Stowe and Okemo Resorts to Open With Record Early-Season Snowpack as Vermont Surges Ahead of the West

While the western United States waits for winter to arrive, Vermont is stealing the spotlight. Stowe Mountain Resort announced it will open for the 2025-26 season on Friday, November 21, backed by what the resort is calling a record deep snowpack for this time of year—a rarity in November and a stark contrast to the lean early-season conditions out West.

Thanks to sustained cold temperatures, repeated natural snow cycles, and aggressive around-the-clock snowmaking, Stowe expects to open more than 50 trails, offering 20+ miles and 225 acres of skiable terrain on day one, the resort shared in a joint Vail Resorts press release with Okemo Resort. On Mount Mansfield, guests can expect groomed snowmaking classics like Lord, North Slope, Sunrise, and Standard, alongside natural-snow lines such as Nosedive, Hayride, and even portions of the Front Four—an exceptional early-season feat.

At Spruce Peak, beginners will find smooth groomers on Inspiration and the Carpet Learning Area, giving the resort one of the most well-rounded opening day lineups in the East.

While Vermont Buries in Snow, the West Waits

The announcement comes during a surprising early-season split:

• The East Coast, especially northern Vermont, has seen repeated storms, sustained cold, and impressive natural snowfall totals.

• Much of the western U.S. has been relatively dry, with ski areas from Tahoe to Utah and Colorado leaning heavily on snowmaking and delayed terrain expansions.

Stowe’s November base depth is now one of the deepest in North America, a distinction usually held by western resorts.

• Related: East Coast Scores Big Early-Season Snow as Jay Peak, VT, Urges Uphillers to Use Caution: “We Don’t Want to Suspend Uphill Access, But We Will”

Okemo Joins the Momentum With 70th Anniversary Opening

Just one day later, Okemo Mountain Resort will kick off its 70th anniversary season on Saturday, November 22. Guests can expect top-to-bottom skiing and riding serviced by the A Quad, Sunburst Six, and F-10 Carpet, offering terrain for all abilities.

“Having been part of Okemo for over 40 years, it’s incredibly meaningful to see us celebrate our 70th anniversary,”  Vice President and General Manager Bruce Schmidt said in the press release. “This mountain isn’t just where I work—it’s home.”

Okemo’s expanded early-season terrain is due in part to snowmaking upgrades completed this summer through a partnership with Efficiency Vermont, allowing the resort to make more snow, faster, and with improved energy efficiency.

A Season of Celebration at Okemo

This winter marks seven decades of skiing and riding at Okemo, and the resort plans to celebrate with:

• A 70th Anniversary Birthday Bash (January 31)

• Retro events and commemorative gear

• New Après Afternoons at The Bull

• New Year’s fireworks

• Okemo Pride Day (February 28)

• The new Okemo Parks Halfpipe Jam (March 29)

• Spring Slush Cup & Fling (April 4)

A full calendar is available on Okemo’s website.

Epic Pass Access Across Vermont

Epic Passes for 2025-26 remain on sale through December 4, offering unlimited access to Stowe, Okemo, and Mount Snow, plus 20% discounts on food, lodging, rentals, and more through Epic Mountain Rewards. The new Epic Friend Tickets give passholders the ability to share 50% off lift tickets with friends and family—valid any day of the season.

• Related: These Are the 45+ Open Ski Resorts in North America This Week

Looking Ahead

With over 50 trails opening at Stowe and a milestone season kicking off at Okemo, Vermont is entering winter with unusual abundance. If early-season trends continue, the Green Mountains could offer some of the best early snow conditions in North America.

As the West waits for its winter pattern to lock in, Vermont is already deep in the goods—and ready to welcome skiers and riders into a banner beginning to the 2025-26 season.