9 Best Ski Resorts For Early Season Snow In The United States

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to put my skis back on once summer wraps up. While I enjoy autumn, nothing excites me more than hearing about snow in the mountains. 

If you’re eager to hit the slopes early this season like I am, I’ve compiled a list of the best ski resorts for early season snow. Just remember, while these resorts typically offer reliable early snow, conditions can vary from year to year, depending on the weather.

Best Ski Resorts For Early Season Snow

Continue reading as I highlight the best ski resorts in the United States for early season snow so that you can enjoy the best possible conditions.

1. Keystone, Colorado

Keystone is well-known for its early opening. Due to abundant early snowfall, it often kicks off the season between mid-October and early November.

This year, they’re expected to open in mid-October, and skiers and snowboarders are eagerly awaiting the official announcement.

2. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Arapahoe Basin is known for opening in October, often being one of the first Colorado resorts to start the season and one of the last to close.

With excellent early season snow and consistent conditions throughout, it’s one of the best spots for reliable skiing. As one of my favorite hidden gems in Colorado, it’s definitely worth adding to your bucket list.

3. Alta, Utah

Next on the list is Alta in Utah, one of the snowiest ski resorts in the world, with an impressive annual average of 548 inches. This snowfall is well-distributed throughout the season, with much of it arriving early.

They’ve set a tentative opening date for November 22nd, 2024. While not as early as some Colorado resorts, it still offers skiers a chance to hit the slopes before Thanksgiving.

4. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs is one of my favorite ski resorts in Colorado because of its legendary powder. The resort is famous for its early season snow and reliable snow in general throughout the entire ski season.

They have announced their opening day will be November 23rd, 2024. While this isn’t before Halloween like some of the resorts on this list, like Alta, it still allows people to hit the slopes early and before the Thanksgiving holiday.

5. Mount Bachelor, Oregon

Mt. Bachelor is my favorite ski resort in Oregon, and I’m a massive fan of its terrain, scenic views, and nearby towns. While it’s best known for its long ski season and fantastic spring skiing, Mt. Bachelor also enjoys reliable early-season snow.

Though the resort usually doesn’t open in October, it typically kicks off in mid-to-late November, offering excellent early-season conditions.

6. Grand Targhee, Wyoming

Grand Targhee is one of Wyoming’s top ski resorts, known for its impressive 500 inches of annual snowfall. This snowfall is well-distributed throughout the season, making it a great destination for early-season skiing.

The resort typically opens in mid-November each year, offering excellent early conditions. So, be on the lookout for their official opening date, which should be released soon!

7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is one of the most popular and talked-about ski resorts in the United States. It is famous for its early-season snow, iconic runs like Courbet’s Couloir, and charming town.

The resort is set to open on November 29th, 2024, which isn’t necessarily the earliest, but you can generally expect good early season snow. If you’re seeking the ultimate early-season ski experience, this resort is one of my top recommendations.

8. Brighton, Utah

Next on the list is Brighton. Utah is one of the snowiest states in the U.S., so it’s no surprise that two of its ski resorts are known for reliable early-season snow.

Brighton typically opens in mid-to-late November, so keep an eye out for their official opening date announcement. This way, you can enjoy its early season powder.

9. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America, is renowned for its over 8,000 skiable acres, but many don’t realize it’s also known for its early-season snow.

The resort generally opens in late November, offering solid conditions that make it well worth a visit. If you’re seeking great snow and more runs than you can count, this is an excellent choice.

FAQs About The Best Ski Resorts For Early Season

Keep reading as I answer a couple frequently asked questions about skiing early in the season.

Is October too early to ski in Colorado?

October is not too early to ski in Colorado depending on the year. Sometimes ski resorts in Colorado open before Halloween.

This past year most opened mid-to-late November, so it really depends on the year. I recommend keeping up with forecasts and following resorts on X because they usually post updates on when they will be opening.

Where is the earliest ski season in the US?

The earliest ski season in the US is Colorado.

Final Thoughts On The Best Ski Resorts For Early Season Snow

The United States has hundreds of different ski resorts for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. In general ski resorts out West tend to be your best option when it comes to early season conditions with Colorado being the best.

If you are looking to hit the slopes as early as possible, I’d plan a trip to Colorado and recommend following forecasts closely and ski resorts social media pages to keep up to date on openings.