Industry News
When considering the best states in the east for early opening, a ski resort cannot be on the list of the top 7 if it is not one of the first ski resorts to open consistently in the East each year. There are a handful of ski resorts that open each season before others, such as Killington, Stowe, and Okemo in Vermont. Maine’s Sunday River is another Northeast ski resort that has a reputation for being one of the first to open in the region. Quebec’s Sommet Saint-Sauveur is another notable ski resort, known for being one of the first to open in Eastern Canada each season. The Mid-Atlantic region is not blessed with the cold temps and snow that the Northeast receives; however, Pennsylvania’s Jack Frost Big Boulder (JFBB) and Blue Mountain have been able to provide early-season skiing thanks in part to their extensive snowmaking capabilities. All of these ski resorts have invested heavily in their snowmaking operations, enabling them to open each season before other resorts in their respective regions.
It’s nice to be first, but being one of the first ski resorts to open within an area or region does not guarantee mid-season conditions. Skiers and snowboarders look forward to the first day of the new ski season; however, most would prefer that ski resorts wait until the mountain has good snow coverage before opening too soon. Other caveats of early-season skiing are the available terrain, trails, and lifts that will be offered on opening day.
These seven ski resorts are included on this list for providing adequate snow coverage, offering diverse terrain, and ensuring shorter lift lines at the start of the season in their regions.
Killington, Vermont
Killington is typically the first major ski resort to open in the East, but it offers much more than just that. It boasts some of the best snowmaking in the world and provides a vast selection of terrain to suit skiers and riders of all skill levels. The mountain crew not only does a great job of making snow, but Killington is also known for having some of the best groomers in the country.
“The Beast in the East” typically hosts the Stifel Killington Cup during Thanksgiving weekend. However, due to the installation of the new Super Star lift, the race will be moved to Copper Mountain this season, but will return to Killington in 2026. Hosting the Killington Cup each November ensures Superstar is up and running before race weekend, which helps provide that sense of urgency that makes Killington one of the most reliable ski resorts in the East to open early each season.
- Related: New Superstar Six-Chair at Killington, VT, Could be Ready for the Start of the 2025-26 Season
Besides having some of the best terrain in the East, Killington is also renowned for its exceptional atmosphere and vibes, making it a premier destination for early-season skiing and riding. There is just something about that “Killington Feel” that other mountains in the East are searching for. There are plenty of great dining options for the whole family, and also many waterholes and breweries for those looking to kick back after a long day on the mountain. Killington opened last season on November 14, 2024.
Okemo, Vermont
Okemo Ski Resort is situated in the Green Mountains of Vermont and is a highly popular skiing destination renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere. The mountain boasts several trails geared towards beginners and intermediate-level skiers, including Dream Weaver, Sapphire, and Heaven Gates. Okemo is also known for its snowmaking capability, which spans 98% of the mountain, as well as its great groomers and terrain that still provide challenges for experts, such as Chief and Limelight.
Okemo is built for early-season success. “Our snowmaking and grooming teams are second to none,” Bruce Schmidt, General Manager of Okemo Mountain Resort, said. “We pride ourselves on delivering consistent, high-quality snow surfaces that hold up even during early-season temperature swings. It’s why families and passionate skiers alike return to Okemo year after year.”
Okemo is located in the town of Ludlow, Vermont and it is one of the few ski resorts in the East that has an authentic ski town. There are restaurants, bars, and shops throughout Ludlow that truly give it the vibe of being in a genuine ski town. To be clear, Ludlow is not a ski village; it is a town, and some walking is associated with it. In some cases, a short five-minute drive can take you to places that can only be found in the quintessential New England town.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont, has a rich heritage as one of the purest ski resorts, offering guests an authentic Vermont mountain experience. It has a deep history in skiing, with being the first lift-served runs in 1937, the birthplace of the 10th Mountain Division, and home to the country’s oldest Ski Patrol. Some of Vermont’s best skiing and snowboarding can be found at Stowe on Mount Mansfield, which is Vermont’s highest peak at 4,395 feet, and Spruce Peak, which offers a variety of beginner and intermediate terrain. Stowe is known as the “Ski Capital of the East” and is the birthplace of alpine skiing in Vermont.
