Late October 2011 will be remembered for its snowfall in the eastern metro areas, which also opened a few eastern ski areas. Aside from Wolf Creek, no western areas had a meaningful snowpack at the end of October to get a jump on the upcoming season.  November snowfall reflected a classic La Nina pattern with an outstanding start in the Pacific Northwest and much of western Canada, drier in regions farther south.

December was bone dry over nearly the entire West until Christmas. Some snow got through to the Southwest in December, bringing most areas there close to average but only Wolf Creek far above average. During Christmas week the Northwest and Northern Rockies of both U.S. and Canada got 3 feet of snow, but it remained dry farther south. With warm weather and Christmas crowds degrading the mostly manmade snowpack, California, Utah and I-70 Colorado were in the worst shape in January since at least 1980-81. Only the Pacific Northwest and western Canada had normal or better conditions and most of the snow through the first half of January was in those same regions.

The weather pattern finally changed in mid-January. Major storms hit the Pacific Northwest but then moved into the Northern Rockies and eventually Utah. A second system brought the Sierra its first snow in 2 months, but in most places was only enough to get about half of terrain open. Colorado is getting snow in its usual moderate amounts, so more terrain is opening each week but it will take a few more weeks to reach full operation. In late January the storm track is again moving to the north.

California: There was an 18+ inch storm during the first week of October but it all melted up to at least 10,000 feet by the end of the month. Mammoth had about half normal snowfall in November and Tahoe was even drier. There was no snow in December, so this was the worst Christmas at Mammoth since 1999-2000 and the worst at Tahoe since 1976-77 with very limited skiing only on manmade snow. The first half of January remained dry and a 2+ week period around the holidays was also too warm to make snow. The Sierra finally got about 4 feet of snow 3 weeks into January, but at Tahoe that was followed by rain and warm weather so less than half of terrain is open with mediocre surface conditions. Eyewitness reports from Tahoe report substantially lower amounts of terrain skiable than is claimed by many of the resorts, so I have estimated realistic percents open in the table below. Advance commitments to Tahoe should be avoided until another major storm opens more runs and improves surfaces. Mammoth escaped the rain and has preserved the snow better with its higher altitude so conditions are much better there. Southwest storms opened most of Arizona Snowbowl by mid-December and snowmaking terrain in Southern California opened in the same timeframe with cold temperatures. However both SoCal and Arizona have been warm and mostly dry since Christmas.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	74	30%	30%
Northstar	73	47%	55%
Mt. Rose	70	40%	60%
Kirkwood	66	27%	50%
Mammoth	87	47%	80%
Southern Cal	36	64%	0-97%
Arizona Snowbowl	98	81%	75%

Pacific Northwest: The entire region had an excellent start in November. Mt. Bachelor had a solid base that could open most of the mountain, but did not get that last dump to open Summit and Northwest until Christmas week. Mt. Baker has been 100% open and Mt. Hood 80% since early December. There was no snow in the region in December before Christmas, but with 3 feet over the holidays base depths reached 4-5 feet with excellent conditions. In early January there were 3 feet at Whistler, 2 feet in Washington and less than a foot in Oregon. Snow in the second half of January was spectacular, with 9-10 feet in Washington and Oregon and 5 feet at Whistler. Base depths are now 6-10+ feet.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	273	113%	100%
Crystal Mt.	281	123%	100%
Stevens Pass	285	105%	100%
Mt. Bachelor	222	104%	100%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high through most of the region. Modest snowfalls in December before Christmas averaged less than a foot near the U.S. border and 1-2 feet farther north. But 2-3 feet of snow during Christmas week throughout the region bought base depths up to 3-5 feet with excellent conditions. First half of January January snowfall was 1-2 feet near the U.S. border but 2-3 feet farther north Big White is 94% open and Silver Star and Sun Peaks 100% on 4-6 foot bases. Last half of January snow was 9 feet at Fernie and 3-5 feet elsewhere. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse snow totals are likely inflated by including October, but both were 50+% open by early December.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	149	154%	99%
Sunshine	224	164%	97%
Revelstoke	272	133%	100%
Kicking Horse	246	161%	99%
Whitewater	229	103%	100%
Red Mt.	110	69%	100%
Fernie	236	113%	100%
Castle Mt.	137	89%	95%

U. S. Northern Rockies: Snowfall in November was close to average at areas reporting. Jackson opened a bit early with more terrain than normal available but added little during dry spell before Christmas. Schweitzer got off to a good start with the Northwest influence, and along with consistent Grand Targhee was the only area in full operation by Christmas. Big Sky was 61% open for Christmas (95% now) but the rest of the region’s ski areas were less than half open, and Brundage and Bogus Basin not open at all. Conditions improved during Christmas week with up to 2 feet of snow at most areas, allowing Jackson’s tram and Brundage to open Dec. 30. After less than a foot of snow in the first half of January base depths were 4 feet in the Tetons and at Schweitzer but no more than 3 feet elsewhere, far below average. The mid-January storm brought 3-4 feet to Whitefish, Idaho and the Tetons, finally putting those areas in good shape, with another 2-3 feet later in the month. Second half of January snowfall elsewhere in Montana was less than half a much as in Idaho and Wyoming.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Grand Targhee	206	77%	100%
Jackson Hole	181	82%	100%
Whitefish	139	75%	100%
Bridger Bowl	88	56%	85%
Schweitzer	169	107%	100%
Sun Valley	100.5	88%	97%
Brundage	138	76%	100%

Utah: Utah’s November was close to average but there were less than 2 feet of snow in the Wasatch in December. Brian Head had 3+ feet in December from Southwest storms. The Cottonwood areas were 2/3 to 3/4 open for the holidays on 3 foot bases. Other Wasatch areas were less than half open on 2 foot bases, mostly on snowmaking. With warm weather during Christmas week New Year’s conditions were the worst since 1980-81. Outside the Cottonwood Canyons much advanced terrain will not likely be open until mid-February. The first week of January there were several inches new snow which improved surfaces but were not enough to open more terrain. There was 5 feet of snow in the Cottonwood areas in nthe second half of January and 4 feet in the rest of the Wasatch, resulting in close to full operation on 6 foot bases in the Cottonwood areas and 4 foot bases elsewhere.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	167	61%	95%
Snowbird	166	72%	88%
Brighton/Solitude	153	59%	92%
Park City group	110	69%	93%
Snowbasin	127	80%	93%
Brian Head	110	67%	85%

Northern and Central Colorado: This region had a very bad start. Loveland had 46 inches in October but only 36 inches in November and 20 in December. It is possible that some other area snow totals may include October snow that probably did not last. Historically most of these areas are at least half open by mid-December but were only quarter open this year. Going into New Year’s many areas were still only 1/3 open. This holiday season was the worst since 1980-81, with crowds bringing up the rocks on the limited terrain in warm weather. 4-5 feet has fallen over the course of January, so new terrain has opened gradually and total terrain open now and base depths of 3-4 feet are a bit short of Christmas of an average year. Expert terrain will likely take a few more weeks to open. Advance commitments are best delayed for a few more weeks as snow tends to accumulate gradually in this region.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Beaver Creek	128	73%	85%
Breckenridge	136	88%	75%
Copper Mt.	101	68%	61%
Keystone	75	62%	63%
Loveland	108	65%	45%
Steamboat	110	55%	96%
Vail	138	77%	84%
Winter Park	102	55%	78%

Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Crested Butte and Aspen (snowier climate than either) had 22 inches in October, 39 in November and only 14 in December. In the Southwest December snowfall snowfall was average or better, so Taos was 76% open at Christmas (86% now) on a 4 foot base vs. 41% open on average. Wolf Creek’s 87 inches of December snow was nearly twice as much as any other U.S. area. Eyewitness reports from Snowmass over Christmas were very rocky. Nearly the entire region was dry for 3 weeks after Christmas but there has been 3+ feet in the second half of January. So at the Colorado areas with base depths of 3-4 feet (all but Wolf Creek) it may be a few weeks before more expert terrain is opened. I do not expect Crested Butte’s North Face to be open before March.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Aspen/Snowmass	102	81%	88%
Gothic Snow Lab	119	65%	N/A
Durango	108	87%	99%
Telluride	113	84%	91%
Wolf Creek	232	123%	100%

Northeast: The late October storm dropped 15 inches at Killington, which opened Oct. 30. Sunday River, Mt. Snow and Plattekill also opened on a limited basis. The natural snow was much less than in October 2005, so operations were more limited and any natural base soon disappeared. November and early December were very poor with low snowfall and very limited operations. This Christmas in the Northeast rivals 2006-07 as the worst since 2001-02. Christmas week and early January had mixed precipitation, but with more snow than rain. Most places had only half as much terrain open as usual at New Year’s. Trail counts rose considerably in mid-January with 1-3 feet of new snow, but most areas still remain short of full operation at the end of January. Percents open: Okemo 93%, Stratton 86%, Hunter 84%, Sunday River 83%, Sugarloaf 63%, Tremblant 92%, Ste. Anne 100%.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Jay Peak (mid)	134	76%	88%
Stowe (Mansfield Stake)	69	55%	97%
Sugarbush	94	65%	99%
Killington	84	80%	68%
Cannon Mt.	72	87%	69%
Le Massif	93	75%	96%

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Late October 2011 will be remembered for its snowfall in the eastern metro areas, which also opened a few eastern ski areas. Aside from Wolf Creek, no western areas had a meaningful snowpack at the end of October to get a jump on the upcoming season.  November snowfall reflected a classic La Nina pattern with an outstanding start in the Pacific Northwest and much of western Canada, drier in regions farther south.

