2004-05 Ski Season Progress Report as of November 15, 2004

The Sierra had the most snow in October since at least 1945. These storms also dumped substantial snow in Utah. So far there have been several light snowfalls in November but no big dumps. The snowpack is already sufficient at Mammoth, Kirkwood, Brian Head and Utah's Cottonwood Canyons to assure close to full operation and excellent conditions for Thanksgiving.

California: The October storms centered on Mammoth, which has had 94 inches of snow (82 in October) and is now 60% open on a 4-6 foot base with excellent conditions. Kirkwood has received 100 inches and is 60% open on weekends, and Squaw has had 68 at 8,200 ft. and 37 at 6,200 ft. Alpine Meadows, Boreal, Sugar Bowl and Sierra-at-Tahoe also have been open at least on weekends since Halloween. Daily operation will begin this weekend at most Sierra areas. Most terrain on the Sierra Crest at 7000+ altitude should be open for Thanksgiving. See Current California Ski Conditions for more details on Southern California and Mammoth.

Pacific Northwest: No one is open now except Timberline's year-round Palmer lift. Recent storms have had fairly high snow levels and thus have been mostly rain in the ski areas.

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: Lake Louise is 3% open on snowmaking, and Sunshine is 22% open.

U. S. Northern Rockies: No one open yet. Targhee has had 56 inches snowfall and Big Mountain 36.

Utah: 4-8 feet of snow fell in October. Brighton, Solitude and Snowbird are all 80+% open (to be joined by Alta this Thursday) with 4-5 foot bases and excellent conditions, and Brian Head is 100% open. Season snowfalls: Brighton 109, Snowbird 123, Snowbasin 59, The Canyons 42, Brian Head 108. Park City and The Canyons will open by this weekend.

Northern and Central Colorado: Breckenridge, Copper, Keystone, Loveland and A-Basin have a few runs open (<10%) on snowmaking. There has been 2-3+ feet of natural snow, but not enough for a skiable base.

Southern and Western Colorado: Wolf Creek is 80% open on 48 inches of season snowfall. This is likely a thin base with Colorado's drier snow.

Northeast: November 9 was Killington's opening day, same as last season, and it is now 8% open. Other percents open: Okemo 20%, Sunday River 9%, Hunter 7%, Bretton Woods 4%. I strongly recommend checking First Tracks Online Ski Magazine No-Bull Ski Reports for up to date information in this region, where both weather and surface conditions can change so rapidly.

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