions."
Still, just the sheer opportunity to get out on the mountain in the month of November will thrill many skiers and snowboarders.
With that in mind, here are just a few of the early openings that caught our eye. If you've got a favorite resort in mind, it's definitely worth checking its website and social media pages to see if recent snowfall has helped to accelerate opening timelines.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is among the regions that have gotten a heavy dose of snow in recent days.
Heavenly, which overlooks South Lake Tahoe, had been expected to open later this month. That changed thanks to help from Mother Nature. Heavenly decided to kick off the season this weekend.
Meanwhile, north of the lake and across the state line in Nevada, Mt. Rose, which has Lake Tahoe's highest base elevation of more than 8,000 feet, opened Friday after reporting a base depth of 10 to 15 inches of snow.
Utah ski resorts
Utah has seen some fresh, early-season powder as well.
Brighton Resort outside Salt Lake City moved its opening date up to Friday after receiving 31 inches of snow in 72 hours, with 60 inches since Oct. 22.
Nearby Snowbird got similarly pelted with snow in recent days, and will now open two weeks ahead of schedule, on Nov. 18.
"You asked and Mother Nature delivered," the resort said.
Related: How to ski and stay in Park City with points and miles
Colorado
Aspen Mountain and Snowmass got three feet of snow in recent days, helping make conditions ripe for an early opening. Lifts will begin running ahead of schedule on Nov. 19, meaning visitors will now be able to get in some runs the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Recent storm cycles have dumped more than three feet of snow on our slopes and brought along ideal temperatures for snowmaking—so we’ll officially start loading lifts on Aspen Mountain and Snowmass next Saturday, November 19 ❄️🎉 pic.twitter.com/CUkiLls6zG
Related: 9 of the best places to stay in Aspen
Eldora, outside Boulder, kicked off its 60th anniversary season Friday. Despite having only one run open at the outset, it's certainly good news for those ready to kick off the ski season: The opening comes a full week ahead of schedule, thanks to the recent snowfall.
Montana and Idaho
Thanks to this week's snowfall, Lookout Pass, right on the Montana/Idaho border was able to start running its lifts this weekend. The resort welcomed its first guests of the season Saturday.
Great Divide Ski Area, northeast of Helena, had begun teasing an announcement about an opening date once the snow began to fall in Montana. Late in the week, the resort alerted its guests it would open this weekend.
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Bottom line
Early-season snow has proven to be great news for ski resorts and their customers alike, allowing for some runs before the leaves have completely fallen off the trees in other parts of the country.
With temperatures likely to drop even further over the coming weeks, expect to see many more resorts operating their lifts before too long.
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- 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.
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| 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. |
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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.