December was bone dry over nearly the entire West until Christmas. Some snow got through to the Southwest in December, bringing most areas there close to average but only Wolf Creek far above average. During Christmas week the Northwest and Northern Rockies of both U.S. and Canada got 3 feet of snow, but it remained dry farther south. With warm weather and Christmas crowds degrading the mostly manmade snowpack, California, Utah and I-70 Colorado were in the worst shape in January since at least 1980-81. Only the Pacific Northwest and western Canada had normal or better conditions and most of the snow through the first half of January was in those same regions. The weather pattern finally changed last week. Major storms hit the Pacific Northwest but then moved into the Northern Rockies and eventually Utah. A second big system is bringing the Sierra its first snow in 2 months, but it’s still early to predict the ultimate result there. Colorado is getting snow in its usual moderate amounts, so it is still likely to be a few more weeks before the most severe drought stricken regions of California and I-70 Colorado reach full operation.

California: There was an 18+ inch storm during the first week of October but it all melted up to at least 10,000 feet by the end of the month. Mammoth had about half normal snowfall in November and Tahoe was even drier. There was no snow in December, so this was the worst Christmas at Mammoth since 1999-2000 and the worst at Tahoe since 1976-77 with very limited skiing only on manmade snow. The first half of January remained dry and a 2+ week period around the holidays was also too warm to make snow. A major storm is underway, dropping 1-2 feet so far. Advance commitments should be avoided until seeing how much terrain is opened after the storm. Southwest storms opened most of Arizona Snowbowl by mid-December and snowmaking terrain in Southern California opened in the same timeframe with cold temperatures. However both SoCal and Arizona have been warm and dry since Christmas.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	28	14%	3%
Northstar	31	23%	8%
Mt. Rose	48	31%	18%
Kirkwood	44	21%	8%
Mammoth	50.5	32%	15%
Southern Cal	32	69%	0-97%
Arizona Snowbowl	95	90%	65%

Pacific Northwest: The entire region had an excellent start in November. Mt. Bachelor had a solid base that could open most of the mountain, but did not get that last dump to open Summit and Northwest until Christmas week. Mt. Baker has been 100% open and Mt. Hood 80% since early December. There was no snow in the region in December before Christmas, but with 3 feet over the holidays base depths reached 4-5 feet with excellent conditions. In early January there were 3 feet at Whistler, 2 feet in Washington and less than a foot in Oregon, but storms are expected all next week. Last week’s snow was spectacular, with 5 feet in Washington and 90 inches at Mt. Bachelor but only a foot at Whistler as the storm track finally moved south. Base depths are now 5-8 feet.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	228	105%	100%
Crystal Mt.	244	121%	100%
Stevens Pass	244	102%	100%
Mt. Bachelor	185	97%	100%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high through most of the region. Modest snowfalls in December before Christmas averaged less than a foot near the U.S. border and 1-2 feet farther north. But 2-3 feet of snow during Christmas week throughout the region bought base depths up to 3-5 feet with excellent conditions. First half of January January snowfall was 1-2 feet near the U.S. border but 2-3 feet farther north Big White is 90% open and Silver Star and Sun Peaks 100%. Last week’s snow was 5 feet at Fernie but 1-2 feet elsewhere. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse snow totals are likely inflated by including October, but both were 50+% open in early December.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	124	144%	94%
Sunshine	183	151%	96%
Revelstoke	230	126%	100%
Kicking Horse	204	150%	94%
Whitewater	181	93%	100%
Red Mt.	94	67%	100%
Fernie	189	112%	100%
Castle Mt.	115	84%	90%

U. S. Northern Rockies: Snowfall in November was close to average at areas reporting. Jackson opened a bit early with more terrain than normal available but added little during dry spell before Christmas. Schweitzer got off to a good start with the Northwest influence, and along with consistent Grand Targhee was the only area in full operation by Christmas. Big Sky was 61% open for Christmas (95% now) but the rest of the region’s ski areas were less than half open, and Brundage and Bogus Basin not open at all. Conditions improved during Christmas week with up to 2 feet of snow at most areas, allowing Jackson’s tram and Brundage to open Dec. 30. After less than a foot of snow in the first half of January base depths were 4 feet in the Tetons and at Schweitzer but no more than 3 feet elsewhere, far below average. Last week’s storm brought 3-4 feet to Whitefish, Idaho and the Tetons, so those areas are finally in good shape. Snowfall elsewhere in Montana was 1-2 feet.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Grand Targhee	176	75%	100%
Jackson Hole	143	74%	87%
Whitefish	101	60%	101%
Bridger Bowl	81	58%	85%
Schweitzer	144	103%	100%
Sun Valley	91.5	91%	88%
Brundage	112	70%	100%

Utah: Utah’s November was close to average but there were less than 2 feet of snow in the Wasatch in December. Brian Head had 3+ feet in December from Southwest storms. The Cottonwood areas were 2/3 to 3/4 open for the holidays on 3 foot bases. Other Wasatch areas were less than half open on 2 foot bases, mostly on snowmaking. With warm weather during Christmas week New Year’s conditions were the worst since 1980-81. Outside the Cottonwood Canyons much advanced terrain will not likely be open until mid-February. The first week of January there were several inches new snow which improved surfaces but were not enough to open more terrain. The current storm has dropped 1-2 feet so far but considerably more is expected. The Cottonwood areas should be close to full operation after control work is done.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	129	53%	73%
Snowbird	129	63%	60%
Brighton/Solitude	115	50%	77%
Park City group	81	58%	58%
Snowbasin	96	68%	52%
Brian Head	92	63%	65%

Northern and Central Colorado: This region had a very bad start. Loveland had 46 inches in October but only 36 inches in November and 20 in December. It is possible that some other area snow totals may include October snow that probably did not last. Historically most of these areas are at least half open by mid-December but were only quarter open this year. Going into New Year’s many areas were still only 1/3 open. This holiday season was the worst since 1980-81, with crowds bringing up the rocks on the limited terrain in warm weather. 2-3 feet has fallen so far in January, so new terrain has opened gradually and total terrain open now is similar to mid-December of an average year. With base depths of 3 feet advanced terrain will likely take a few more weeks to open. Advance commitments should be avoided for the next month as snow tends to accumulate gradually in this region.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Beaver Creek	100	64%	83%
Breckenridge	108	79%	67%
Copper Mt.	75	57%	39%
Keystone	64	60%	43%
Loveland	86	58%	25%
Steamboat	92	52%	81%
Vail	109	64%	44%
Winter Park	87.5	53%	66%

Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Crested Butte and Aspen (snowier climate than either) had 22 inches in October, 39 in November and only 14 in December. In the Southwest December snowfall snowfall was average or better, so Taos was 76% open at Christmas (86% now) on a 4 foot base vs. 41% open on average. Wolf Creek’s 87 inches of December snow was nearly twice as much as any other U.S. area. Eyewitness reports from Snowmass over Christmas were very rocky. Nearly the entire region was dry for 3 weeks after Christmas but theree was about a foot last week. So at the Colorado areas with base depths of 3 feet (all but Wolf Creek) it may be a few weeks before more expert terrain is opened. I would not expect Crested Butte’s North Face to be open before March.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Aspen/Snowmass	81	73%	77%
Gothic Snow Lab	83	52%	N/A
Durango	86	72%	97%
Telluride	81	73%	70%
Wolf Creek	220	132%	100%

Northeast: The late October storm dropped 15 inches at Killington, which opened Oct. 30. Sunday River, Mt. Snow and Plattekill also opened on a limited basis. The natural snow was much less than in October 2005, so operations were more limited and any natural base soon disappeared. November and early December were very poor with low snowfall and very limited operations. This Christmas in the Northeast rivals 2006-07 as the worst since 2001-02. Christmas week and early January had mixed precipitation, but with more snow than rain. Most places had only half as much terrain open as usual at New Year’s. Trail counts rose considerably in mid-January with 1-3 feet of new snow. Percents open: Okemo 82%, Stratton 85%, Hunter 80%, Sunday River 67%, Sugarloaf 59%, Tremblant 100%, Ste. Anne 100%.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Jay Peak (mid)	116	75%	91%
Stowe (Mansfield Stake)	61	54%	93%
Sugarbush	74	59%	100%
Killington	78	80%	68%
Cannon Mt.	64	89%	82%
Le Massif	77	73%	96%

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Late October 2011 will be remembered for its snowfall in the eastern metro areas, which also opened a few eastern ski areas. Aside from Wolf Creek, no western areas had a meaningful snowpack at the end of October to get a jump on the upcoming season.  November snowfall reflected a classic La Nina pattern with an outstanding start in the Pacific Northwest and much of western Canada, drier in regions farther south.

December was bone dry over nearly the entire West until Christmas. Some snow got through to the Southwest in December, bringing most areas there close to average but only Wolf Creek far above average. During Christmas week the Northwest and Northern Rockies of both U.S. and Canada got 3 feet of snow, but it remained dry farther south. With warm weather and Christmas crowds degrading the mostly manmade snowpack, California, Utah and I-70 Colorado are in the worst shape in January since at least 1980-81. Only the Pacific Northwest and western Canada have normal or better conditions and most of the snow through the first half of January has been in those same regions. Conditions in California and I-70 Colorado are so bad that vacationers scheduled for the rest of January should bail out and go somewhere else, even at the cost of cancellation penalties. In 15 years of writing these reports this is the first time I have made such a drastic recommendation. A major change in the prolonged drought pattern is predicted to start next week, but even if that occurs there will be snow stability issues affecting how soon terrain can be opened. If the storms are big enough reasonable conditions could be possible for February.

