Should be a very interesting couple of nights....(early openings)

[Highway Star]

From what I can gather, we should see in the next couple days how serious Mount Snow, Sunday River, and Killington are about getting open early. MS and SR have both announced a Nov. 7th opening target, with Killington hinting at it. But have they all just been afraid of "tipping their hand" to the competition?

If Killington was actually going to open on Nov. 14th, why would they setup their guns a month ahead of time?

Here is Killington's forcast off the NOAA website:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClic...1686782836914&site=btv&smap=1&marine=0&unit=0

This Afternoon: Rain showers. High near 38. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight: Rain and snow showers, becoming all snow after 10pm. Low around 28. North wind between 3 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday: Snow showers likely, mainly before 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 30. North wind between 9 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. North wind between 5 and 7 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Calm wind becoming north between 4 and 7 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 17.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 46.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 49.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Monday: A chance of rain showers. Cloudy, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Here's what I think. Numerous sources have rumors stating that those 3 areas are actually targeting a Oct 31st/Nov 1st opening. If we see agressive snowmaking in the next few days, it will be clear indicator that they are attempting an opening next weeked. If another window of cold comes through next week, they will probably be able to do it.

Sunday River might get the drop on everyone, opening upper mountain THIS WEEKEND, if they get a few solid nights of cold. I think it's unlikely for Killington or Mt. Snow to open this weekend, but not completely impossible.

Stay tuned.......and get your gear ready!

 

[Greg]

I think it's unlikely for Killington or Mt. Snow to open this weekend, but not completely impossible.

If either are insistent on T2B I would call it pretty much impossible. 3 nights of snowmaking is not going to get it done.

 

[Vortex]

Sr did open for oct 31 last year with only a few nights of snow making, but not enough to cover a weekend crowd. I would expect a mid week day opening. I did have hopes for this weekend, Casue I do believe its plausible, but not realistic. Love to be wrong makin turns, I would be very happy with a next week day. We need to see the guns on 1st;-).

 

[andrec10]

With 3 good nights of snowmaking, Hunter could be open top-bottom, but I HIGHLY doubt this early.

 

[drjeff]

Based on Mount Snow's stated plans that they hope(read as will) open with a full park @ Carinthia, and while close to complete, all the work at Carinthia isn't quite done yet. My guess is that the Nov 8th will hold (weather permitting).

Just look at the Mount Snow web cam to see what effect the still unfrozen ground had on the "blow for show" patch today

http://www.mountsnow.com/livecamshot.html

This AM, the patch was 3 towers long, and now as of 4PM it's 1 tower long (and shrinking - atleast temporarily)

 

[Highway Star]

Apparently, it's started snowing at elevation at Killington:

http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo78/GangstaRider1/P1000370.jpg?t=1224622741
http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo78/GangstaRider1/P1000368.jpg?t=1224622944

 

[Highway Star]

Oh........not to be overly optimistic with this thread.....if they DON'T make snow in the next few days, I think you'll see them hold off until next week, which means there's still a chance for a Nov. 7th opening.

 

[BigK]

Mount snow won't be able to make snow.

"The temps are acting temperamental tonight so we won’t be making snow. Boo, temps. However, Mother Nature might drop some flurries on us tonight and we could even wake up to a slight accumulation! Wee! As soon as the temperatures start cooperating, we’ll be firing up our guns."

 

[deadheadskier]

As eager as I am to get out there, I for one, would rather see the areas save the money and spend it on turning lifts in early May.

I'm hoping for my first day to be November 16th on a top to bottom run or two at SR.

 

[BigK]

No one will make snow tonight.

 

[riverc0il]

Sr did open for oct 31 last year with only a few nights of snow making, but not enough to cover a weekend crowd. I would expect a mid week day opening. I did have hopes for this weekend, Casue I do believe its plausible, but not realistic. Love to be wrong makin turns, I would be very happy with a next week day. We need to see the guns on 1st;-).

SR has the advantage of a mid-station. Are they planning a similar opening strategy? They have legit terrain from that mid-station though it is a short run but SR definitely really upped the quality of opening weekend, IMO.

 

[riverc0il]

No one will make snow tonight.

Except good ole' Mother Nature

 

[WoodCore]

Except good ole' Mother Nature

:beer:

 

[Greg]

Except good ole' Mother Nature

Right. Which is as good as any "blow for show" snowmaking in terms of hyping the upcoming ski season and the ski areas do not need to spend a dime.

 

[Highway Star]

Another point to be made is that this weather forcast can turn on a dime, especially around Killington. They get VERY irratic weather all season long. So, it's not over until it's over....

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

As eager as I am to get out there, I for one, would rather see the areas save the money and spend it on turning lifts in early May.

I'm hoping for my first day to be November 16th on a top to bottom run or two at SR.

We're all Jonsing for skiing alot more now than in early May..so it makes sense for the areas to be uber agressive..

 

[Vortex]

SR has the advantage of a mid-station. Are they planning a similar opening strategy? They have legit terrain from that mid-station though it is a short run but SR definitely really upped the quality of opening weekend, IMO.

Very tight lipped At Sr this year. We all believe that it will be the same plan T2 to mid station, but would not be surprised by them making snow down low with the fan guns at the base of locke and Barker. Last couple of years they did not even bother with lower elevation until they had a window to get open to the bottom. Would love to see the operational plan. I have to believe the North peak will open a bit earlier than years past with all the Fans guns and the Buzz of the chondola Dec opening.

 

[severine]

As eager as I am to get out there, I for one, would rather see the areas save the money and spend it on turning lifts in early May.

As badly as I want to get out there right now, I totally agree with you.

 

[drjeff]

And of course, any attempt at early season snowmaking is useless and won't serve any benefit

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business...-enough-for-skiers-in-Vermont/1224630829.html

 

[arik]

I think that's a good point you make Jeff about the ground still being warm, might be better to wait a bit so the blown snow doesn't immediately melt. I think snow on the ground insulates it, so letting it get down to the teens without snow could help it stick.