2010-11 Ski Season Progress Report as of December 1, 2010

October snowfall was above average, with a widespread storm through the Northwest and much of the Rockies during its last week. Snow from this storm is included in season totals for many areas as it contributed to the strong early season conditions and to some areas advancing their opening dates. Mid-November snow was abundant in Utah's Cottonwood Canyons and Front Range Colorado and followed up by a major storm in the Sierra that also pushed into the Rockies. Since I began keeping detailed records 14 years ago only 1996-97 had as many areas with Thanksgiving conditions this good. Snowfall this week has been primarily in the Pacific Northwest and U.S. Northern Rockies.

California: October's snow was just a few inches, not material to the season. After about a foot in early November the Sierra had a 4 day storm in mid-November of 5-10 feet and another foot over Thanksgiving weekend. Base depths are in the 3-6 foot range because the storm had drier than normal snow, and more snow is needed for some expert terrain. See Current California Ski Conditions for more details on Southern California and Mammoth.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	118	190%	50%
Northstar	96	254%	82%
Mt. Rose	87	201%	66%
Kirkwood	199	335%	80%
Mammoth	88	171%	85%
Southern Cal	6	72%	0-60%

Pacific Northwest: Before Thanksgiving Oregon got off to a strong start while Washington State and Whistler were slightly above average. This week there has been about 3 feet of snow throughout the region. Mt. Baker is 90% open and Hood Meadows 63% open on 5 foot bases. The Whistler alpine is likely to open this weekend and Mt. Bachelor's 52-56 inch base can support full operation, weather and demand permitting.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	107	144%	26%
Crystal Mt.	91	146%	80%
Mt. Bachelor	131	207%	40%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high along the U.S. border but only about average farther north. Base depths are in the 2-3 foot range and several areas wil open this weekend. Big White is 16% open, Silver Star 29% and Sun Peaks 38%.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	28	81%	6%
Sunshine	39	86%	53%
Revelstoke	72	93%	Dec. 3
Whitewater	72	117%	Dec. 3
Red Mt.	61	139%	Dec. 11
Fernie	94	163%	80%
Castle Mt.	65	152%	Dec. 3

U. S. Northern Rockies: The Tetons had 39 inches in October and were also hit by the mid- November storms, so Jackson opened early on November 27. This week there has been another foot of snow throughout the region. Big Sky is 34% open.

Utah: There was new snow 5 of the 6 weeks since late October in the Cottonwood Canyons, leading to majority of terrain open by Thanksgiving. These areas have 4-6 foot bases. Other Wasatch areas have bases in the 3 foot range and need more snow for advanced terrain to open.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	134	166%	78%
Snowbird	140	201%	75%
Brighton/Solitude	123	163%	90%
Park City	67	145%	43%
Snowbasin	70	150%	47%
Brian Head	80	165%	70%

Northern and Central Colorado: This region is off to a great start with snow every week since late October. Loveland and A-Basin opened their first snowmaking runs about a week later than usual but were helped by the late October storm. Most areas were over half open at Thanksgiving, the highest percents open in the 22 years of data I have for Breckenridge and Copper and 2nd highest for Vail. The other areas are all at least in the top quarter of early seasons. Vail will open Blue Sky Basin this weekend.

Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Crested Butte and Aspen (snowier climate than either) had 42 inches in October and another 45 in November. Aspen 67% open and Snowmass 31%. Farther south snowfall has been about average. Taos is 4% open and Purgatory 27%.

Northeast: There was natural snow in mid-October, 25 inches at Stowe and 16 at Killington. November was warmer than normal in the Northeast with very little new snow, so snowmaking leaders Sunday River and Killington were 13% open at Thanksgiving but other Northeast areas open were under 10%. Current percents open: Sunday River 17%, Okemo 13%, Tremblant 3%, Ste. Anne 7%. 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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