Stowe stands out as a premier destination for early-season skiing in the East thanks to a powerful combination of high-elevation terrain, industry-leading snowmaking, and expert grooming. At Stowe, the summit of Mt. Mansfield (the highest peak in Vermont at 4,395 feet) gives it a natural advantage when it comes to colder temperatures and snow retention. This elevation, combined with our robust snowmaking system and ongoing infrastructure investment, enables the team to open terrain earlier and maintain high-quality conditions even when Mother Nature is unpredictable.
“Early season at Stowe is all about preparedness and passion,” Mike Giorgio, General Manager of Stowe Mountain Resort, said. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure guests can enjoy reliable snow and a variety of terrain from day one.”
For those looking to hit the slopes of legendary terrain, Goat is a perilous run, dropping about 1,800 vertical feet of moguls, rock drops, and boulders along the way. Goat is one of the trails in the Legendary Front Four at Stowe. The other trails are Starr, National, and Liftline. These four trails are all accessible via the Forerunner Quad and are among the most challenging runs at Stowe and in the Northeast.
Sunday River, Maine
Sunday River Resort, Maine, officially kicked off the countdown to winter with its annual snowmaking test early Saturday morning, September 20. The operation was conducted on the Lower Downdraft trail of North Peak, where the snowmaking crew fired up the snow guns to ensure the state-of-the-art system was fully operational and ready for the season once temperatures dropped. The test was described by the resort as a solid success and served as a crucial dry run, confirming that all equipment is primed for immediate deployment as cold weather sets in.
With winter’s approach officially announced, Sunday River is calling on enthusiasts to secure their 2025-26 New England Pass. Prices for season passes and ticket packs are set to rise on October 22 at midnight, after which installment payment plans will no longer be available. Pass holders not only guarantee full-season access to one of New England’s most dependable snow resorts but also benefit from a suite of discounts across lodging, dining, retail, and other resort services.
Sunday River’s snowmaking system is widely regarded as among the most powerful and comprehensive in the country. Coupled with a dedicated grooming team and newly upgraded lift infrastructure, the resort is poised to deliver another dependable and enjoyable ski season experience. Sunday River opened last season on November 14.
Jack Frost Big Boulder, Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, Jack Frost and Big Boulder’s elevation is favorable for early-season conditions.“The elevation of our mountains plays a key role in helping us maintain favorable conditions, especially early in the season. While we always work with what nature gives us, being situated higher up often means colder temperatures and better snow retention, which can really enhance the guest experience from the start,” Tony Santora, JFBB General Manager, said.
The resorts are conveniently located near major metropolitan areas, such as Philadelphia and New York, making them ideal for day trips or quick weekend getaways. Big Boulder is suitable for learning, with gentle slopes and expert instructors who make the process enjoyable and accessible. Big Boulder also offers night skiing. Jack Frost has more advanced terrain for those eager to dive into winter early. “Early-season skiing at our resort is all about the experience. With two mountains offering a range of terrain, guests can enjoy everything from beginner-friendly slopes to more adventurous runs, even early in the season. Combine that with a welcoming atmosphere and a team that’s passionate about helping guests make the most of their time on the mountain, whether they’re learning to ski or returning for another season, and you’ve got the perfect place to kick off winter,” Santora said.
Both ski resorts are known for having a family-friendly environment with a dedicated team that enables those conditions to exist. “What really sets JFBB apart is the atmosphere. Our team is known for being friendly, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about sharing the mountain experience. We’re not just teaching people how to ski and ride—we’re helping them fall in love with winter. From the first turns to the first chairlift ride, we make sure every guest feels supported and celebrated,” Santora said.
JFBB offers Seasonal Programs, such as its Women’s Developmental Program (Ages 18+), designed for women, by women. This six-week program is designed to introduce new ways to enjoy the slopes, tailored to an individual’s ability level. Participants will meet with the same instructors for the six-week program. This program is an excellent opportunity for women to meet new people who are looking to advance their skiing and riding skills, and is offered at Jack Frost.
