2004-05 Ski Season Progress Report as of December 19, 2004

The Sierra had the most snow in October since at least 1945. These storms also dumped substantial snow in Utah. Thus Mammoth, Kirkwood, Brian Head and Utah's Cottonwood Canyons were in full operation with excellent conditions for Thanksgiving. November snowfall was well below average throughout the West until a strong final week, so skiing was still limited in other regions. After a snowy first week of December high pressure set in and is predicted to last until New Year's. Thus many resorts will experience a subpar holiday season in terms of both open terrain and surface conditions.

California: The October storms centered on Mammoth, which had 82 inches of snow and was 40% open for Halloween. Tahoe areas on the Sierra Crest had 4-6 feet of snow and were also partially open at least on weekends since Halloween despite only 2 feet on November snow. After a 2-4 foot storm most Tahoe terrain including KT-22 and Mott Canyon opened the second weekend of December. With recent warm and dry weather skiers can expect hardpack/spring conditions at low elevations or with sunny exposures, and packed powder on north-facing slopes. See Current California Ski Conditions for more details on Southern California and Mammoth. Arizona Snowbowl was in full operation for Thanksgiving, very unusual.
RSN December Snow: Northstar 39, Sierra-at-Tahoe 37.

Pacific Northwest: November storms had fairly high snow levels and were mostly rain in the ski areas. Early December storms dropped 1-3 feet but still substantial rain at low elevation. Only Mt. Baker is in full operation on a 36-46 inch base. Crystal Mt. opened mid-December but reports a 11-22 inch base. Mt. Bachelor likely has the best conditions in the region due to higher altitude on its 4 foot base. This is a very poor holiday season by the standards of the usually snowy Northwest.

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: Big White, Silver Star and Sun Peaks are all at least 85% open on 4-5 foot bases. East of the Selkirks Sunshine is 77% open but other areas are much more restricted or not yet open. Kootenay areas like the Northwest have had too much rain.
RSN December Snow: Sunshine 20.

U. S. Northern Rockies: The Tetons got over 2 feet last week in early December and are in majority Christmas. Tahoe's 3-foot December storm continued on to Sun Valley, which should have an above average holiday on its 30-52 inch base. Big Mountain also had 2 feet of snow, but Schweitzer had some rain mix and is only 30% open. Big Sky is 50% open.
RSN December Snow: Big Sky 10.

Utah: 4-8 feet of snow fell in October, opening Brighton for Halloween and Snowbird a week later. The Wasatch is still the West's leading region with 2-4 feet in early December, but some hardpack/spring conditions in sun-exposed areas after last week's warm and dry weather. The Park City areas are all at least 70% open now.

Northern and Central Colorado: After a slow start these areas got 2-3 feet at the end of November and close to 2 feet in early December. Progress has now stalled, because more snow is needed to get more advanced terrain open by Christmas.
RSN December Snow: Loveland 27.

Southern and Western Colorado: Wolf Creek is 100% open on a 52-60 inch base. Durango and Telluride have also benefited from several early Southwest storms and are in full operation for Christmas. Elsewhere snowfall is average or less and substantial dumps will be neede to open expert runs.

Northeast: November 9 was Killington's opening day, same as last season, and the East has struggled with frequent rain for the next month. The past week+ brought snow to Northern New England and Quebec, plus sustained cold to expand trails with snowmaking. Percents open: Killington 56%, Okemo 52%, Stowe 85%, Stratton 45%, Sugarloaf 53%, Sunday River 57%, Hunter 60%, Mt. St. Anne 94%, Tremblant 66%, Snowshoe 54%. 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.
RSN December Snow: Killington 20, Stratton 13, Sugarloaf 21, Sunday River 13, Mt. Ste. Anne 25, Snowshoe 19.

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