Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

Get your skis and snowboards ready: Ski resorts worldwide are starting to see snow

It might not stick, but it's a sign ski and snowboard season is almost here

By
A man skis on a clear run, with mountains and trees behind him.
Glade Optics / Unsplash

The first hints of fall are coming just around the corner, but for snow enthusiasts, the excitement is already building as ski resorts worldwide saw early snowfall in August. While it’s not uncommon for ski resorts to experience sporadic flurries during the late summer months, this year seems to be delivering a particularly promising start for the upcoming ski season. If you’ve been itching to hit the slopes, it might be time to dust off your skis and get ready for an early taste of winter wonderland.

Ski resorts reporting August snowfall

Several ski resorts have been blessed with a dusting of August snow, fueling the anticipation for the upcoming winter season. Here are a few notable resorts that have already seen some flakes:

Recommended Videos

1. Lake Louise Ski Resort

Related

Lake Louise Ski Resort, situated in the breathtaking Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, is no stranger to snow. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this resort boasts year-round activities, including a summer gondola. It’s just a two-hour drive west of Calgary, making it a convenient destination for snow lovers.

2. Solitude Mountain Resort 

Solitude Mountain Resort is a hidden gem in Big Cottonwood Canyon, just a 30-mile drive southeast of Salt Lake City. Surrounded by the stunning Wasatch Mountains, Solitude is often subject to early snowfall. The resort’s picturesque location makes it a perfect spot to enjoy both summer and winter outdoor activities.

3. Breckenridge Ski Resort 

Breckenridge Ski Resort is deep in the Colorado Rockies and is famous for its incredible terrain and world-class skiing. Comprised of Peaks 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, this resort offers something for every level of skier. While August snowfall is exciting, it’s just a sneak peek of what’s to come when the winter season officially kicks off.

4. Mount Hood Meadows 

Mount Hood Meadows is the largest of Mount Hood’s ski resorts, located about 67 miles east of Portland, Oregon. With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, this resort often experiences early snowfall, setting the stage for an epic ski season.

The early snowfall phenomenon

While it’s thrilling to see ski resorts dusted with snow in August, this early snowfall doesn’t necessarily mean that winter has arrived early. These flurries are often a tease from Mother Nature, reminding us that winter is on the horizon. However, the weather patterns in late summer are usually unstable, with temperatures fluctuating between warm and cold. As a result, the snowfall typically doesn’t stick around for long.

For most ski resorts, opening day is typically scheduled for November when colder temperatures become more consistent. However, some resorts at higher elevations and in colder regions may open a bit sooner as they eagerly welcome the first skiers and snowboarders of the season. Resorts are always ready to seize any opportunity to open their slopes, so keep an eye on their announcements for early openings.

Planning your ski adventure

If you’re excited about the prospect of an early ski season, now is a great time to start planning your winter getaway. Consider checking your favorite ski resorts’ websites and social media channels for updates on snow conditions and opening dates. Additionally, don’t forget to book your accommodations well in advance, as the most popular ski destinations tend to fill up quickly.

While August snowfall at ski resorts is a welcome sight for snow enthusiasts, remember that winter is still a few months away. However, this early snow is a promising sign of the snow-filled adventures to come in the upcoming ski season.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Sarah Joseph
Sarah Joseph
Contributor
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
Camper van vs Class B RV: How to choose which to buy for your outdoor adventures
Class B RV vs Camper Van - who ya got?
Man building a campfire in front of a Winnebago Ekko Springer camper van.

If you would love to go on road trips and experience the best national parks, there is no better way to do it and still feel comfortable like you’re at home than camping in an RV. Let’s be honest: You will enjoy sleeping on a cozy bed in an RV with an air conditioner more than in a moist and chilly tent. It’s also easier to prepare your meals in an RV because of the refrigerator, and you don’t have to worry about packing and unpacking your camping bags every night or morning. 

However, the big RVs can be a headache if you're driving through low-hanging bridges or tight spaces. They’re also more expensive to fuel and maintain compared to smaller-size vehicles. Alternatively, you could choose a Class B RV or a camper van if prefer an RV that strikes a balance between rural camping and big-city adventure. But the question is — what’s the difference between a Class B RV and a camper van? And which one should you buy?
A Class B motorhome is built with all the camping amenities

Read more
This terrifying video proves why ski lift wind holds are a thing
Frozen chairlift in Tignes, Rhone-Alps, France

My favorite chairlift is the FourRunner Quad at Stowe Mountain Resort. Rising more than 2,000 vertical feet over steep pitches and offering a panoramic view of Mountain Mansfield, the lift is an icon of the eastern winter experience. It’s like ascending a rollercoaster.

The FourRunner lift starts loading at 8:00 a.m. In the lead-up, skiers and riders are raring to go, with excited banter and equipment adjustments filling the air. But sometimes, when the clock strikes eight, empty chairs continue up the hill, and resort staff notifies everyone of a “wind hold.” That occurs when winds reach about 40 mph, presenting a safety hazard for occupants.

Read more
Get ready for outdoor season and learn how to build a fire pit in your backyard
DIY this outdoor project and be the envy of your friends and neighbors
Fire pit burning wood on a patio

The type of fire pit you'd like to have in your backyard largely depends on the style you wish to have. However, the amount of time and money you are willing to dedicate to the project are also constraints to what can be achieved. Whether you'd like to outfit your space within a few hours or over a weekend, it's possible to find yourself enjoying your own handiwork in less time than you might expect.

With a little planning and heavy lifting, you can soon raise a toast, roast hot dogs and marshmallows, or simply relax next to the warm fire with your backyard fire pit. So, devise how much you would like to spend and how much time you have to make your fire pit dreams happen, then dig into one of these methods of building a fire pit. Keep reading and learn how to build a fire pit.
Easy assembly fire pits

Read more