My husband and I want to go skiing early in the season. We prefer the Rockies, but are open. Where will the snow be in December? We were looking at Park City, Big Sky, Heavenly, Squaw Valley.

asr:

I grew up in the Tahoe Basin and all I can say is it is a crapshoot for early in the season. Some years there is sufficient snow to open by Thanksgiving, others not until January (or worse, during droughts). California has been in a "La Nina" (dry cycle). However, there are indications from NOAA and the El Nino Southern Oscillation ("ENSO") data that the La Nina is ending and a near normal precipitation season is projected for the West.

In short, a crapshoot. Having skiied and watched conditions in both Utah and Colorado as well I think it is safe to say the same holds true there, too.

As far as the resorts you mention, my order of preference for the three I have skiied are Squaw, Park City and Heavenly. I actually prefer Kirkwood (south of So. Lk Tahoe on Hwy 88) and Snowbird in Utah.

I guess ya pays yer money and ya takes yer chances...

Best of fortune,

PS L

As stated above, early Dec. is a crap shoot. I skied Tahoe last yr. and they did not have much snow until mid-Jan. I know Colorado had a pretty good yr. last yr. and even believe they had decent snow in Dec. However, the yr / Dec. before I opted not to ski (I was in Colorado w/ work) due to such poor conditions. I suggest prolonging till Jan but if not a possibility-Good luck!

There are two things to look for in December, Altitude and Snowmaking. Out west I would say that Breckenridge would be the best bet (Altitude), Back east here we go to Hunter MT! Great snowmaking but not a place to go as a destination resort....but then again, you have NYC 2 1/2 Hrs away!
JOHN

your safest bet is one of the Canadian resorts, as they are the farthest north & most likely to have snow. We've had iffy experiences in booking skiing in utah, california & colorado in early Dec. Heavenly in particular does not have much in the way of other things to do if the snow is bad/mountain is closed outside of casinos.

John is right. For peace of mind, look into resorts that have considerable snowmaking capability. Many do. In Lake Tahoe, Northstar is has a very impressive system. However, the nighttime temperatures must be cooperative or they can't do it. Seems like if you roll the dice you might want to look for a resort that has (1) great snowmaking, and (2) alternative activities in the event you can't ski. Even going to Canada is not always a guarantee. Last year Whistler was terrible! Resorts in the prairie provinces were mixed as well.

PS L