California: There was an 18+ inch storm during the first week of October but it all melted up to at least 10,000 feet by the end of the month. Mammoth had about half normal snowfall in November and Tahoe was even drier. There was no snow in December, so this was the worst Christmas at Mammoth since 1999-2000 and the worst at Tahoe since 1976-77 with very limited skiing only on manmade snow. The first half of January has remained dry and a 2+ week period around the holidays was also too warm to make snow. A major storm is possible in about a week, but there is still uncertainty regarding its precise track and what the rain/snow line will be. Advance commitments should be avoided until after seeing the results of that storm. Southwest storms opened most of Arizona Snowbowl by mid-December and snowmaking terrain in Southern California opened in the same timeframe with cold temperatures. However both SoCal and Arizona have been warm and dry since Christmas.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	18	10%	2%
Northstar	22	18%	7%
Mt. Rose	24	17%	18%
Kirkwood	35	18%	8%
Mammoth	32	22%	14%
Southern Cal	32	78%	0-97%
Arizona Snowbowl	91	96%	65%

Pacific Northwest: The entire region had an excellent start in November. Mt. Bachelor had a solid base that could open most of the mountain, but did not get that last dump to open Summit and Northwest until Christmas week. Mt. Baker has been 100% open and Mt. Hood 80% since early December. There was no snow in the region in December before Christmas, but with 3 feet over the holidays base depths reached 4-5 feet with excellent conditions. So far in January there have been 3 feet at Whistler, 2 feet in Washington and less than a foot in Oregon, but storms are expected all next week.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	215	108%	100%
Crystal Mt.	181	98%	96%
Stevens Pass	177	81%	100%
Mt. Bachelor	95	54%	70%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high through most of the region. Modest snowfalls in December before Christmas averaged less than a foot near the U.S. border and 1-2 feet farther north. But 2-3 feet of snow during Christmas week throughout the region bought base depths up to 3-5 feet with excellent conditions. First half of January January snowfall has been 1-2 feet near the U.S. border but 2-3 feet farther north Big White is 85% open and Silver Star and Sun Peaks 100%. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse snow totals are likely inflated by including October, but both were 50+% open in early December.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	120	150%	93%
Sunshine	173	154%	93%
Revelstoke	215	127%	100%
Kicking Horse	194	152%	89%
Whitewater	153	85%	94%
Red Mt.	80	62%	100%
Fernie	129	76%	89%
Castle Mt.	96	77%	90%

U. S. Northern Rockies: Snowfall in November was close to average at areas reporting. Jackson opened a bit early with more terrain than normal available but added little during dry spell before Christmas. Schweitzer got off to a good start with the Northwest influence, and along with consistent Grand Targhee was the only area in full operation by Christmas. Big Sky was 61% open for Christmas (95% now) but the rest of the region’s ski areas were less than half open, and Brundage and Bogus Basin not open at all. Conditions improved during Christmas week with up to 2 feet of snow at most areas, allowing Jackson’s tram and Brundage to open Dec. 30. After less than a foot of snow in the first half of January base depths are 4 feet in the Tetons and at Schweitzer but no more than 3 feet elsewhere, well below average. However, significant snow is expected next week in much of the region.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Grand Targhee	147	69%	100%
Jackson Hole	105	60%	85%
Whitefish	75	50%	98%
Bridger Bowl	75	58%	85%
Schweitzer	115	90%	100%
Sun Valley	59	64%	88%
Brundage	58	40%	100%

Utah: Utah’s November was close to average but there were less than 2 feet of snow in the Wasatch in December. Brian Head had 3+ feet in December from Southwest storms. The Cottonwood areas were 2/3 to 3/4 open for the holidays on 3 foot bases. Other Wasatch areas were less than half open on 2 foot bases, mostly on snowmaking. With warm weather during Christmas week New Year’s conditions were the worst since 1980-81. Outside the Cottonwood Canyons much advanced terrain will not likely be open until mid-February. The first week of January there were several inches new snow which improved surfaces but were not enough to open more terrain. Significant snow is expected next week

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	107	48%	73%
Snowbird	107	57%	50%
Brighton/Solitude	94	44%	64%
Park City group	65	50%	47%
Snowbasin	71	55%	40%
Brian Head	91	68%	65%

Northern and Central Colorado: This region had a very bad start. Loveland had 46 inches in October but only 36 inches in November and 20 in December. It is possible that some other area snow totals may include October snow that probably did not last. Historically most of these areas are at least half open by mid-December but were only quarter open this year. Going into New Year’s many areas were still only 1/3 open. This holiday season was the worst since 1980-81, with crowds bringing up the rocks on the limited terrain in warm weather. With base depths still around 2 feet much advanced terrain will not likely be open until late February. Just 1-2 feet has fallen during the first half of January, only modest amounts of new terrain have opened and many areas remain well under half open. Advance commitments should be avoided before March as snow tends to accumulate gradually in this region.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Beaver Creek	87	60%	65%
Breckenridge	90	71%	53%
Copper Mt.	64	53%	38%
Keystone	54	54%	33%
Loveland	68	49%	22%
Steamboat	79	48%	69%
Vail	95	60%	30%
Winter Park	73.5	48%	62%

Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Crested Butte and Aspen (snowier climate than either) had 22 inches in October, 39 in November and only 14 in December. In the Southwest December snowfall snowfall was average or better, so Taos was 76% open at Christmas (83% now) on a 4 foot base vs. 41% open on average. Wolf Creek’s 87 inches of December snow was nearly twice as much as any other U.S. area. Nearly the entire region has been dry since Christmas with no new snow expected soon. So at the Colorado areas with base depths of 3 feet (all but Wolf Creek) it may be a few weeks before more expert terrain is opened. Eyewitness reports from Snowmass over Christmas were very rocky. I would not expect Crested Butte’s North Face to be open before March.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Aspen/Snowmass	62	61%	72%
Gothic Snow Lab	64	43%	N/A
Durango	75	69%	95%
Telluride	69	62%	58%
Wolf Creek	201	130%	100%

Northeast: The late October storm dropped 15 inches at Killington, which opened Oct. 30. Sunday River, Mt. Snow and Plattekill also opened on a limited basis. The natural snow was much less than in October 2005, so operations were more limited and any natural base soon disappeared. November and early December were very poor with low snowfall and very limited operations. This Christmas in the Northeast rivals 2006-07 as the worst since 2001-02. Christmas week and early January had mixed precipitation, but with more snow than rain. Most places had only half as much terrain open as usual at New Year’s. Trail counts rose considerably last week with 1-2 feet of new snow. Percents open: Okemo 73%, Stratton 72%, Hunter 75%, Sunday River 55%, Sugarloaf 44%, Tremblant 99%, Ste. Anne 100%.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Jay Peak (mid)	104	74%	78%
Stowe (Mansfield Stake)	56	54%	98%
Sugarbush	73	63%	100%
Killington	75	81%	64%
Cannon Mt.	49	75%	65%
Le Massif	56	53%	87%

All content herein copyright © 1996-2011 Bestsnow.net
All Rights Reserved.

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Late October 2011 will be remembered for its snowfall in the eastern metro areas, which also opened a few eastern ski areas. Aside from Wolf Creek, no western areas had a meaningful snowpack at the end of October to get a jump on the upcoming season.  November snowfall reflected a classic La Nina pattern with an outstanding start in the Pacific Northwest and much of western Canada, drier in regions farther south.

December was bone dry over nearly the entire West until Christmas. Some snow got through to the Southwest in December, bringing most areas there close to average but only Wolf Creek far above average. During Christmas week the Northwest and Northern Rockies of both U.S. and Canada got 3 feet of snow, but it remained dry farther south. With warm weather and Christmas crowds degrading the mostly manmade snowpack, California, Utah and I-70 Colorado are in the worst shape in January since at least 1980-81. Only the Pacific Northwest and western Canada have normal or better conditions and the only significant snow last week was in those same regions.  Conditions in California and I-70 Colorado are so bad that vacationers scheduled in the next few weeks should bail out and go somewhere else, even at the cost of cancellation penalties.  In 15 years of writing these reports this is the first time I have made such a drastic recommendation.

