The race is on, first to open... 2018-19

[dbostedo]

...I could make Hillington first to open in North America with another load of Reddy Ice. I have two lift chairs now.

So buy that definition of lift served and being able to close a few hours later, I would win.

It's only "lift served" if the chairs actually move uphill in some fashion.

 

[VickieH]

It's only "lift served" if the chairs actually move uphill in some fashion.

He has 2 big Berners. It is indeed possible.

 

[Seldomski]

Meh, I think that 'first to open' is invalidated if you are also the first to close. Wolf Creek is doing something more like a 'soft open.'

 

[Guy in Shorts]

Meh. Killington did a post storm opening to be first a few years ago and then couldn’t resume ops for a material amount of time.

Killington did open with amazing top to bottom skiing on our best terrain for three magical days six years ago in October. Sigh!! Brutal warmth that followed melted every flake. Last five seasons since we have remained open from day one until the May schedule kicks in.

 

[Jeff N]

I didn't even think about Wolf Creek when I started this thread!

Still - very cool that they're opening!! Is @Jeff N still local there?

I am, but ski a lot more Purgatory for lots of reasons.

This is roughly the 5th pre-halloween opening in the past decade for Wolf. The weekend schedule is more about the total lack of a local population and needing to staff up rather than concern about a melt-off. If they open early, they operate weekends until they reach the scheduled opening day. Remember we are in the middle of nowhere and an October weekend will draw 150 skiers.

 

[Jeff N]

I've been to Wolf Creek when they went from bare ground to 100% open in one storm. Let's just say it takes a bit of "honey badger doesn't give a ..." attitude.
After a big pitch, I plopped down theatrically into the powder, only to wind up sitting on a tree stump. That was an eye opener. Still, on balance, I like the "you are grown ups, make your own decisions about how much coverage is skiable" attitude.

Yep, it is more or less a tradition to drink beer and then drop into a bowl with 15" of powder topping a scree field. You tell yourself if you just stand on your heels it will be fine. Tips up!

 

[Jeff N]

I've been to Wolf Creek when they went from bare ground to 100% open in one storm. Let's just say it takes a bit of "honey badger doesn't give a ..." attitude.
After a big pitch, I plopped down theatrically into the powder, only to wind up sitting on a tree stump. That was an eye opener. Still, on balance, I like the "you are grown ups, make your own decisions about how much coverage is skiable" attitude.

Yep, it is more or less a tradition to drink beer and then drop into a bowl with 15" of powder topping a scree field. You tell yourself if you just stand on your heels it will be fine. Tips up!

 

[nay]

Whichever way we want to look at it, with the snow this weekend and cold temps, A-Basin will be able to open by next weekend if they want to.

 

[firebanex]

On the opposite side of things, where I live in Fairbanks Alaska just broke a 98 year record for the latest day of no snow fall.. and still none in the forecast. Guess we are making up for the fantastic season last year and earliest opening of local areas by like 2 weeks.

 

[Blue Streak]

Whichever way we want to look at it, with the snow this weekend and cold temps, A-Basin will be able to open by next weekend if they want to.
View attachment 55617

I’ll have my helmet and shoulder pads ready!

 

[Kneale Brownson]

It's 18 degrees in Breck this morning. Should be good snowmaking at AB and Loveland.

 

[JuneauTheHusky]

Will be at Wolf Creek in the AM.

 

[dbostedo]

^^^
I'd love to hear how it was when you get back!

 

[SkiNurse]

@ Big Salad and Side Salad were at Wolf Creek this past weekend!

 

[nay]

@ Big Salad and Side Salad were at Wolf Creek this past weekend!

I have no idea what this means, but it sounds healthy .

 

[SkiNurse]

I have no idea what this means, but it sounds healthy .

Heh...It's definitely good for you!

He's a part of the Colorado crew, doesn't post a lot here, but was part of the Pugski Goes to Japan group. He spends a fair amount of time at WC.

 

[clong83]

Well, Wolf Creek will close again after this weekend.

Open means not closing again so the race to be first to open for the season is still on.

My current bet is A-abasin on Thursday the 18th. Good snowmaking overnight temps this weekend before it warms up again.

Went up there before the opening on Friday for a couple of skin laps. It was good. I was able to hit the face without finding a single rock, which is impressive as it is a major scree slope.

You can hate on it if you want, but the main reason for closing during the week is that they are short-staffed for such an early start, and they would assuredly lose money because all of 12 people would show up on a Monday in October. If the population base were nearby to justify it, I have to believe they would open 7 days a week.

Also, your comment on the Reddy Ice is silly. They have 100% natural snow. It's not a gimmick for them to open like this, it is legit. I'd go so far as to say the WROD that A-Basin puts out every October is more akin to your example.

 

[nay]

Went up there before the opening on Friday for a couple of skin laps. It was good. I was able to hit the face without finding a single rock, which is impressive as it is a major scree slope.

You can hate on it if you want, but the main reason for closing during the week is that they are short-staffed for such an early start, and they would assuredly lose money because all of 12 people would show up on a Monday in October. If the population base were nearby to justify it, I have to believe they would open 7 days a week.

Also, your comment on the Reddy Ice is silly. They have 100% natural snow. It's not a gimmick for them to open like this, it is legit. I'd go so far as to say the WROD that A-Basin puts out every October is more akin to your example.

I’m not hating on it, it’s awesome. Just applying some absurd logic on what is really “open” for continous operations.

Reddy Ice is silly, but it is also a real run at Hillington and based on my ski chair lotto 1.000 batting average this summer it could become lift served.

Just sayin’ .

 

[clong83]

I’m not hating on it, it’s awesome. Just applying some absurd logic on what is really “open” for continous operations.

Reddy Ice is silly, but it is also a real run at Hillington and based on my ski chair lotto 1.000 batting average this summer it could become lift served.

Just sayin’ .

View attachment 55880 View attachment 55881

Okay, but by your logic, the local hill in my town (Pajarito) is never truly "open" because it is historically Fri-Sun only. We are a small town with a small hill which can't justify being open on random Tuesdays. Just sayin'.

 

[jmeb]

This looks very promising for Loveland. I imagine Abasin is even closer. I revise my previous statement: I think Abasin Wed and Loveland Friday.