The race to open the first ski resort in the United States for the 2024-2025 season has concluded, with Ski Ward in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, taking the title. The resort opened on October 19, offering a short run with artificial snow accessed via a magic carpet ride. However, this setup did not provide the full mountain experience.
Wolf Creek Ski Area in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is also welcoming skiers after receiving 26 inches of snow. The resort officially opened on October 22 and offers chairlift service seven days a week. On opening day, only 40% of its terrain was available for skiing from three lifts: Bonanza, Treasure, and Nova. Ticket prices are set at $68 for adults, $49 for seniors, and $34 for children.
Other resorts in the western United States experienced snowfall over the weekend as well. Keystone Resort and Arapahoe Basin are preparing to open soon with both natural and artificial snow contributing to their bases. Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado, Brian Head Resort in Utah, and Copper Mountain in Frisco have announced plans to open on November 8.