California: There was an 18+ inch storm during the first week of October but it all melted up to at least 10,000 feet by the end of the month. Mammoth had about half normal snowfall in November and Tahoe was even drier. With no snow in December, a warm Christmas week and no snow expected next week advance commitments should be avoided until at least February. This was the worst Christmas at Mammoth since 1999-2000 and the worst at Tahoe since 1976-77 with very limited skiing only on manmade snow. The first week of January remained dry and was also too warm to make snow. Full operation of expert terrain in the Sierra is not likely until late February and the probability of a completely busted season is about 25%. Southwest storms opened most of Arizona Snowbowl by mid-December and snowmaking terrain in Southern California opened in the same timeframe with cold temperatures.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	18	11%	2%
Northstar	22	20%	7%
Mt. Rose	24	20%	18%
Kirkwood	35	21%	8%
Mammoth	32	25%	14%
Southern Cal	32	96%	0-97%
Arizona Snowbowl	91	111%	80%

Pacific Northwest: The entire region had an excellent start in November. Mt. Bachelor had a solid base that could open most of the mountain, but did not get that last dump to open Summit and Northwest until Christmas week. Mt. Baker has been 100% open and Mt. Hood 80% since early December. There was no snow in the region in December before Christmas, but with 3 feet over the holidays base depths reached 4-5 feet with excellent conditions. So far in January there have been 2 feet at Whistler, 1+ foot in Washington and a few inches in Oregon.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	206	115%	100%
Crystal Mt.	167	102%	91%
Stevens Pass	161	83%	100%
Mt. Bachelor	91	57%	70%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high through most of the region. Modest snowfalls in December before Christmas averaged less than a foot near the U.S. border and 1-2 feet farther north. But 2-3 feet of snow during Christmas week throughout the region bought base depths up to 3-5 feet with excellent conditions. Early January snowfall has been just a few inches near the U.S. border but 1+ foot farther north Big White is 84% open and Silver Star and Sun Peaks 100%. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse snow totals are likely inflated by including October, but both were 50+% open in early December.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	114	159%	91%
Sunshine	158	157%	93%
Revelstoke	194	128%	100%
Kicking Horse	175	155%	93%
Whitewater	141	84%	94%
Red Mt.	78	69%	100%
Fernie	114	76%	84%
Castle Mt.	76	69%	85%

U. S. Northern Rockies: Snowfall in November was close to average at areas reporting. Jackson opened a bit early with more terrain than normal available but added little during dry spell before Christmas. Schweitzer got off to a good start with the Northwest influence, and along with consistent Grand Targhee was the only area in full operation by Christmas. Big Sky was 61% open for Christmas (89% now) but the rest of the region’s ski areas were less than half open, and Brundage and Bogus Basin not open at all. Conditions improved during Christmas week with up to 2 feet of snow at most areas, allowing Jackson’s tram and Brundage to open Dec. 30. After a dry first week of January base depths are 4 feet in the Tetons and at Schweitzer but no more than 3 feet elsewhere, well below average.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Grand Targhee	142	76%	100%
Jackson Hole	99	64%	85%
Whitefish	65	49%	85%
Bridger Bowl	66	58%	80%
Schweitzer	109	97%	100%
Sun Valley	59	74%	88%
Brundage	58	45%	100%

Utah: Utah’s November was close to average but there were less than 2 feet of snow in the Wasatch in December. Brian Head had 3+ feet in December from Southwest storms. The Cottonwood areas were 2/3 to 3/4 open for the holidays on 3 foot bases. Other Wasatch areas were less than half open on 2 foot bases, mostly on snowmaking. With warm weather during Christmas week New Year’s conditions were the worst since 1980-81. Outside the Cottonwood Canyons much advanced terrain will not likely be open until mid-February. Late last week there were several inches new snow which improved surfaces but are not enough to open more terrain.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	105	53%	72%
Snowbird	107	64%	50%
Brighton/Solitude	90	48%	64%
Park City group	64	56%	42%
Snowbasin	69	60%	39%
Brian Head	91	77%	65%

Northern and Central Colorado: This region has had a very bad start. Loveland had 46 inches in October but only 36 inches in November and 20 in December. It is possible that some other area snow totals may include October snow that probably did not last. Historically most of these areas are at least half open by mid-December but were only quarter open this year. Going into New Year’s many areas were still only 1/3 open. This holiday season was the worst since 1980-81, with crowds bringing up the rocks on the limited terrain in warm weather. With base depths still around 2 feet much advanced terrain will not likely be open until late February. Just a few inches fell last week, and terrain open actually declined at some areas with warm weather and limits on snowmaking. Advance commitments should be avoided before March as snow tends to accumulate gradually in this region.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Beaver Creek	72	56%	65%
Breckenridge	79	70%	45%
Copper Mt.	52	48%	29%
Keystone	48	54%	19%
Loveland	57	46%	20%
Steamboat	74.5	51%	66%
Vail	80	57%	28%
Winter Park	58	43%	43%

Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Crested Butte and Aspen (snowier climate than either) had 22 inches in October, 39 in November and only 14 in December. In the Southwest December snowfall snowfall was average or better, so Taos was 76% open at Christmas (83% now) on a 4 foot base vs. 41% open on average. Wolf Creek’s 87 inches of December snow was nearly twice as much as any other U.S. area. Nearly the entire region has been dry since Christmas with no new snow expected soon. So at the Colorado areas with base depths of 3 feet (all but Wolf Creek) it may be a few weeks before more expert terrain is opened. Eyewitness reports from Snowmass over Christmas were very rocky. I would not expect Crested Butte’s North Face to be open before late February.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Aspen/Snowmass	59	65%	64%
Gothic Snow Lab	61.5	47%	N/A
Durango	75	87%	94%
Telluride	65	74%	61%
Wolf Creek	200	163%	100%

Northeast: The late October storm dropped 15 inches at Killington, which opened Oct. 30. Sunday River, Mt. Snow and Plattekill also opened on a limited basis. The natural snow was much less than in October 2005, so operations were more limited and any natural base soon disappeared. November and early December were very poor with low snowfall and very limited operations. This Christmas in the Northeast rivals 2006-07 as the worst since 2001-02. Christmas week and last week had mixed precipitation, but with more snow than rain. So trail counts continue to rise gradually, but at most places were only half of normal at New Year’s. Percents open: Okemo 45%, Stratton 61%, Hunter 67%, Sunday River 44%, Sugarloaf 28%, Tremblant 60%, Ste. Anne 100%.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Jay Peak (mid)	70	57%	35%
Stowe (Mansfield Stake)	45	49%	68%
Sugarbush	51	51%	53%
Killington	57	66%	40%
Cannon Mt.	39	69%	42%
Le Massif	36	37%	81%

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Late October 2011 will be remembered for its snowfall in the eastern metro areas, which also opened a few eastern ski areas. Aside from Wolf Creek, no western areas had a meaningful snowpack at the end of October to get a jump on the upcoming season.  November snowfall reflected a classic La Nina pattern with an outstanding start in the Pacific Northwest and much of western Canada, drier in regions farther south. December was bone dry over nearly the entire West until Christmas. Some snow got through to the Southwest in December, bringing most areas there close to average but only Wolf Creek far above average. During Christmas week the Northwest and Northern Rockies of both U.S. and Canada got 3 feet of snow, but it remained dry farther south. With warm weather and Christmas crowds degrading the mostly manmade snowpack, California, Utah and I-70 Colorado are in the worst shape at New Year’s since at least 1980-81. Only the Pacific Northwest and western Canada have normal or better conditions and any snow likely to fall in the next week will again be in the northern regions.

California: There was an 18+ inch storm during the first week of October but it all melted up to at least 10,000 feet by the end of the month. Mammoth had about half normal snowfall in November and Tahoe was even drier. With no snow in December, a warm Christmas week and no snow expected next week advance commitments should be avoided until at least February. This is the worst Christmas at Mammoth since 1999-2000 and the worst at Tahoe since 1976-77 with very limited skiing only on manmade snow. Full operation of expert terrain in the Sierra is not likely until well into February. Southwest storms opened most of Arizona Snowbowl by mid-December and snowmaking terrain in Southern California opened in the same timeframe with cold temperatures.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	18	13%	5%
Northstar	22	23%	7%
Mt. Rose	24	22%	18%
Kirkwood	35	24%	8%
Mammoth	32	29%	14%
Southern Cal	32	119%	0-97%
Arizona Snowbowl	91	129%	80%

Pacific Northwest: The entire region had an excellent start in November. Mt. Bachelor’s snowfall was close to average but eyewitness reports showed a solid base that could open most of the mountain, weather and demand permitting. Farther north November snowfall was well above average. Mt. Baker is 100% open and Mt. Hood 80% since early December. There was no snow in December before Christmas, but with 3 feet in the past week base depths are 4-5 feet with excellent conditions.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	177	110%	100%
Crystal Mt.	157	109%	91%
Stevens Pass	148	87%	100%
Mt. Bachelor	88	62%	49%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high through most of the region. Modest snowfalls in December before Christmas averaged less than a foot near the U.S. border and 1-2 feet farther north. But 2-3 feet of snow during Christmas week throughout the region have bought base depths up to 3-5 feet with excellent conditions. Big White is 68% open and Gem Lake will open Jan. 1, Silver Star 91% and Sun Peaks 97%. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse snow totals are likely inflated by including October, but both were 50+% open in early December.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	91	142%	88%
Sunshine	136	151%	92%
Revelstoke	184	136%	95%
Kicking Horse	160	158%	88%
Whitewater	127	91%	94%
Red Mt.	75	75%	100%
Fernie	111	84%	84%
Castle Mt.	72	74%	85%

U. S. Northern Rockies: Snowfall in November was close to average at areas reporting. Jackson opened a bit early with more terrain than normal available but added little during dry spell before Christmas. Schweitzer got off to a good start with the Northwest influence, and along with consistent Grand Targhee was the only area in full operation by Christmas. Big Sky was 61% open for Christmas (69% now) but the rest of the region’s ski areas were less than half open, and Brundage and Bogus Basin not open at all. Conditions improved during Christmas week with up to 2 feet of snow at most areas, allowing Jackson’s tram and Brundage to open Dec. 30. Base depths are 4 feet in the Tetons and at Schweitzer but no more than 3 feet elsewhere.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Grand Targhee	141	70%	109%
Jackson Hole	97	72%	62%
Whitefish	65	56%	85%
Bridger Bowl	66	65%	77%
Schweitzer	108	108%	100%
Sun Valley	59	84%	58%
Brundage	58	51%	78%

