Europe’s highest resort, Val Thorens, was scheduled to open this weekend and is on course to do so, but a number of big name resorts in Europe and North America have also announced they’re opening this weekend – earlier than planned – for winter 14-15, because of good conditions.
Among them are Mont Tremblant, Sun Peaks and Whistler in Canada, Aspen and Snowbird in the US and La Clusaz (pictured) and the Jungfrau region in the Alps.
Whistler Blackcomb will be opening five days ahead of schedule today Saturday, November 22. The decision to kick off the winter season early was made possible after natural snowfall at higher elevations was followed by a streak of below average temperatures, providing prime conditions for snowmaking.
“Our snowmaking team has been working hard to take advantage of this early season cold snap in Whistler and has converted over 60 million gallons of water into snow over the past few weeks,” says Doug MacFarlane, Director of Mountain Operations at Whistler Blackcomb. “Their efforts, combined with the natural snowfall we have already received at higher elevations, has enabled us to get things rolling early again this year. And with more natural snow in the forecast for later this week, it should be a fun opening weekend.”
Aspen Mountain will also open early for the season today (Saturday, 22 November ) with the most vertical feet in the US, they say, including top-to-bottom skiing/riding across 120 acres of terrain.
The Silver Queen Gondola and Ajax Express will be open as will the Sundeck and Ajax Tavern for food and drink. A recent storm brought over 21 inches to Aspen Mountain which has allowed for favorable conditions to open the mountain early.
“We aim to open and bring skiing and riding to the community and our guests as soon as we can,” says David Perry, Chief Operating Officer, Aspen Skiing Company. “We are a ski town, we have the snow and we are pleased to start spinning the lifts.”
