With temperatures falling and flakes starting to fly, ski resorts across the lower 48 are nearing the inevitable start to the 2015-16 ski season. Two eastern resorts are leading the charge with opening dates set for this weekend. However, resorts across the Rockies are also gearing up for an impending cold front, implying a hefty amount of snowmaking in the near future. So, with pow turns and park laps right around the corner, we thought it was necessary to key you in on which resorts are planning to open in the coming weeks. Compiled below is an array of images from the resorts that are closest to spinning their lifts this year.
So, if you haven’t already, start buying your new gear and pick up your season’s pass. It’s about to get rowdy.
1: Killington, Vermont
Hardcore east coasters are likely frothing at the mouth as they daydream of their first days on snow. Lucky for all of the hungry skiers across the Beast Coast, it appears as though Killington Mountain will pop the 2015-16 cherry, as the ski resort plans to open (for season pass holders) on Sunday, October 18. Yes, you read that correctly. Killington will be open for business this weekend.
2: Sunday River, Maine
As of now, Sunday River—situated in Newry, Maine—plans to open on Monday, October 19. Why so early? Well, the East Coast is expecting some cooler temperatures throughout the weekend, allowing for some extended snowmaking. Skiers can expect to access Sunday River’s Locke Mountain via the Barker basin to enjoy turns on the resort’s T2 trail.
3: Copper Mountain, Colorado
As temperatures drop across the Rocky Mountains, Copper’s snowmaking crew has its hands full in the race to be the first ski area open in the Centennial State. At this point, it’s unclear when Copper plans to host skiers; a mixed bag of conditions may hamper snowmaking efforts, but the resort has its guns blazing and as history shows, Colorado’s Summit County resorts are always among the first to open their slopes for the season.
4: Loveland Ski Area, Colorado
For those of you that aren’t familiar, Loveland Ski Area spreads along the Continental divide, just off of I-70 in Colorado. In recent years, the resort has always been at the forefront of the early season openers and it appears that it will be again this season, ’cause its crew has its equipment ready for when Mother Nature brings her temps to the magic number.
Of course, Colorado’s race to opening day would not be complete without mention of Loveland’s neighbor, Arapahoe Basin. As of this week, temps were too warm for snowmaking to ensue, but, as aforementioned, a cold front is expected to arrive this weekend, which bodes well for the resort. Keep those snow dances going strong. The time has come. Here’s hoping it’s a snowy one.
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