Utah: Utah’s November was close to average but there was less than 2 feet in the Wasatch in December. Brian Head had 3+ feet in December from Southwest storms. The Cottonwood areas are 2/3 to 3/4 open for the holidays on 3 foot bases. Other Wasatch areas are less than half open on 2 foot bases, mostly on snowmaking. With warm weather during Christmas week New Year’s conditions are the worst since 1980-81. Outside the Cottonwood Canyons much advanced terrain will not likely be open until February.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	96	54%	80%
Snowbird	99	67%	50%
Brighton/Solitude	88	52%	66%
Park City group	61	59%	42%
Snowbasin	66	64%	50%
Brian Head	91	87%	74%

Northern and Central Colorado: This region is also off to a very slow start. Historically most of these areas are at least half open by mid-December but were only quarter open this year. Going into New Year’s many areas are still only 1/3 open. This holiday season was the worst since 1980-81, with crowds bringing up the rocks on the limited terrain in warm weather. With base depths still around 2 feet much advanced terrain will not likely be open until February.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Beaver Creek	72	63%	73%
Breckenridge	76	75%	43%
Copper Mt.	52	54%	31%
Keystone	48	61%	29%
Loveland	56	50%	20%
Steamboat	71	55%	67%
Vail	80	64%	29%
Winter Park	54.5	45%	38%

Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Crested Butte and Aspen (snowier climate than either) had 22 inches in October, 39 in November and only 14 in December. In the Southwest December snowfall snowfall was average or better, so Taos was 76% open at Christmas (84% now) on a 4 foot base vs. 41% open on average. Wolf Creek’s 87 inches of December snow was nearly twice as much as any other U.S. area. The entire region has been dry the past week with no new snow expected soon. So at the Colorado areas with base depths of 3 feet (all but Wolf Creek) it may be a few weeks before more expert terrain is opened. I would not expect Crested Butte’s North face to be open before mid-February.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Gothic Snow Lab	53	51%	N/A
Durango	75	87%	94%
Telluride	65	74%	61%
Wolf Creek	200	163%	100%

Northeast: The late October storm dropped 15 inches at Killington, which opened Oct. 30. Sunday River, Mt. Snow and Plattekill also opened on a limited basis. The natural snow was much less than in October 2005, so operations were more limited and any natural base soon disappeared. November and early December were very poor with low snowfall and very limited operations. This Christmas in the Northeast rivals 2006-07 as the worst since 2001-02. Christmas week has had mixed precipitation, but with more snow than rain. So trail counts continue to rise, but at many places are only half of normal for New Year’s. Percents open: Okemo 45%, Stratton 52%, Hunter 55%, Sunday River 39%, Sugarloaf 20%, Tremblant 63%, Ste. Anne 63%.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Jay Peak (mid)	51	48%	22%
Stowe (Mansfield Stake)	38	46%	47%
Sugarbush	44	50%	44%
Killington	51	62%	44%
Cannon Mt.	30	61%	28%
Le Massif	29	33%	34%

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Late October 2011 will be remembered for its snowfall in the eastern metro areas, which also opened a few eastern ski areas. Aside from Wolf Creek, no western areas had a meaningful snowpack at the end of October to get a jump on the upcoming season.  November snowfall reflected a classic La Nina pattern with an outstanding start in the Pacific Northwest and much of western Canada, drier in regions farther south. So far December has been exceptionally dry over nearly the entire West. Some snow has gotten through to the Southwest, bringing most areas there close to average but only Wolf Creek far above average. There are many resorts that are in limited operation for the holidays, probably the worst overall Christmas since 1986-87. Only the Pacific Northwest, western Canada and the far Southwest have normal or better conditions.

California: There was an 18+ inch storm during the first week of October but it all melted up to at least 10,000 feet by the end of the month. Mammoth had about half normal snowfall in November and Tahoe was even drier. No snow so far in December, and with none expected next week advance commitments should be avoided for at least another month. This is the worst Christmas at Mammoth since 1999-2000 and the worst at Tahoe since 1986-87 with very limited skiing only on manmade snow. Full operation of expert terrain in the Sierra is not likely until sometime in February. Southwest storms have opened most of Arizona Snowbowl and snowmaking is ahead of schedule in Southern California with cold temperatures.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	18	15%	5%
Northstar	22	27%	7%
Mt. Rose	24	26%	13%
Kirkwood	35	28%	7%
Mammoth	32	33%	15%
Southern Cal	32	142%	0-94%
Arizona Snowbowl	91	151%	80%

Pacific Northwest: The entire region had an excellent start in November. Mt. Bachelor’s snowfall was close to average but eyewitness reports showed a solid base that could open most of the mountain, weather and demand permitting. Farther north November snowfall was well above average. Mt. Baker is 100% open and Mt. Hood 80%. Base depths are in the 3-4 foot range and conditions are now more hardpacked due to just a few inches snow in December. But a series of storms is predicted to move through the region next week.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	137	97%	100%
Crystal Mt.	119	95%	91%
Stevens Pass	105	71%	73%
Mt. Bachelor	71	57%	41%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high through most of the region. Base depths are in the 3 foot range and more terrain than normal is open despite modest snowfalls averaging less than a foot near the U.S. border and 1-2 feet farther north so far in December. Big White is 58% open, Silver Star 90% and Sun Peaks 95%. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse snow totals are likely inflated by including October, but both were 50+% open in early December. As in the Northwest, more snow is expected next week.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	77	135%	86%
Sunshine	103	130%	81%
Revelstoke	153	128%	86%
Kicking Horse	132	146%	84%
Whitewater	90	74%	94%
Red Mt.	59	68%	34%
Fernie	84	73%	84%
Castle Mt.	59	70%	85%

U. S. Northern Rockies: Snowfall in November was close to average at areas reporting. Jackson opened a bit early with more terrain than normal available but has added little during the mostly dry December. Schweitzer got off to a good start with the Northwest influence, and along with consistent Grand Targhee is the only area in full operation for the holidays. Big Sky is below average but 61% open for Christmas. The rest of the region’s ski areas are less than half open for the holidays, and Brundage and Bogus Basin are not open at all.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Grand Targhee	113	80%	100%
Jackson Hole	73	62%	56%
Whitefish	41	41%	32%
Bridger Bowl	55	63%	21%
Schweitzer	92	106%	100%
Sun Valley	39	64%	48%
Brundage	44	44%	Closed

Utah: Utah’s November was close to average but there have been less than 2 feet in the Wasatch so far in December. Brian Head has had 3+ feet in December from Southwest storms. The Cottonwood areas are half to 2/3 open for the holidays on 3 foot bases. Other Wasatch areas are only 1/3 open on 2 foot bases, mostly on snowmaking and likely the leanest Christmas since 1986-87. Outside the Cottonwood Canyons much advanced terrain will not likely be open until late January or February.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	92	60%	65%
Snowbird	95	73%	50%
Brighton/Solitude	83	57%	45%
Park City	58	65%	38%
Snowbasin	65	72%	33%
Brian Head	91	99%	43%

Northern and Central Colorado: This region is also off to a very slow start. Historically most of these areas are at least half open by mid-December but were only quarter open this year. Going into Christmas most areas are still only 1/3 open. This holiday season rivals 1998-1999 as the worst since 1986-87. With base depths still around 2 feet much advanced terrain will not likely be open until late January or February.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Beaver Creek	72	71%	69%
Breckenridge	73	82%	36%
Copper Mt.	50	58%	27%
Keystone	47	67%	33%
Loveland	52	53%	19%
Steamboat	70.5	61%	56%
Vail	80	72%	29%
Winter Park	53.5	49%	29%

Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Crested Butte and Aspen (snowier climate than either) had 22 inches in October, 39 in November and only 13 so far in December. In the Southwest snowfall has been average or better, so Taos is 76% open on a 4 foot base vs. 41% open on average at Christmas. Wolf Creek’s 87 inches of December snow is nearly twice as much as any other area in North America. Normal snowfall should open most expert terrain elsewhere in January, except for Crested Butte’s North Face, which probably won’t open until sometime in February.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Crested Butte	22	31%	38%
Gothic Snow Lab	52	51%	N/A
Durango	75	99%	97%
Telluride	65	84%	57%
Wolf Creek	200	185%	100%

Northeast: The late October storm dropped 15 inches at Killington, which opened Oct. 30. Sunday River, Mt. Snow and Plattekill also opened on a limited basis. The natural snow was much less than in October 2005, so operations were more limited and any natural base soon disappeared. November and early December were very poor with low snowfall and very limited operations. Trail counts have just started to rise in the past week. This Christmas in the Northeast rivals 2006-07 as the worst since 2001-02. Percents open: Okemo 31%, Stratton 32%, Hunter 47%, Sunday River 30%, Sugarloaf 13%, Tremblant 29%, Ste. Anne 35%.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Jay Peak (mid)	37	42%	16%
Stowe (Mansfield Stake)	27	37%	23%
Sugarbush	27	36%	15%
Killington	40	57%	26%
Cannon Mt.	24	59%	17%
Le Massif	20	27%	26%

All content herein copyright © 1996-2011 Bestsnow.net
All Rights Reserved.

