SAM Magazine—Shrewsbury, Mass., Oct. 21, 2024—Thanks to its all-weather snowmaking system, Massachusetts’ Ski Ward has staked its claim as the first ski area in North America to open for lift-served skiing and snowboarding for the second year in a row.Courtesy of Ski Ward Several Colorado ski areas also appear ready to drop ropes in the coming days. 

Over the weekend, Ski Ward was able to open a portion of a run served by a conveyor lift. For the time being, the area remains closed midweek with plans for limited operations. Ski and snowboard lessons are scheduled to begin Nov. 1, and Ski Ward plans to host a “Season Kick-off” rail jam Nov. 2.

After receiving nearly 2 feet of snow in the last 72 hours, Wolf Creek, Colo., is planning to open for the 2024-25 season on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, with a $68 adult lift ticket. The ski area’s Bonanza, Treasure, and Nova lifts will provide access to roughly 30 percent of the mountain. A magic carpet will also operate to serve the mountain’s kids’ programs. 

Starting Tuesday, Wolf Creek plans to remain open for winter operations seven days a week.

Colorado neighbors Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, and Keystone Resort have fired up their snow guns following the recent storm, although none have committed to a firm opening day yet. 

In a Monday “Al’s Blog” post, A-Basin COO Alan Henceroth said, “The wet bulb temperature has been in the low 20s. All fan guns on High Noon are operating. The pumps are spinning just shy of full capacity. This is good. Tonight should be another good night for snowmaking.”

Three days ago, new VP and GM Shannon Buhler shared in a video posted to Keystone’s Instagram that snowmaking was officially underway at the resort. Per the post, Keystone is working “towards opening as early as possible with 2+ miles of skiing and riding.”