Best Early Season Ski Resort
List of the Best Early Season Ski Resorts.
As we get into the Fall months, we’re seeing the first hints of winter and snow pop up on the radar. Too eager to wait for your local ski resort to open? Here are our top picks for you to pack your snow bags and hit some early season snow.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland.
Saas-Fee is on the top of the list of many Europeans for early-season skiing. With its glacier reaching up to 3,600 meters, snow is guaranteed in October and November, and the village below offers accommodations and local cuisine, as well as an amazing view of the mountains and glacier.
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, USA.
Nicknamed “A-Basin”, this resort often claims the title of the first ski resort to open in North America. With a base elevation of 3,300 meters, it regularly opens in October and sometimes even late September, attracting eager skiers from across the U.S.
Hintertux Glacier, Austria.
We could’ve had ‘tux at first place instead of Saas-Fee, and with 365 days a year of snow, Hintertux is Austria’s ultimate early-season ski resort. Between September and November, it offers quite excellent conditions and wide glacier runs. Its accessibility from Munich and Innsbruck makes it a popular destination for both weekend strike missions and city getaways.
Chamonix, France.
Arguably the Alpine capital of Europe, Chamonix has corners and faces that get snow very early on. It’s quite common to see ice axes and rope being tossed into cars already in September, and more and more sides of the valley open for business going into October. Things can get spicy this early in the season though, so expect alpine conditions and bring hiking shoes for approaches.
Mammoth Mountain, California, USA.
Mammoth typically opens in early November and offers a long season that can last into late spring. Thanks to its high elevation and modern snowmaking, it’s one of the most reliable options for early skiing on the West Coast.
Our Tips for Packing Your Snow Bags for an Early Season Snow Trip.
Check Weather Reports.
Weather in the mountains is unpredictable at best, but early season may see bigger fluctuations in temperature than in midwinter. Pack for both warm après-ski hang in the village as well as those frosty mornings.
Prepare Your Skis or Snowboard.
Wax, sharpen, and tighten. It’s been a long summer since you put your equipment away, so make sure to put away some time to go over everything before you’re at the top of a glacier run in the Alps.
Pack Foam Roller and Yoga Mat.
Many of us (read: older) need a nice stretch in the morning to get the body going, and this goes especially for those early season missions. You’ll thank us after riding a full day of groomers.
Enjoy the Benefits of Visiting Ski Resorts in the Early Season.
Europe and the U.S. represent some of the best destinations for the early season, and there are several early season ski resorts that are waiting for you. Frosty mountains and fantastic slopes - what more can you ask for in the early season?