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Late October 2011 will be remembered for its snowfall in the eastern metro areas, which also opened a few eastern ski areas. Aside from Wolf Creek, no western areas had a meaningful snowpack at the end of October to get a jump on the upcoming season. November snowfall reflected a classic La Nina pattern with an outstanding start in the Pacific Northwest and much of western Canada, drier in regions farther south. The first half of December has been exceptionally dry over nearly the entire West. Some snow has gotten through to the Southwest, bringing most areas there close to average but only Wolf Creek far above average. There are many resorts that will be in limited operation for the holidays, probably the worst overall Christmas since 1986-87. Only the Pacific Northwest, western Canada and the far Southwest have normal or better conditions.

California: There was an 18+ inch storm during the firm week of October but it all melted up to at least 10,000 feet by the end of the month. Mammoth had about half normal snowfall in November and Tahoe was even drier. No snow so far in December, and with none expected next week advance commitments should be avoided for at least another month. This will be the worst Christmas at Mammoth since 1999-2000 and the worst at Tahoe since 1986-87 with all skiing being on manmade snow. Full operation of expert terrain in the Sierra is not likely until February. Southwest storms have opened most of Arizona Snowbowl and snowmaking is ahead of schedule in Southern California with cold temperatures.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	16	16%	5%
Northstar	22	32%	6%
Mt. Rose	24	31%	13%
Kirkwood	35	33%	7%
Mammoth	32	39%	13%
Southern Cal	30	165%	0-77%
Arizona Snowbowl	77	152%	80%

Pacific Northwest: The entire region had an excellent start in November. Mt. Bachelor’s snowfall was close to average but eyewitness reports showed a solid base that could most of the mountain, weather and demand permitting. Farther north November snowfall was well above average. Mt. Baker is 100% open and Mt. Hood 80%. Base depths are in the 4 foot range and conditions are now more hardpacked due to no little snow in December. There were a few inches last week and storms may return to the region arouind Christmas.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	128	106%	100%
Crystal Mt.	115	108%	91%
Stevens Pass	100	79%	73%
Mt. Bachelor	71	67%	41%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high through most of the region. Base depths are in the 3 foot range and more terrain than normal is open despite modest snowfalls averaging a foot so far in December. Big White is 41% open, Silver Star 85% and Sun Peaks 90%. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse snow totals are likely inflated by including October, but both were 50+% open in early December. As in the Northwest, more snow is expected around Christmas.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	71	141%	83%
Sunshine	93	135%	68%
Revelstoke	144	124%	85%
Kicking Horse	122	154%	69%
Whitewater	88	85%	86%
Red Mt.	56	75%	34%
Fernie	83	85%	84%
Castle Mt.	57	79%	85%

U. S. Northern Rockies: Snowfall in November was close to average at areas reporting. Jackson opened a bit early with more terrain than normal available. Schweitzer is off to a good start with the Northwest influence. But in Montana areas are in very limited operation, 28% at Big Sky. December has been dry throughout the region with no more than a foot anywhere.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Grand Targhee	101	85%	100%
Jackson Hole	69	67%	56%
Whitefish	39	45%	16%
Bridger Bowl	40	53%	17%
Schweitzer	91	123%	100%
Sun Valley	39	74%	47%
Brundage	42	50%	Closed

Utah: Utah’s November was close to average. As expected Alta, Brighton and Solitude have the most open terrain and operations are very limited elsewhere. There has been no more than 10 inches in the Wasatch so far in December. Brian Head has had 3 feet in December from Southwest storms. With no snow expected in the next week even the Cottonwood areas will be far from full operation for the holidays. Elsewhere in the Wasatch skiing will be very limited, mostly on snowmaking and likely the leanest Christmas since 1986-87.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	86	65%	50%
Snowbird	88	79%	24%
Brighton/Solitude	77	61%	40%
Park City	27	35%	21%
Snowbasin	64	83%	30%
Brian Head	84	106%	43%

Northern and Central Colorado: This region is also off to a very slow start. Historically most of these areas are at least half open by mid-December but only around a quarter open now. Little snow is expected next week but some is possible by Christmas. This will be the worst holiday season since 1999-2000 and much advanced terrain will not likely be open until late January or February.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Beaver Creek	67	75%	59%
Breckenridge	67	86%	32%
Copper Mt.	46	61%	21%
Keystone	42	69%	13%
Loveland	48	56%	17%
Steamboat	63	63%	33%
Vail	76	77%	27%
Winter Park	48	50%	11%

Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Crested Butte and Aspen (snowier climate than either) had 24.5 inches in October, 36.5 in November and only 13 so far in December. Aspen/Snowmass is 48% open. In the Southwest snowfall has been average or better, so Taos is 64% open. Wolf Creek’s 73 inches of December snow is nearly twice as much as any other area in North America. Normal snowfall should open most expert terrain elsewhere in January, except for Crested Butte’s North Face, which probably won’t open until sometime in February.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Crested Butte	22	36%	27%
Gothic Snow Lab	49.5	56%	N/A
Durango	70	106%	97%
Telluride	60	89%	38%
Wolf Creek	186	198%	100%

Northeast: The late October storm dropped 15 inches at Killington, which opened Oct. 30. Sunday River, Mt. Snow and Plattekill also opened on a limited basis. The natural snow was much less than in October 2005, so operations were more limited and any natural base soon disappeared. November and early December have been very poor with low snowfall and current operations are very restricted. This will probably be the worst Christmas in the Northeast since 2001-02. Percents open: Okemo 13%, Stratton 13%, Hunter 24%, Sunday River 17%, Sugarloaf 8%, Tremblant 18%, Ste. Anne 11%.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Jay Peak (mid)	23	32%	5%
Stowe (Mansfield Stake)	17	27%	12%
Sugarbush	20	32%	9%
Killington	33	57%	23%
Cannon Mt.	18	55%	12%
Le Massif	13	21%	15%

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Late October 2011 will be remembered for its snowfall in the eastern metro areas, which also opened a few eastern ski areas. Aside from Wolf Creek, no western areas had a meaningful snowpack at the end of October to get a jump on the upcoming season. November snowfall reflected a classic La Nina pattern with an outstanding start in the Pacific Northwest and much of western Canada, drier in regions farther south. The first 10 days of December have been unusually dry over nearly the entire West. Some snow has gotten through to the Southwest, bringing most areas there close to average but only Wolf Creek far above average. There are many resorts that will be in limited operation for the holidays unless there are substantial dumps over the next 2 weeks.

California: There was an 18+ inch storm during the firm week of October but it all melted up to at least 10,000 feet by the end of the month. Mammoth had about half normal snowfall in November and Tahoe was even drier. No snow so far in December, so advance commitments should be avoided until well past the holidays barring a major dump earlier. Mammoth has the most terrain open as its high altitude has allowed nearly nonstop snowmaking in December.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	16	20%	2%
Northstar	22	39%	4%
Mt. Rose	24	38%	8%
Kirkwood	34	39%	3%
Mammoth	32	46%	11%
Southern Cal	23	166%	0-58%
Arizona Snowbowl	65	160%	75%

Pacific Northwest: The entire region had an excellent start in November. Mt. Bachelor’s snowfall was close to average but eyewitness reports show a solid base that could open the entire mountain, weather and demand permitting. Farther north November snowfall was well above average. Mt. Baker and Mt. Hood are 80% open. Base depths are in the 3-4 foot range and conditions are now more hardpacked due to no new snow in December.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	123	122%	82%
Crystal Mt.	114	129%	87%
Stevens Pass	97	93%	73%
Mt. Bachelor	68	77%	35%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high through most of the region. Base depths are in the 3+ foot range and more terrain than normal is open early despite modest snowfalls of no more than 9 inches in December. Big White is 20% open, Silver Star 95% and Sun Peaks 84%. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse snow totals are likely inflated by including October, but both are 50+% open.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	70	161%	75%
Sunshine	85	145%	62%
Revelstoke	134	136%	50+%
Kicking Horse	119	174%	59%
Whitewater	84	98%	85%
Red Mt.	52	85%	Dec. 17
Fernie	73	91%	84%
Castle Mt.	51	86%	14%

U. S. Northern Rockies: Snowfall in November was close to average at areas reporting. Jackson opened a bit early with more terrain than normal available. Schweitzer is off to a good start with the Northwest influence. But in Montana areas are in very limited operation, 7% at Big Sky. December has been dry throughout the region with no more than 5 inches anywhere.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Grand Targhee	95	97%	56%
Jackson Hole	63	73%	53%
Whitefish	30	42%	11%
Bridger Bowl	40	64%	8%
Schweitzer	88	145%	100%
Sun Valley	39	89%	23%
Brundage	42	60%	Closed

Utah: Utah’s November was close to average. As expected Alta, Brighton and Solitude have the most open terrain and operations are very limited elsewhere. There has been nore more than 3 inches in the Wasatch so far in December. Normal snow would open most terrain by Christmas in the Cottonwood Canyons and at Brian Head, which has had 23 inches in December. Elsewhere full operation is quite unlikely until well past the holidays.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	79	72%	50%
Snowbird	81	87%	13%
Brighton/Solitude	72	69%	40%
Park City	20	31%	16%
Snowbasin	63	98%	27%
Brian Head	75	112%	26%

Northern and Central Colorado: Snowfall totals are slightly below average but open terrain paints a worse picture. Most of these areas are about 25% open at Thanksgiving (based upon 20+ years of data) so no more than that much open on Dec. 10 is a very slow start and the pace will need to pick up for much advanced terrain to get open before the holidays. Loveland had 46 inches in October but only 36 inches in November. It is possible that other area snow totals may include some October snow that probably did not last.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Beaver Creek	60	79%	40%
Breckenridge	64	96%	24%
Copper Mt.	44	69%	22%
Keystone	40	77%	12%
Loveland	45	61%	17%
Steamboat	59.5	70%	24%
Vail	70	82%	19%
Winter Park	45	53%	7%

Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Crested Butte and Aspen (snowier climate than either) had 24.5 inches in October, 36.5 in November and only 6 so far in December. Aspen/Snowmass is 35% open. Farther south December snowfall was closer to normal, so Taos is 39% open. Wolf Creek’s 50 inches of December snow is nearly twice as much as any other area in North America. At other areas I would not expect much expert terrain open by the holidays without substantially more snow.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Crested Butte	22	43%	24%
Gothic Snow Lab	42.5	57%	N/A
Durango	52	93%	32%
Telluride	52	91%	11%
Wolf Creek	163	204%	100%

Northeast: The late October storm dropped 15 inches at Killington, which opened Oct. 30. Sunday River, Mt. Snow and Plattekill also opened on a limited basis. The natural snow was much less than in October 2005, so operations were more limited and any natural base soon dispappeared. November and early December have been very poor with low snowfall and current operations are very restricted. Percents open: Okemo 6%, Stratton 6%, Hunter 8%, Sunday River 14%, Sugarloaf 4%, Tremblant 13%, Ste. Anne 8%.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Jay Peak (mid)	18	33%	3%
Stowe (Mansfield Stake)	17	33%	8%
Sugarbush	19	38%	3%
Killington	33	71%	17%
Cannon Mt.	16	64%	10%
Le Massif	8	16%	15%

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Late October 2011 will be remembered for its snowfall in the eastern metro areas, which also opened a few eastern ski areas. Aside from Wolf Creek, no western areas had a meaningful snowpack at the end of October to get a jump on the upcoming season.  December 1 snowfall totals reflect a classic La Nina pattern with an outstanding start in the Pacific Northwest and much of western Canada. Utah and the U.S. Northern Rockies look average or slightly better while California and most of Colorado are well below average, suggesting that holiday commitments there be deferred or relocated to the more favorable regions.

California: There was an 18+ inch storm during the firm week of October but it all melted up to at least 10,000 feet by the end of the month. Mammoth had about half normal snowfall in November and Tahoe was even drier. Advance commitments should be avoided until well past the holidays barring a major dump earlier.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	16	28%	3%
Northstar	22	56%	3%
Mt. Rose	24	55%	Closed
Kirkwood	34	55%	Closed
Mammoth	30	58%	10%
Southern Cal	16	192%	0-25%
Arizona Snowbowl	42	151%	Closed

Pacific Northwest: The entire region is off to an excellent start. Mt. Bacheloer’s snowfall was close to average but eyewitness reports show a solid base that could open the entire mountain, weather and demand permitting. Farther north November snowfall was well above average. Mt. Baker and Mt. Hood are 80% open. Base depths are in the 4 foot range.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	123	163%	53%
Crystal Mt.	114	178%	87%
Stevens Pass	97	128%	38%
Mt. Bachelor	68	106%	18%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high through most of the region. Base depths are in the 3-4 foot range and much more terrain than normal is open early. Big White is 20% open, Silver Star 49% and Sun Peaks 65%. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse snow totals are likely inflated by including October, but I expect strong openings from both.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	61	176%	58%
Sunshine	80	177%	52%
Revelstoke	129	169%	Dec. 3
Kicking Horse	118	216%	Dec. 3
Whitewater	90	145%	Dec. 3
Red Mt.	52	177%	Dec. 17
Fernie	70	120%	22%
Castle Mt.	46	106%	Dec. 10

U. S. Northern Rockies: Snowfall in November was close to average at areas reporting. Jackson opened a bit early and has more terrain than normal available. Idaho is off to a good start with the Northwest influence. But in Montana Big Sky is only 4% open and Whitefish has delayed its opening at least a week despite good snow just across the border in Fernie.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Grand Targhee	91	131%	6%
Jackson Hole	60	91%	43%
Schweitzer	88	199%	48%
Sun Valley	39	120%	41%
Brundage	41	81%	Dec. 9

Utah: Utah’s November was close to average. As expected Alta and Brighton have the most open terrain and operations are very limited elsewhere. Continued normal snow should bring the Cottonwood areas to full operation before the holidays but probably later than that elsewhere.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	77	95%	50%
Snowbird	78	111%	9%
Brighton/Solitude	67	87%	33%
Park City	13	28%	8%
Snowbasin	60	127%	20%
Brian Head	48	96%	10%

Northern and Central Colorado: Snowfall totals are slightly below average but open terrain paints a worse picture. Most of these areas are about 25% open at Thanksgiving (based upon 20+ years of data) so 10-15% open on Dec. 1 is a slow start and the pace will need to pick up for much advanced terrain to get open before the holidays. Loveland had 46 inches in October but only 36 inches in Novmeber. It is possible that other area snow totals may include some October snow that probably did not last.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Breckenridge	57	109%	16%
Copper Mt.	40	80%	9%
Loveland	36	63%	16%
Steamboat	47.5	73%	11%
Vail	60	88%	10%
Winter Park	39.5	78%	10%

Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Crested Butte and Aspen (snowier climate than either) had 24.5 inches in October and another 36.5 in November. Aspen is 30% open and Snowmass 10%. Taos is 19% open and Purgatory 15%. Snowfall other than the Wolf Creek microclimate has been below average and I would not expect much advanced terrain open by the holidays without substantially more snow.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Crested Butte	18	46%	9%
Gothic Snow Lab	36.5	64%	N/A
Telluride	38	86%	2%
Wolf Creek	113	184%	100%

Northeast: The late October storm dropped 15 inches at Killington, which opened Oct. 30, Sunday River, Mt. Snow and Plattekill also opened on a limited basis. The natural snow was much less than in Octotber 2005, so operations were more limited and any natural base soon dispappeared. November was very poor with low snowfall and current operations are very restricted. Snowmaking leaders Sunday River and Okemo are 8% and 4% open respectively.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Jay Peak (mid)	6	19%	Closed
Stowe (Mansfield Stake)	11	28%	48%
Sugarbush	11	33%	Closed
Killington	26	83%	9%
Cannon Mt.	10	69%	Closed
Le Massif	28	82%	Dec.

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October snowfall was above average, with a widespread storm through the Northwest and much of the Rockies during its last week. Snow from this storm is included in season totals for many areas as it contributed to the strong early season conditions and to some areas advancing their opening dates. Mid-November snow was abundant in Utah’s Cottonwood Canyons and Front Range Colorado and followed up by a major storm in the Sierra that also pushed into the Rockies. Since I began keeping detailed records 14 years ago only 1996-97 had as many areas with Thanksgiving conditions this good. Snowfall from Thanksgiving into mid-December was primarily in the Pacific Northwest and U.S. Northern Rockies but also in northern Utah and Colorado. During the 3rd week of December an exceptionally powerful storm pounded California for the whole week and moved on to Utah and much of Colorado. Christmas week snowfall was highest in the Pacific Northwest but all regions had some new snow. Overall this was the best holiday ski season since 1996-97 with just a very few areas in limited operation. During the first half of January the storm track was primarily in the Northwest and western Canada, with average snow in the northern US Rockies but much drier than usual farther south. The second half of January had heavy snow in northern and central Colorado, which is the standout consistent region of this season so far. Other regions were drier than average but in most cases base depths stayed above average from the strong early season. The first half of February continued the drier than normal pattern from January over most of the West. This pattern ended in mid-February with substantial storms along the West Coast and in Utah. There was a similar round of storms at the end of the month. The first half of March finally reflected the strong La Nina, pounding the Pacific Northwest and western Canada, with moderate snows in adjacent regions. Snowfall in the second half of March was heavy over most of the West, with the overall season now likely to rank in the top 5 of the past 35 years for which I have significant data. Snow was at least average through the first week of April before giving way to more widespread spring conditions.

California: October’s snow was just a few inches, not material to the season. After about a foot in early November the Sierra had a 4 day storm in mid-November of 5-10 feet and another foot over Thanksgiving weekend. Base depths were in the 3-6 foot range because that storm had drier than normal snow, and more snow is needed for some expert terrain. There have been some December storms but with occasional rain as high as 9,000 feet. The 3rd week of December storm dropped 5-7 feet of snow at Tahoe areas and over 10 feet at Mammoth. Sierra areas are fully open for the holidays with base depths of 5-12+ feet and have had 2 more storms totalling 2-3 feet during Christmas week. Farther south it rained for 4 days in Southern California with 1-3 feet of snow at the end of the big storm. Arizona Snowbowl opened Christmas Day and had 8 feet of snow in the second half of December. There was less than a foot of snow in the Sierra from January 3-29, so widespread melt/freeze conditions developed. Up to a foot of snow fell at the end of January but the first half of February was dry again. Then 5-7 feet fell before and during President’s weekend and another 3-4 feet at the end of the month. In the first half of March it snowed up to 5 feet at Tahoe and half as much at Mammoth. However there was some rain mix below 8,000 feet. During the second half of March the Sierra was hammered with 10-15 feet of snow. 1+ foot of snow in early April. With the deep bases several areas will be open to May 1,  Squaw to Memorial Day and Mammoth to July 4.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Squaw 8,000	696	170%	100%
Northstar	531	191%	100%
Mt. Rose	535	168%	100%
Kirkwood	717	162%	100%
Mammoth	602.5	186%	100%
Southern Cal	156	129%	0-90%
Arizona Snowbowl	261	112%	100%

