October was warmer and drier than a normal October in most ski regions, but 2 moderate widespread storms moved through most of the West in the first two weeks of November, contributing to the usual early openings on snowmaking. Another western storm is expected in the next few days, slightly smaller that the last two. Mammoth and Wolf Creek have substantial terrain open on a natural snow base.
California: The first storm storm started with snow levels over 9,000 feet but eventually lowered. The second storm was colder and
snowed up to 2 feet over the Sierra Crest. Mammoth and Mt. Rose opened Nov. 5 and several other areas opened this weekend. Reported
snow totals: Squaw 13-28 inches (Alpine is 4% open), Mt. Rose 34 (8% open), Heavenly 31 (2% open), Kirkwood 42 (15% open). Mammoth
has had 33 inches at Main Lodge but had much more up high during the first storm and is thus 33% open including a few of the upper
steeps.
Pacific Northwest: The storms were strongest here but snow levels were mostly too high. Reported snow totals:
Crystal 20 inches, Stevens 16, Mt. Bachelor 2. Whistler has had 51 inches at 5,400 feet and will open early Nov. 19.
Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: The November storms were strong here too. Reported snow totals: Revelstoke 67 inches,
Kicking Horse 57, Big White 43 (7% open), Whitewater 54, Fernie 29, Red Mt. 10, Lake Louise 40 (14% open) and Sunshine 48 (17% open).
U. S. Northern Rockies: November reported snow totals: Targhee 37 inches, Jackson 33, Sun Valley 21, Brundage 23.
Utah: The November storms have underperformed in Utah. Alta has had 29 inches and Snowbird 28.
Northern and Central Colorado: October was much warmer than usual so snowmaking was delayed until the last week and
Loveland and A-Basin each opened a snowmaking run October 29. November reported snow totals: Beaver Creek 31 inches, Vail 21,
Breckenridge 25 (4% open), Keystone 26 (3 % open), Loveland 32 (7% open). A-Basin is 11% open.
Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Aspen and Crested Butte has had 24 inches, and nearby Crested
Butte 19. Aspen Mt. is 18% open. Wolf Creek has had 30 inches in November plus 26 in October and has opened all terrain, though
steep areas are sketchy on the 27 inch base.
Northeast: Mid-October cold allowed Killington and Sunday River to open first in North America on October 19. After a
week of skiing the snow melted and snowmaking did not resume for nearly 3 weeks. Killington has had 3 inches natural snow and
reopens 2 runs tomorrow.
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