The weather is beginning to change, and summer is wrapping up. By now, you are thinking about snowy days and have started to ask yourself, when does the ski season start?
The ski season starts at different times all over the world. In some places, it never ends, as glaciers keep the shred going all year long.
But let’s look at when the ski season starts depending on your region.
When Does Ski Season Start in North America?
The ski season in North America typically starts at the end of October or in the beginning of November. In 2020, the season in North America kicked off when Mt. Norquay in Banff, Alberta, Canada, started spinning its lifts on October 24th.
Colorado
Colorado is one of the first states to begin skiing in the USA. In 2020, Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) opened on November 9th. This ski resort sits on the Continental Divide, with a base elevation of 10,780 feet. All of these factors give it ideal conditions for making snow and retaining any early season storms.
Located only two hours from Denver International Airport, it’s a great option if you’re looking to get an early-season ski trip in.
Getting new gear for ski season? Here’s a list of the best ski gear for this season.
California
In California, Mammoth Mountain is usually the first ski resort to open and the last to close. In 2020, Mammoth opened Friday, November 13th. This resort loves to open in style and always builds a terrain park right away. So if you love riding terrain parks, or want to warm up for the competition season ahead, make Mammoth your first stop this season.
Oregon
In Oregon, the ski season never really ends. The Palmer Glacier at Mt. Hood lets you ski year-round. Camps like Windells, take advantage of this and build terrain parks so you can ski all summer long. But last year, the official winter ski season kicked off at Mt. Hood on November 27th.
Washington
In Washington, the ski season started last year on November 18th. However, if you are a backcountry skier, you can ski year-round on the glaciers. Planning a ski trip this year? Use this ski trip checklist to make sure it goes off without a hitch.
Utah
In Utah, the Park City Mountain Resort and Brighton started the ski season on November 20th. However, most of the snowpack doesn’t develop until December or January. Snowbird is typically the last resort to shut and has often stayed open well into July, offering skiing on American Independence Day (July 4th). Learn more about these best ski resorts in Utah here.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, the ski season kicks off at the end of November. Last year it started on November 26th at Whistler Blackcomb. However, the Blackcomb Glacier does stay open during the summer. You will find ski racers practicing on the glacier, the general public skiing, and the Momentum freeskiing camp.
When Does Ski Season Start in Europe?
In Europe, the ski season never ends. Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland all have glaciers which you can ski on all year long. Which makes the Alps just that much more special.
But in 2019, the winter ski season started on September 13th in Solden, Austria.
Austria
In Austria, you can ski on glaciers year-round, such as the Hintertux. But typically, Kitzbuhel is the first resort to open in late October. In 2019, it started turning its lifts on October 19th. If you are jonesing to start skiing early head to the Stubai Glacier which is open from October to June. Here you will find some of the best pros in the world warming up for the season to come.
Switzerland
You can access Swiss skiing all summer at both Saas-Fee and Zermatt. The winter ski season usually starts at Davos Klosters or St. Mortiz in late October or early November. In 2019 the ski season started on November 16th at Davos Klosters.
France
In France, the winter season begins somewhere between September and November. In 2019, it started on September 28th in Tignes. But you can ski year-round at both Tignes and Les 2 Alpes on the glaciers.
Italy
In Italy, skiing usually begins in late October or early November. This year Sulden am Ortler (Solda all’Ortles) is predicted to open on October 22nd. In 2019, the Cervinia opened on October 26th.
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