Best Early Season Ski Resorts in The U.S.

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The early bird gets the worm. Ski season begins as early as late October in the U.S. Getting your trip in early ensures you’ll be one of the first ones on the slopes. You can enjoy fresh powder, avoid the crowds, and find a wider selection of accommodations. Learn about the best early-season ski resorts to start planning your trip today. 

Getting Ready for Ski Season

With the start of ski season just a few months away, now’s the time to ensure you have everything you need to hit the slopes. Reservations for gear can fill up fast, and ordering new equipment can take months to arrive. 

Inspect your skis, bindings, poles, and safety gear for visible damage to see if anything needs to be replaced. If you’re traveling in a group or want to enjoy music while skiing, use ski helmet headphones to wirelessly connect to your phone and up to 14 skiers and snowboarders. Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) keeps your group synced when changing formation and automatically connects when it’s in range to keep you focused on the trail. 

Communicating with ski helmet speakers helps you avoid collisions and hazardous areas, which can be harder to detect when you’re the first on the trail. Prepare your body for skiing by stretching regularly, doing cardio, yoga, leg, and core exercises. Bending the wrong way or overexerting yourself on the slopes can lead to serious injury. What is harder: skiing or snowboarding?

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What Are the Best Early-Season Ski Resorts?

1. Alta, Utah

With 2,614 skiable acres and record-setting snowfall, Alta remains one of the top ski resorts in the country. It has a later start date, usually late November, but you can rest assured that the trails will be in excellent condition as soon as the lifts start running. Due to the region's unique geography, the terrain favors experts with challenging trails. The elevation varies 2,538 feet across 118 runs, giving you the rush you’ve been waiting for.

2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Few resorts can match Jackson Hole’s early-season snowfall. The high altitude and latitude make heavy snowstorms a sure bet in mid to late-November. Like Alta, the park caters to experienced riders, with steep descents and a total elevation drop of 4,000 feet. It’s become a must-visit for any skier, offering a luxury experience that sweeps you off your feet. The modern facilities include 13 lifts that keep action moving with shorter wait times. 

3. Wolf Creek, Colorado

Often considered one of the industry’s best-kept secrets, Wolf Creek boasts the most natural snowfall in the state, netting an average of 430 inches a year. It has an expected opening date of late October and a healthy mix of trails for all experience levels. However, the park doesn’t offer on-site accommodations. You can book a room at a resort nearby, but you’ll need to travel 23 miles from Pagosa Springs or 18 miles from South Fork to reach the slopes.

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4. Keystone, Colorado

Keystone stays busy all season long thanks to its reliable snowfall and proximity to Denver, around 90 minutes away. It begins in early November and lasts well into Spring. Families love the many activities for children and the mix of trails. You’ll find wide, easy-to-navigate slopes perfect for practicing your skills. 

The park is sprawling, encompassing three unique peaks (Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback), 3,148 acres of skiable terrain, and 140 trails. Despite the crowds, the 21 lifts keep the lines moving. 

5. Winter Park, Colorado

Another family favorite with expansive accommodations and activities for all ages, Winter Park is one of the most accessible parks in the nation. It’s home to many trails suited for beginners and expert runs that make for a thrilling day on the slopes. In total, it offers 3,060 skiable acres, 171 trails, and 24 lifts that make climbing a breeze, spread across seven distinct regions. 

Start Ski Season Early

The first heavy snowfalls of the year are right around the corner. The sooner you get ready and reserve your stay, the more relaxing your first trip will be. Keep these tips in mind to cruise into an early start to ski season.