Pacific Northwest: Before Thanksgiving Oregon got off to a strong start while Washington State and Whistler were slightly above average. From Thanksgiving to mid-December there was 5-7 feet of snow throughout the region with fluctuating temps but ending with all snow. Mt. Baker and Hood Meadows have been 90% open since Dec. 1. The Whistler alpine opened Dec. 4. Northwest areas were in full operation for the holidays on 5-8 foot bases. There was 3+ feet of snow during the holiday week and 5 feet at Whistler and Mt. Bachelor. During the first half of January there has been 5 feet at Whistler, 3 feet in Washington and up to 2 feet in Oregon. A mid-January storm rained through at least mid elevations and lower elevations had no more than a foot the rest of the month. Early February snowfall ranged from 3+ feet at Whistler to 1 foot in Oregon. At least 5 feet of snow fell during the second half of February throughout the region, with 7 feet at Mt. Bachelor. First half of March snowfall was 6 feet in Oregon and 8 feet in Washington and Whistler. During the second half of March Whistler got 3 feet, Washington areas 5 feet and Oregon areas 7 feet. Continued strong in early April with 2+ feet.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whistler	570	147%	100%
Crystal Mt.	505	138%	100%
Stevens Pass	487	111%	100%
Mt. Bachelor	581	169%	100%

Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: November snowfall was high along the U.S. border but only about average farther north. This trend continued into early December, with Fernie being the standout area of the early season. Most western Canadian ski areas had 3-4 feet of snow in December and holiday base depths in the 4 foot range. Silver Star and Sun Peaks reached full operation just before Christmas and Big White shortly after New Years. The Banff areas had less than 3 feet of December snow with base depths of 3 feet, so some advanced terrain did not open until they got 3-4 feet the second week of January. Mid-January was snowy throughout the region, though the warm Northwest storm brought some low elevation rain. Most areas had 2 feet of late January snow to improve conditions. February snowfall has been 2-3 feet at most areas, but only about 1 foot at the areas close to the U.S. border. During the second half of February the border areas got 2-3 feet with lesser amounts farther north. The first half of March has been excellent, with at least 3-4 feet in the region, and 6 feet at Fernie and Whitewater. During the second half of March there was 4 feet of snow at Red and Whitewater and average 2 feet elsewhere in the region. Early April brought another 2+ feet with over 3 feet at Fernie and Whitewater.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Lake Louise	186	127%	96%
Sunshine	272	126%	100%
Revelstoke	422	120%	100%
Kicking Horse	318	135%	100%
Whitewater	445	123%	close 4/10
Red Mt.	300	116%	close 4/6
Fernie	423	125%	100%
Castle Mt.	300	119%	close 4/10

U. S. Northern Rockies: The Tetons had 39 inches in October and were also hit by the mid- November storms, so Jackson opened early on November 27. With 3 feet of snow since Thanksgiving Jackson and Targhee had the most snow on record for early December. Then there was some rain up to 8,000 feet but there was 4-5 feet of snow by Christmas throughout the region, continuing the strong start. Big Sky was 100% open by Christmas. Holiday base depths were 6+ feet in the Tetons and 4-5 feet elsewhere. There was 1+ foot of snow Christmas week, topped by 3 feet at Brundage. Early January snowfall ranged from 2 to 4 feet with some low elevation rain during the mid-January Northwest storm. Over the next month snowfall averaged a slightly below average 4 feet in Montana and 5 feet in the Tetons. Idaho was been much drier, with snow from mid-January to mid-February ranging from 30 inches at Schweitzer to just 2 inches at Sun Valley. Most areas got about 3 feet during the second half of February, topped by 6 feet at Targhee. In early March there has been 4-6 feet at the areas nearest Canada, 3-4 feet in the Tetons and 2-3 feet elsewhere. During the second half of March most areas got 5 feet of snow with 3 feet near the Canadian border. Some of these areas close early due to remote location but early April snow averaged 2 feet with 4+ at Targhee.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Whitefish	355	120%	close 4/10
Bridger	327	119%	close 4/10
Grand Targhee	558	127%	100%
Schweitzer	345	141%	close 4/10
Brundage	332	114%	100%
Sun Valley	229	125%	100%

Utah: There was new snow 5 of the 6 weeks since late October in the Cottonwood Canyons, leading to majority of terrain open by Thanksgiving. The storm from California the 3rd week of December raised the snow level as high as 8,000 feet but still dumped 6 feet in the Cottonwood Canyons and 4-5 feet elsewhere. Holiday base depths are 9+ feet in the Cottonwood Canyons and 6-8 feet elsewhere after another 2-3 feet Christmas week. There was no more than a foot of snow during the first half of January and it rained to 10,000 feet January 16. However it snowed 2+ feet the next week to restore surfaces. Early February snowfall was 3+ feet in the Cottonwood Canyons but less than half that elsewhere. The two big storms in the second half of February totalled 7 feet in the Cottonwood Canyons and 5 feet elsewhere. 3-4+ feet during the first half of March and 4-6 feet during the second half of March. Early April snow was 5-6 feet in the Cottonwood Canyons and 3+ feet elsewhere.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Alta	637	133%	100%
Snowbird	631	151%	100%
Brighton/Solitude	614	136%	100%
Park City	422	152%	99%
Snowbasin	361	129%	72%
Brian Head	360	119%	97%

Northern and Central Colorado: This region got off to a great start with snow every week since late October. Loveland and A-Basin opened their first snowmaking runs about a week later than usual but were helped by the late October storm. Most areas were over half open at Thanksgiving, the highest percents open in the 22 years of data I have for Breckenridge and Copper and 2nd highest for Vail. The other areas are all at least in the top quarter of early seasons. Vail opened Blue Sky Basin Dec. 4 and most areas are 80+% open now. The 3rd week of December storm added an average of 3 feet throughout the region and holiday base depths were 4-5 feet. Average one foot new snow Christmas week and 2+ during the first half of January. 4-5 feet fell at most areas during the 3rd week of January, continuing the outstanding season in this region. February snowfall was consistent and close to average, ranging from 4 feet at Copper to 7 feet at Loveland. Early March was also close to average, with 2-3+ feet at most areas. Late March was snowier, with 4-5 feet. An average early April, with 1-2 feet. Many areas will be in full operation to the late Easter with the deep base.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Beaver Creek	374	123%	100%
Breckenridge	478	182%	100%
Copper Mt.	356	139%	96%
Loveland	448	145%	91%
Steamboat	433	126%	close 4/10
Vail	473	143%	100%
Winter Park	341	105%	92%

Southern and Western Colorado: Early season snowfall was close to average along the western part of I-70 but somewhat below average in southern Colorado. Wolf Creek was fully open early but its mid-December base of 2 feet was less than half normal for that time. But the 3rd week of December storm was huge at many of these areas: 94 inches at Gothic, 93 at Wolf Creek, 69 at Purgatory and 56 at Crested Butte. 60% of Crested Butte’s extreme terrain opened gradually during Christmas week and over 80% of it was open now by early January. Aspen and Telluride got about 4 feet during the second half of December. Taos missed most of the big storm, then had 3 feet Christmas week but was only 34% open at New Years. Taos reports 80% open since mid-January, but steeps were sketchy on a 40-inch base which has rien now to 56 inches. New Mexico remains the only part of the West conspicuously low on snow this season. Early January snowfall averaged 1.5 feet throughout the region. Second half of January snowfall was 2 feet in the north but almost none in the south. 2+ feet in early February at most areas. The second half of February storms dropped nearly 5 feet at Gothic and Wolf Creek but 2-3 feet elsewhere. March snowfall was 4-5 feet at most areas, scattered fairly evenly through the month. About 1 foot in early April though most areas are closed due to remote location.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Gothic Snow Lab	452	136%	N/A
Aspen/Snowmass	270	117%	95%
Wolf Creek	397	112%	close 4/10

Northeast: There was natural snow in mid-October, 25 inches at Stowe and 16 at Killington. November was warmer than normal in the Northeast with very little new snow, so snowmaking leaders Sunday River and Killington were 13% open at Thanksgiving but other Northeast areas open were under 10%. Conditions slowly improved with 2-3 feet new snow in early December. After rain on Dec. 13 it remained mostly cold with 2+ feet more snow so more terrain opened by Christmas with good surfaces. As usual the big Christmas storm along the East Coast only brought modest snows to upper New England. Up to 3+ feet snow during the second week of January finally brought most New England areas close to full operation. Conditions were mostly good during the second half of January with 1-2 feet of snow and mostly cold temperatures, and improved further in early February with up to 4 feet. There was a thaw before President’s weekend, but 1-2 feet of snow restored surfaces by the end of February. While there has been some rain, early March has been the snowiest stretch of the season, 2-3 feet at most areas with up to 5 feet in northern Vermont. Average 1-2 feet in late March, and another 1+ foot in early April. Eastern Canada has had a much worse season than New England, finally reaching close to full operation by the end of January, but snowfall has continued to lag New England’s. Current percents open: Sunday River 98%, Sugarloaf 95%, Okemo 81%, Stratton 78%, Stowe 85%, Tremblant 79%, Ste. Anne 95%.

Area	Season Snow	Pct. of Normal	Pct. of Area Open
Jay Peak (mid)	331	105%	100%
Sugarbush	305	124%	65%
Killington	246	105%	67%
Cannon Mt.	248	167%	close 4/10
Whiteface	247	151%	close 4/10
Le Massif	197	88%	close 4/10

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All Rights Reserved.

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