2009-10 Ski Season Progress Report as of December 1, 2009

October was colder and snowier than average, so a few areas opened earlier than normal. In November the big news was the record breaking snow at Whistler. In the Pacific Northwest and much of western Canada snowfall has been far above normal and many areas have a lot of terrain open already. Elsewhere most areas had about half normal November snow, so skiing at most open areas is still <10% of runs on snowmaking. This may result in Christmas skiing being more limited than normal in many places, except for a few of the higher areas where a natural base remains from October.

California: The Sierra had a major mid-October storm but with average snow level of 10,000 feet. Thus snow totals below reflect elevation, with last weekend's storm also being more at Mammoth. Mammoth opened Oct. 16-18, then closed in warm weather until a snowmaking reopening of about 5% of terrain on Nov. 7. Boreal, Mt. High and Bear Mt. also opened limited snowmaking runs in early November. But the Sierra had only 2 feet of snow in November, half of that last weekend. No one was more than 5% open for Thanksgiving, so odds of a good Christmas are reduced, particularly at lower elevations. See Current California Ski Conditions for more details on Southern California and Mammoth.

Pacific Northwest: This region has the best snow odds in early season, but the start to this season was truly spectacular. Whistler shattered its November snow record with 218 inches and was half open for Thanksgiving, including steep tarrain like some of the Spanky's Ladder runs. Mt. Baker and Whistler have 6 foot bases and other Northwest areas about 4 feet. Surfaces are variable with some rain Thanksgiving week, but there has been more snow since at higher elevations.

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: Western Canada is also off to a fast start. Sunshine's 107 inches broke its November record. Sun Peaks has a 16-44 inch base and is 89% open. Big White has a 28-41 inch base and is 49% open. Whitewater, Revelstoke and Fernie opened the last weekend of November on 4 foot bases.

U. S. Northern Rockies: Early snow totals are close to average, with many of these areas on the edge of the big Northwest storms that tracked more heavily into into Canada. Base depths are 2-3 feet at the open areas. Big Sky is 30% open (more than normal this early) on a 22-35 inch base.

Utah: The Cottonwood Canyons had about 40 inches of October snow, but less than 2 feet in November. The first lift served skiing was on snowmaking at Solitude Nov. 7 and Brighton Nov. 14. Base depths are in the 2 foot range with some of the leftover October snow above 9,000 feet. No one besides Alta and Brighton is as much as 10% open. The Cottonwood areas should have a decent Christmas with normal December snow. Elsewhere in Utah expect less than normal terrain open for the holidays unless December snowfall is well above average.

Northern and Central Colorado: Loveland opened its first snowmaking run Oct. 6. At Thanksgiving Loveland was 11% open and Breckenridge 14%, with everyone else under 10% open. These areas are on average about 1/4 open for Thanksgiving, so Christmas skiing will be more limited than normal unless December snowfall is well above average. There was about 2 feet of snow in October but November snow totals shown below are lagging.

Southern and Western Colorado: Wolf Creek opened Oct. 31 and has been in full operation after 30 inches mid-November 78 total. Base depths are 27-32 inches after just 3 inches in the last 2 weeks. The Gothic Snow Lab between Aspen and Crested Butte had 42.5 inches of October snow and 30 in November. Aspen/Snowmass are about 15% open and Taos 5%. With current base depths no more than 2 feet a strong December will be needed to open advanced terrain in the region by Christmas.

Northeast: Cold October weather allowed Sunday River to open on snowmaking Oct. 16. Killington opened Oct. 31. The East had an exceptionally warm November, too warm to make snow most of the time even in Quebec. Sunday River and Mont St. Sauveur were the only areas open at Thanksgiving, about 3% each. The first major storm of the season of 1-2 feet hit last weekend, so several areas are likely to open soon with snowmaking assistance. 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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