Another program JFBB offers is its Mountain Explorers (Ages 7-15)- Mountain Explorers is a four-week program at Big Boulder, where participants will be coached in small groups. Each week will feature skills-based instruction that introduces or reinforces a new skill to help participants enjoy the slopes and improve their ski or snowboard ability level.
JFBB’s Adult Ski Program (Ages 18+) is a six-week program offered at Big Boulder, designed to provide adults with an opportunity to continue developing their skiing skills alongside their peers. Groups are formed by ability and will meet with the same instructors each week.
Blue Mountain, Pennsylvania
Blue Mountain Resort boasts one of the East Coast’s best snow-making systems and takes pride in it. The resort is so confident in its snowmaking capabilities that Blue Mountain announced its 2025-26 opening day on July 1, which was 150 days before its scheduled opening day of Friday, November 28. That takes a lot of faith and trust in its snowmaking to make a call like that. However, it speaks highly of Blue Mountain’s snowmaking equipment and its team to get the job done.
Last season, Blue Mountain Resort opened on December 6 with 11 runs, five lifts, and more than 1,000 vertical feet to carve. Thanks to one of the East Coast’s largest snow-making systems, skiers and snowboarders were able to start last season the first week in December, which is impressive for a Mid-Atlantic ski resort. Blue Mountain’s snow tubing park, the largest in the United States, also opened with limited lanes.
Thanks to its snowmaking capabilities, once Blue gets going for the season, it quickly opens most of the rest of its mountain. This provides skiers and snowboarders with access to Pennsylvania’s highest vertical, 1,082 feet, and offers 171 acres of skiable terrain, 40 trails, and 15 lifts. Blue Mountain is the only Ski Resort in PA with three high-speed chairlifts and offers 100% night skiing.
Sommet Saint-Sauveur, Quebec
Saint Sauveur, Quebec, boasts the longest ski season in Quebec. Last season, the resort opened on November 14 and closed on May 19. Sommet Saint-Sauveur stands out as the true champion of the Quebec ski season. The numbers speak for themselves: year after year, the resort has maintained a ski season that far exceeds expectations, offering snow enthusiasts an unparalleled experience.
Sommet Saint-Sauveur’s proactive approach to snowmaking and its strategic geographical location have consistently placed it at the forefront of early-season openings in Canada. The resort’s commitment to providing an extended season for its guests underscores its position as a leader in the Canadian winter sports market.
The resort takes pride in exceeding industry standards and offering skiers and snowboarders exceptional experiences. The ski area encompasses 142 acres of skiable terrain, featuring a 700-foot vertical drop. The resort has 42 trails and eight lifts with a top elevation of 1,365 feet and a base elevation of 665 feet. The mountain boasts 100% snowmaking capabilities, allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy early-season skiing.
- Related: Affordable Multi-Mountain Ski Pass Launches September 1 Across Northeast and Eastern Canada
Saint Sauveur is included in the Snow Triple Play Pass, priced at $199.99, and offers three days of skiing or riding at 15 participating resorts across the Northeast United States and Eastern Canada. Sommet Gabriel, Sommet Olympia, and Sommet Morin Heights in Quebec are also on the Snow Triple Play Pass. The pass allows skiers and riders to use up to two days at any single participating resort, capped at a total of three days, encouraging exploration while still enabling short weekend getaways to a favourite destination.
While other ski resorts in the East are open for early-season skiing, these seven resorts have been consistently open each season in their respective regions. These resorts have also ensured skiers and snowboarders have access to adequate terrain and lift access for early-season skiing. Their robust snowmaking capabilities also ensure ample snow coverage, which allows them to kick off the new ski season each year before other resorts.
I ski Timberline in West Virginia. Some of the best snowmaking! Opening day is first weekend in December or earlier depending on weather.
Why are Okemo and Stowe on this list?? Vail pushed back their opening dates by several weeks to early december to save money this year. Resorts in the Poconos open before that. #EpicFail