When Do Da Skills Open?

[andyzee]

When do the mountains in the Catskills typically open. I know that Bellyeare makes a push to be the first, most likely in November, But how about Hunter, Plattekill, Windham?

 

[hardline]

will most likely be around 11/28/2008 maybe hunter the a day or two before.

 

[ERJ-145CA]

Belleayre used to try to be open mid-November but since the whole budget fiasco their website says they are opening the day after Thanksgiving (or 11/28 as Hardline said).

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Thanksgiving if temperatures cooperate..maybe a week before

 

[Philpug]

I used to hit Hunter every year, the wednesday, the week before Thanksgiving. Haven't in the past 10 years, might again this year depending if I can get a nice day.

 

[dmc]

Hunter is meeting November 1st to talk about it...

Of at least thats what i overheard this AM while getting coffee...

 

[ski_resort_observer]

Thanksgiving if temperatures cooperate..maybe a week before

Due to sketchy conditions the last few years Thanksgiving is not considered a big deal by most resorts anymore. Only if there is a big dump things might change from that. The assumption is that the temps will allow for snowmaking but the limited openings that this will allow, versus a big dump, won't bring the crowds up.

If the temps are good some of the smaller resorts like Crotched will have most of their mountain open and draw a pretty good crowd but they are the exception, not the rule IMHO.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Due to sketchy conditions the last few years Thanksgiving is not considered a big deal by most resorts anymore. Only if there is a big dump things might change from that. The assumption is that the temps will allow for snowmaking but the limited openings that this will allow, versus a big dump, won't bring the crowds up.

If the temps are good some of the smaller resorts like Crotched will have most of their mountain open and draw a pretty good crowd but they are the exception, not the rule IMHO.

The past few Thanksgiving weekends I've skied at Okemo, Stratton and Killington and it has been busy at all three of those resorts..

 

[dmc]

Due to sketchy conditions the last few years Thanksgiving is not considered a big deal by most resorts anymore.

It's a big deal for Hunter..... They get a decent turnout that weekend... mostly regulars... Still not nearly as crazy as the past but a nice crowd...

 

[andrec10]

Hunter is "Usually" open at least the weekend before Thanksgiving, sometimes earlier. I have a good feeling about this year...

 

[ski_resort_observer]

If you look at the announced opening dates most want to be open before Thanksgiving, that hasn't changed. The closer the resort is to the NYC area, the best chance for day skiers vs up here in northern Vt.

How much terrain was open last Thanksgiving, even Okemo, at the resorts mentioned above, . It seems crowded cause the resorts aren't fully open. What percentage of kmart's terrain was open last Thanksgiving? I realize that they are in a skier reduction mode but they still have bills to pay.

Depending on the resort, bookings and season pass sales looked okay despite the current economic challenges. That's a good thing but every major resort is trying to find ways to cut costs.

Pent up demand building over the summer/fall also brings skiers out but as far as holidays go it's nothing like xmas/new years, MLK holiday or presidents week. That's what I meant by "a big deal".

I suspect most everyone in here will be on the slopes the first weekend any resort is open.

 

[180]

This year Hunter will open as early as possible. Depending on the Halloween cold snap, they could be open by the 7th. No Belleayre to compete with this year (early season).

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Andy where have you been the last several years????