Which North American Ski Resorts Are Open For Season 2021/22?
Last updated 16 Nov 2021
With great early snowfalls and snowmaking working overtime, the North American ski season is in full swing, all be it gradually, as everyone scrambles to open so they can welcome skiers and rides back for season 2021/22 as soon as possible.
Which US Ski Resorts Are Open?
Vail
Vail ski resort officially opened on November 12, 2021, which locals are saying is one of the earliest season openings in modern memory. In fact, the locals can’t remember an earlier opening date. Back in December 2018, Vail announced plans to install 32.5 miles of snowmaking pipeline and 14 new valve stations across 262 acres of the mountain. This became the single largest snowmaking project that’s ever been completed in a single year and was ready for the 2019 opening for the ski season.
With 35 inches of snow falling, Vail opened with nearly 80 acres of terrain and greeted guests with free breakfast burritos and a DJ pumping in the tunes.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge ski resort also officially opened on November 12, 2021, which started a season-long celebration as it’s their 60th anniversary. They opened with 50 acres of terrain on Peak 8 with skiers and riders able to access 4 O’Clock and Springmeier trails via the Colorado SuperChair and 5-Chair. Guests were greeted with free waffles and music by DJ Cat.
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain opened two weeks early on October 29, 2021, thanks to a massive snowstorm. Guests were greeted with free coffee and cocoa and live music. The next day the festivities continued with a Halloween Scavenger Hunt.
Keystone
Keystone Resort officially opened October 22, 2021, with more than 40 acres of terrain accessed by the River Run Gondola and the Montezuma Express lift. You can ski and ride almost 2 miles of ski trail on Schoolmarm and Silverspoon. Guests were welcomed with free doughnuts, hot chocolate, and a DJ at the base of the River Run Gondola. Keystone can open early thanks to its automated and energy-efficient snowmaking system that detects the ideal conditions for quality snowmaking so it can produce more quality early season snow, more quickly allowing for a fast-tracking of opening the ski season.
Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin officially opened on October 17, 2021. The A-basin car park was filled with excited locals eager to make a start with some having camped overnight. The Black Mountain Express lift began running at 8.30 am serving skiers and rides on the High Noon run.
For Arapahoe Basin ski and ride vacation packages you can stay in Keystone.
Which Canadian Ski Resorts Are Open?
Lake Louise
Lake Louise officially opened on November 9, 2021, thanks to early snowfalls and their ongoing snowmaking efforts. The limited skiing and riding was accessed via the Glacier Chair as the mountain crew works with mother nature to open as much terrain as soon and safely as possible.
Banff Sunshine
Banff Sunshine officially opened on November 9, 2021, to kick off one of the longest ski seasons in North America. The season kicked off with Angel, Strawberry, Wawa, and Wolverine open for skiing and riding.
Mt Norquay
Mt Norquay officially opened on October 24, 2021, which was the earliest opening date in its 95-year history. The Cascade Chair long with the Cascade Lodge will be accessible to guests.