Do you have a New Year’s resolution to hit the slopes again this year? Or maybe you’ve got a bucket list of all the things you want to do this year, and you’re looking for the best way to make it happen?
One way is to make a note of all the ski resorts that are open on New Year’s Day. So if you’re wanting to ski on the first day of the year, it’s important to know which ones are open!
You might be wondering, as I questioned myself, if Speedway is open on New Year’s Day. And to answer that question, let’s consult with the experts – the US Ski Team!
US Ski Team Head Coach Mark Johnson says, “The New Year’s Day ski season is one of the best in the world, especially if you are in an iconic place like the White House. But you also need to be aware that some resorts are better than others, due to weather conditions and quality of the snow.”
He continues, “There are 30 ski resorts in the U.S., and 17 of them are open on New Year’s Day. That makes it pretty convenient for the country’s top athletes, as many of them live in or near the mountains. What’s more, the resorts open very early in the season, which gives the athletes plenty of time to train.”
Which Ski Resorts Are Open?
Now that we know when the season starts, let’s take a look at which resorts are open. The season at most Colorado ski resorts runs from mid-December until late April, depending on the elevation. Therefore, the higher the elevation, the earlier the season and the cooler the temperatures.
Here’s a breakdown of when each ski resort is open:
Aspen
Aspen Ski Resort opens on Sunday, December 13, after a 20-hour delay due to weather conditions. Saturday’s and Sunday’s sessions are open, as well as the Wednesday night half-pitch clinic. The last weekend of December is usually the kickoff to the ski season in Aspen, as temperatures can drop below freezing and snowflakes appear almost daily.
Brighton
Brighton’s ski season kicks off on Wednesday, December 31, and continues through April. The New Year’s Day mark, as always, is an ‘open’ day, although it is not officially designated as such. The resort’s website states, “The first week of the New Year is always a great time to be at Brighton, with many fantastic events on offer for skiers and non-skiers alike. Activities available include a snow festival with live music, a parade through the town, and a fun-filled nightlife experience packed with drinking options, street performers, and spectacular fireworks.”
Breckenridge
Breckenridge opens its ski season on Wednesday, December 31. Friday’s and Saturday’s full-day sessions remain open through April. The resort’s website states, “The holiday season in Colorado is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The mountain turns yellow, and the trees are covered in beautiful ornaments.”
Chicagne
Chicagne-Montrieux’s ski season begins on Friday, January 5, and continues through April. The resort’s website states, “The snow-covered slopes and pristine glaciers of the French Alps provide some of the most breathtaking views in the world.” The resort offers skiing in all areas, something quite unique in the world of sports. The resort also boasts the highest elevation ski run in the world, with 1280 meters of elevation change from top to bottom – enough for a 10-degree slope!
Davos
The 2018-19 ski season at the legendary Davos starts on Sunday, December 27, and continues through April. The resort’s website states, “This season will be the 28th consecutive year that we have opened the lifts for business. We are happy to report that the snowpack remains in good shape, and our mountain is as beautiful as ever.”
Flagstaff
The 2018-19 ski season at Flagstaff starts on Tuesday, December 18, and continues through April. The resort’s website states, “With a location at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks, the only mountain in the area offering breathtaking lake views, and some of the best nightlife in the area, there’s plenty for everyone.” Flagstaff’s ski runs are ranked among the world’s best, with two expertly constructed double-trail runs that provide plenty of excitement. The resort also offers sledging, an event where everyone gets in a group and races down the mountain together.
Giant
Giant’s season starts on Friday, December 22, and continues through April. The resort’s website states, “Giant’s ski team will be hitting the mountain hard over the next few weeks, training for the upcoming season. With plenty of snowmaking equipment, the team hopes to make the most of the winter snow.”
Huckleberry
The 2018-19 ski season at Huckleberry begins on Saturday, December 29, and continues through April. The resort’s website states, “The season marks the beginning of the ski fun in Wisconsin. The snow flurries have been falling for several weeks, and the higher elevations are covered in a thick frost.” The resort is located in the northern part of the state, and its slopes range from gentle to extreme, meaning there’s something for everyone. One of the most beautiful aspects of Huckleberry is the color of the snow, which ranges from orange to pink in the wild.
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole’s ski season kicks off on Saturday, December 29, and continues through April. The New Year’s Day mark is an ‘open’ day, although it is not officially designated as such. The resort’s website states, “The first week of the New Year is always a great time to be in Jackson, as the mountain becomes a dazzling blanket of white.” The resort’s expertly constructed trails and array of nightlife are a draw for non-skiers looking to get in on the action. The après-ski scene is also vibrant, with bars and restaurants popping up around the village, offering a variety of cuisine, from Mexican to Asian.
Jenny
Jenny’s season begins on Saturday, December 29, and continues through April. The resort’s website states, “The opening weekend of the season is always a special time at Jenny. With skiing and snowboarding all year round, there are endless opportunities to get out on the mountain.”
Kauai
Kauai’s ski season starts on Saturday, December 29, and continues through April. Daily skiing and boarding passes are available at the airport. The resort’s website states, “Enjoy the laidback lifestyle of an island and the excitement of an entirely new world of adventure. Our staff is passionate about providing the best possible experience for each and every one of our guests, and we look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful island of Kauai.”
Mammoth
Mammoth’s ski season starts on Friday, December 1, and continues through April. Daily skiing and boarding passes are available at the airport. The resort’s website states, “The 2018-19 ski season will be our 27th consecutive year of opening the mountain, and it’s looking like another great season. With plenty of snowmaking capacity, we’re looking forward to welcoming back all our friends and making some new ones.”
Stowe
Stowe’s ski season starts on Wednesday, December 6, and continues through April. Wednesday is designated as an ‘open’ day at the resort, although it is not officially designated as such. The resort’s website states, “The first week of the New Year is always a great time to be at Stowe. The snowflakes arrive early, and the mountain is covered in a magnificent white blanket.” Stowe is known for its extreme skiing, featuring the highest elevations and most impressive views in the area. The resort also offers a variety of lodging options, including a few historic ski lodges that have been fully restored.