Something that every skier dreams of is being able to ski as close to every month of the year as possible. While some can accomplish this by putting in a hefty amount of backcountry miles, most of us just want to be able to ski as early as possible at the resorts to start adding up the days on our passes! If you’re not sure of which mountains are open the earliest, you’ve come to the right spot. We’ve curated a list of the 5 best early season ski resorts you should check out this season!
But before you book your lodging and put your skis into their bag, be sure to check the resorts website for updates on their early season snow totals and check out our ski shop to grab any last-minute gear items you’ll want to have with you once you’re back on the slopes.
Ski wax is a must for early season skiing, especially after leaving your skis in a bag while traveling. Make sure that they’re tuned up and ready to go at a moment’s notice, as you pull them out of summer storage, so you can spend more time gliding down the hill instead of getting stuck in the flats!
The 5 Best Early Season Ski Resorts
1. Keystone Ski Resort, CO
Acreage: 3,148 acres
Highest elevation point: 12,408 ft.
Number of runs: 135
Average Open Date: Late October, Early November
Best for: Epic Pass holders, beginners, families, groups, apres-ski scene, early season skiing
Located in beautiful Summit County, CO, Keystone ski resort is a gem for those who own Epic Passes. Keystone is one of the earliest opening resorts in the Vail Resorts family and actually opened this year on 10/22/21! That means that you could be sending it down the mountain right now, as early in the season as October!
What’s better is that Keystone ski resort is located near the beautiful towns of Dillon, Breckenridge, and Silverthorne, CO which have all blown up in the number of restaurants, bars, and hotels over the last 10 years. As a result, there are endless options to choose from to ensure that you and whoever you end up skiing with will be happy when you visit Keystone!
2. Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort, CO
Acreage: 1,428 acres
Highest elevation point: 13,050 ft.
Number of runs: 145
Average Open Date: Mid to late October
Best for: Ikon Pass holders, advanced to expert level, spring and summer skiing, early season skiing
Anyone who is into skiing all year long must absolutely check out Arapahoe Basin. With the longest ski season in the state of Colorado, offering solid spring skiing and snowboarding as well, skiers can expect A-Basin to be open from October to June! In some cases, you can even go skiing here on the 4th of July, which is mind-bending to say the least.
Speaking of mind-bending, the amount of expert level trails here are sure to get the adrenaline going. With 2,520 ft. of vertical drop and a summit of over 13,000 ft, A-Basin skiers can confidently claim that they have skied one of the highest peaks in North America!
And if that wasn’t enough, you’re only a little over an hour away from Denver, CO which is home to fantastic restaurants like the Denver Biscuit Company. Don’t forget to grab a giant biscuit cinnamon roll before heading up to the slopes or heading home!
3. Jackson Hole Ski Resort, WY
Acreage: 2,500 acres
Highest elevation point: 10,450 ft.
Number of runs: 133
Average Open Date: Late November
Best for: Ikon Pass holders, all-level skiers, backcountry skiing, early season skiing
Jackson Hole is a must visit ski resort for just about anyone who enjoys looking at stunning mountains as they fly down the slopes. Located in the Teton Mountain Range of Wyoming, Jackson Hole is an amazing spot not only for beginners, but intermediate and expert skiers looking for early season turns as well! There is a pretty even split between marked trails that are sure to fit your ability level.
And if the crowds get to be a little too much, no worries, not only are there plenty of other Wyoming ski resorts but Jackson Hole boasts an incredible 3,000 acres of backcountry skiing! If you’re looking to find untouched powder to make some fresh turns, you need not look further than the backcountry at Jackson Hole. Remember to still have the appropriate training and gear to stay safe while in the backcountry before venturing out though!
4. Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, CA
Acreage: 4,800 acres
Highest elevation point: 10,067 ft.
Number of runs: 97
Average Open Date: Middle of November
Best for: Epic Pass Holders, all-level skiers, families, apres-ski scene, early season skiing
One of the most appropriately named resorts on our list is Heavenly Mountain ski resort. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven as you cruise down one of many awesome trails and look out over gorgeous Lake Tahoe in northern California. Whether that trail is a nice gentle green, or a thrilling chute send, skiers of all levels can find something they’ll love about early season skiing at Heavenly.
And once you’re done on the mountain for the day, there are abundant shops and restaurants in the towns of Lake Tahoe to check out. Another unique feature of Heavenly is that it’s located almost directly on the California/Nevada border, which means that the thrills can continue at one of the casinos on the Nevada side, if you’re feeling lucky that is!
5. Sun Valley Ski Resort, ID
Acreage: 2,434 acres
Highest elevation point: 9,150 ft.
Number of runs: 121
Average Open Date: Late November
Best for: Epic Pass holders, beginners to intermediate skiers, early season skiing
Idaho is well known for its nickname as “the gem state” and Sun Valley ski resort must be one of the main reasons why it got that name! Located in the heart of the panhandle of Idaho, Sun Valley certainly is a gem of a ski resort for those looking to get away from the major crowds and still be able to access premium ski conditions.
Beginners and intermediate skiers will love the number of trails to choose from at this resort as over 75% of the trails are rated under black diamond! You’ll love cruising around while you enjoy the solitude that only central Idaho can bring you.
You’ll be sure to break your personal lifetime day record on your pass this year by hitting up these resorts. It truly is incredible to be able to go skiing as early as October! Where will you go first? Be sure to let us know where you go and how your first days back on skis felt! Whether you started in October, November, or December, you’re still ahead of the pack, and we’re confident it’ll be awesome.
