Itching to Hit the Slopes? 12 First-to-Open Ski Resorts in 2024
Are you a snow sport enthusiast counting down the days until you can hit the slopes this season? Every winter, I’m always itching to strap on my snowboard and head to the best ski resorts wherever I am, and I’m always disappointed when I don’t make it to the mountain.
I’ve been a casual snowboarder for almost my entire life, but nothing beats the winter living the van life, chasing the freshest powder at a different resort every weekend in West USA.
Wolf Creek has just opened on October 22, and many resorts are projected to follow in its tracks. These 11 resorts are set to open first, so you’ll have a head start on getting those fresh tracks.
Note: The dates listed are not official or final; resort opening dates are estimates and may change.
1. Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado
- Opening Date: October 22, 2024
Wolf Creek gets bragging rights for often having the most snowfall in Colorado, and this year they can also claim to be the first major ski resort to open in the nation. With 1,600 acres, it’s not the biggest, but it has a reputation for powder, powder, and more powder.
Runs like Bonanza and Navajo are there for tree-skiing fun, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it feel like a hidden gem. There’s no fancy base village here, but you come to Wolf Creek for the snow, not the glitz.
2. Ski Ward, Massachusetts
- Projected Opening Date: October 25, 2024
Ski Ward is more of a cozy New England spot, but it’s among the first to get the lifts running. For the 2023 season, it was the first resort to open for the entire continent!
Sure, it’s small, as in 45 acres small, but its laid-back vibe is perfect for families who live near its chair lifts or anyone looking to shake off the rust before bigger trips. At least with its small size, you won’t spend half the day getting from one side to the other.
3. Keystone, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: October 25, 2024
With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, Keystone is gearing up to open its slopes before the Halloween candy is even gone. Their signature run, Schoolmarm, is perfect for beginners, but Dercum Mountain is a bit more challenging for the seasoned skiers. If you’re after night skiing, Keystone’s got the longest hours in Colorado, so you can literally ski until your legs give up.
The Kidtopia Snow Fort will keep the little ones busy while you hit those blues and blacks. Keystone’s early opening makes it a must for those itching to carve up some snow.
4. Killington Resort, Vermont
- Projected Opening Date: November 01, 2024
Killington, also known as “The Beast of the East,” lives up to its name. It’s one of the largest resorts in New England, with 1,509 acres of skiable terrain, and the one we all begged our parents (or our friend’s parents) to take us to every winter.
The superstar trail, aptly named Superstar, often has snow lasting into June. Killington is also home to a huge terrain park, The Stash, designed for boarders who like big features. The K-1 Express Gondola will have you flying up to the summit in no time, and when you’re ready for a break, grab some brews at the Wobbly Barn and eat those mouth-watering waffles I still dream of today.
5. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: November 02, 2024
A-Basin is known for pushing the season start earlier and earlier every year, so November is practically late for these guys. With 1,428 acres, there’s a solid variety of terrain for everyone, from cruisers on the lower mountain to some gnarly runs up top like Pallavicini.
A-Basin is also one of the highest ski areas in North America, with a summit over 13,000 feet, which means it holds snow long after others shut down. It’s also known for its no-frills, skier-first vibe. You’re here to ski, not to sit in fancy lodges.
6. Breckenridge, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: November 08, 2024
Breck’s one of the most popular ski resorts in the country and one of the most expensive. With one of the highest lift-served summits in the country at 12,840 feet, you can ski down 2,908 acres of terrain.
Peak 8 is where you’ll find the bulk of the action, or head up the Imperial Bowl if you want to test yourself. Breck also has a killer town scene with tons of shops, bars, and restaurants right at the base.
7. Copper Mountain, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: November 08, 2024
Copper’s terrain is naturally divided by ability, making it super user-friendly. Beginners can stick to the western side while experts head east to take on the steep runs. The early opening means you can carve up those well-groomed runs before the holiday rush kicks in.
Nearby, the Woodward Copper is an indoor action sports center that’s a fun option when you want a break from the slopes. The village area is laid-back but has just enough going on to keep you entertained after a day in the snow.
8. Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe, Nevada
- Projected Opening Date: November 08, 2024
Mt. Rose is a Tahoe favorite, especially for Reno locals. Sitting at 8,260 feet, it’s the highest base in Tahoe, which means it usually gets snow early and holds it well into the spring.
The Chutes at Mt. Rose are legendary for their steep pitches. But it’s not all hardcore here, the Slide Bowl is better for more casual skiers.
9. Brian Head Ski Resort
- Projected Opening Date: November 08, 2024
Brian Head Ski Resort in southern Utah, is known for its high elevation and great snow. With a base elevation of 9,600 feet, it has some of the best powder in the region while not being overly crowded.
The resort spans two connected mountains, Navajo and Giant Steps for terrain for every level. It’s just a few hours from Las Vegas, making it a popular winter getaway for desert dwellers.
10. Winter Park, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: November 15, 2024
Winter Park is one of those spots where you can get a lot of variety without driving too far from Denver. It’s spread out over seven distinct territories over 3,000 acres of terrain. Opening early means you can beat the crowds and claim your first tracks of the season.
For cruisers, the Vasquez Ridge area will keep you grinning all day, while Mary Jane is where the leg-burning moguls live. If the snow gods bless the season early, you might even sample some fresh powder at Eagle Wind.
11. Vail, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: November 15, 2024
Vail’s known for its massive size, and with 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, it delivers. Those back bowls have wide-open runs that feel endless. The front side, though, is perfect for a mix of runs that cater to all levels.
The early season brings less crowded slopes, so you can get your fill before the holiday chaos begins. And yes, Vail’s après-ski is famous—hit up the Red Lion for live music after a day on the hill.
12. Wild Mountain Ski & Snowboard Area, Minnesota
- Projected Opening Date: November 15, 2024
Minnesota may not be known for its mountains, but Wild Mountain is always one of the first to open in the Midwest. It’s small, with just 100 acres of terrain you can explore in a day.
Their terrain park, with fresh features, is a hit with the freestyle crowd. The river views are a nice touch, and even though it’s not a big resort, Wild Mountain manages to draw loyal locals back year after year. After a few runs, head to the chalet for some Minnesota comfort food to shake off the impending hypothermia.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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