How To Find Great Places to Ski Early in the Season Portland ME

Ever wondered how to avoid the crowds, lift lines, get great deals and get 3 skiing holidays in per year? Well you need to start early and here are the top 5 steps on how to find the perfect place to ski early in the season:

1. Investigate North America. Traditionally snow flies much earlier in the USA, especially on the West Coast, than in Europe. Typically mountain resorts get their first flurries in early September or October and it just continues on and on. However, you won't likely be able to ski until November.
2. Check opening dates. The earlier the opening day, the better the snow is likely to be in ski resorts pre-Christmas. Many Colorado resorts open in November and there is often huge competition as to who can open first and welcome those keen skiers. Winter Park Resort, Colorado is set to open 14 November this year.
3. Altitude. Look up the height of the resort you're planning to visit. What is the elevation at the base, mid station and top station? Winter Park has the highest 6 pack chairlift going up to over 12,000 ft. The higher the resort, the better the early season snow.
4. How many runs are open the first week? Is there just one lonely run open the first day and first week? Not what you're looking for...make sure there are at least several runs open off of each lift and preferably 2 or more lifts open on day one.
5. Snow record. What is the average snowfall of the resort? Is it consistent year after year? You want an average of 300 plus inches a year for great snow conditions. Look for consistency--it's key--it tells you that you'll be onto a winner when you book your holiday before the snow flies......

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Author: Helen Gienke