Why wait for winter? Ski season starts this fall!

The day many cold-weather enthusiasts wait months for is quickly approaching: the opening of ski season here on the West Coast.

Vail Resorts, whose ski resorts include properties in British Columbia, Washington and California, in addition to its namesake resort in Colorado, will start welcoming skiers and riders as early as mid-November here on the West Coast.

Nov. 19 – California’s Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar are first to welcome guests on the West Coast, opening Nov. 19.

High above the waters of Lake Tahoe, spanning California and Nevada, Heavenly Mountain offers both expansive terrain and a stunning views of the lake and Sierras.

Nearby, in North Lake Tahoe’s Northstar Resort, guests discover a winter oasis complete with freshly groomed slopes, expansive mountainscapes and an average annual snowfall of more than 350 inches.

Nov. 25 – In British Columbia, recent investments in snowmaking technology also means Whistler Blackcomb – North America’s largest ski resort – is set to open for skiing and riding in November, with an opening date set for Nov. 25.

Boasting access to more terrain choices than nearly any other mountain destination in the world, highlights at Whistler Blackcomb this winter include new ski and ride camps for women, private lessons with an Olympian, and big-mountain skiing brought to life through its signature combination of high-alpine terrain and thrilling descents.

Dec. 3 – California’s Kirkwood and Washington state’s Stevens Pass both open next with a planned opening date of Dec. 3.

Removed from the hustle and bustle of nearby Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood offers some of North America’s most diverse, challenging and open terrain for a mountain getaway.

Farther north, Stevens Pass is located about 2.5 hours east from Seattle in the Cascade Mountain Range. Known for its deep powder, and terrain ranging from rolling groomed runs to steep slopes, this picture-perfect ski area offers something for families and seasoned skiers alike.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests back this season for a fantastic winter of outdoor fun across our portfolio of resorts,” James O’Donnell, president of the mountain division of Vail Resorts, said in announcing the dates. “As always, our goal is to provide a safe and memorable experience of a lifetime for our guests and employees, and to do everything we can to provide incredible skiing and riding all season long.”

A variety of special pricing is available as operators gear up for the season – visit Vail’s epicpass.com to learn more.

Enhanced Safety Protocols

Vail Resorts’ employees and communities and will continue monitoring public health guidance surrounding COVID-19 and has enhanced safety protocols in place across all owned and operated properties.

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