After taking the first steps towards doubling the resort’s snowmaking capacity this summer, Sunday River completed its annual fall systems test this morning starting at 6:15 a.m. In the latest news in the #RaceTo Open, the Maine resort typically opens for skiing and snowboarding on or around Halloween, and this morning’s cold temperatures provided the perfect opportunity to put the new equipment to the test on the Lower Downdraft trail.
October has arrived, and with it comes the annual #RaceToOpen between Colorado’s Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin, which has claimed the crown outright the past two years.
Just like for skiers and ‘boarders, golfers want to squeeze in that last day of the season. Even as most U.S. resorts are turning on their snow guns and warming up the snowcats, many still keep the golf course open for those late-season die-hards.
While we’re waiting anxiously for the snow to fly, resorts across the Northeast are celebrating fall foliage season with fun, food, music and stunning views of the mountains. Here are SnoCountry.com’s top picks for Oktoberfests this year.
As summer fades to fall, skiers and snowboarders across North America are chomping at the bit to strap on the boards when Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Ski Area, Vermont’s Killington Resort and Maine’s Sunday River prepare for the annual #racetoopen for the 2018-19 season.
Taos Ski Valley is the latest ski and snowboard resort to join up with the Ikon Pass for the 2018-2019 season.
Major renovations for making more of that white gold we love at Sunday River began this summer, as they laid the foundation for doubling the water capacity that can be pumped to the ski area from its water source.
The mountains of western Maine are the place to find endless outdoor fun and thrills to keep you coming back for more. The Outpost is home to summer adventure at Sugarloaf, while the hub of activity at Sunday River is the Mountain Park.
Even though it might still feel like February as snow continues to fall on mountain resorts across the country, Northeast mountains are celebrating end-of season runs as they look ahead to summer activities and construction. Thanks to snowmakers and some great March snowfall, bases are still deep for those spring runs.
Boyne Resorts takes on ownership of Loon. (Loon/Facebook)
Boyne Resorts has announced an agreement with Ski Resort Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Oz Real Estate, to acquire six mountain resorts and a scenic chairlift attraction currently leased by the resort company.
Single chair alive and well at Mad River. (Mad River Glen/Facebook)
Since the beginning, ski area operators have experimented with how to best get people up a hill. That innovative spirit lives on, as new types of lifts go up, but the old way is still hanging on.
Best prices for hitting Sunday River for one week. (Sunday River/Facebook)
Skiers and snowboarders eager to start planning for next winter at Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Loon Mountain—and score the absolute lowest price on their season pass—can do so by purchasing their 2018-19 New England Pass now through March 11, 2018 during the resorts’ one-week flash sale.
Deals on spring turns at Sunday River. (Sunday River)
While there’s still a lot of days left for the 2017-2018 season, Northeastern resorts are rolling out their buy now/ski this spring deals, making this a great time to stretch your skiing and riding dollar for maximum time on the slopes.
Happy boarders at Mount Sunapee. (Mount Sunapee)
One of the absolute best reasons to rise and shine early for your trip to the mountains is the sweet reward of laying down some tracks in freshly groomed corduroy. The zip of your edges into those fine lines makes the first turns of the day often the most satisfying. While finding a powder day is never guaranteed, these resorts are known for their grooming finesse. So grab your coffee, boots and boards and head out for first chair.
Aspen Snowmass in a sweet spot this week. (Jordan Curet)
The Eastern United States will see it all this week from snow and cold to warmth and rain. The West will be consistently snowy, especially across the Rockies.
Santa delivered an early Christmas present of more than three feet of snow on slopes throughout New England over the past week. And as a stocking-stuffer, cold temperatures wrapped up with all that new snow, allowing for round-the-clock snowmaking.
November cold allows Sugarloaf to open early. (Sugarloaf/Facebook)
In a flurry of openings, Northeast skiers and riders had their pick of 11 resorts to choose from this past weekend, thanks to a cold snap that set the snow guns blazing from Pennsylvania to Maine.
Jackson Hole getting the good stuff. (Jackson Hole)
It’s finally going to feel more like fall across the East as a sharp Canadian front plows through New England and brings snowfall, plus those long-awaited colder temperatures.
Weather forecasts for Sunday River Resort look favorable for opening by Saturday. (Sunday River/Facebook)
We’ve been waiting for our snowmaking window here in the East, and it’s finally here. Skiers and riders can make plans now for first turns of the season at Sunday River, Wildcat, Mount Snow and Killington.
Maine views for miles at Sunday River. (Sunday River)
Sunday River is coming into the ski and ride season with a lot to talk about, including a new chairlift and trail, improved snowmaking equipment, expanded outdoor restaurant seating, and the launch of new slopeside condos to be built in 2018-19.
