Winter Is Coming! Your Inside Scoop on Ski Season Buzz and Big News
Hey there,
Hope you’re doing well! I’m writing from the beautiful slopes of Aspen, where fall’s colors fade, and the first signs of winter are sneaking in. As the chill sets in, the buzz around the ski world is heating up—and I’ve got some exciting updates and insider info to share with you. Let’s dive in!
1. Waterville Valley Gets the Snowguns Going: Winter Prep in Full Swing
On October 10th, Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire officially fired up its snowmaking machines. While the summit cams still show bare ground, the effort is all about prepping the slopes by cooling the earth for when real snowfall hits. The resort hasn’t set an official opening date yet, but you can bet it’s coming soon. If you’re thinking about grabbing a season pass, don’t wait—prices go up after October 14th. Plus, buying an adult pass now gets you a free junior pass for your little shredder. Read more about Waterville’s early start here.
But before we talk more snow… have you heard about the historic find on Everest?
2. Century-Old Mystery Revived on Mount Everest
Big news from the Himalayas: a recent expedition led by National Geographic, including filmmaker Jimmy Chin, may have uncovered a piece of mountaineering history—a boot thought to belong to early Everest explorer Andrew “Sandy” Irvine. Found on the Central Rongbuk Glacier, the boot features Irvine’s initials stitched into the fabric. While this doesn’t confirm whether Irvine and his partner George Mallory were the first to summit Everest in 1924, it does add an intriguing piece to the puzzle. The search is on for more evidence, like Irvine’s lost camera, which could reveal whether they reached the top almost 30 years before Hillary and Norgay. Get the details on this incredible discovery.
Back to the States, where snowmaking is underway in some unexpected places…
3. Massachusetts’ Ski Ward Ramps Up for a November Rail Jam
You wouldn’t usually expect to hear about ski season in Massachusetts this early, but Ski Ward in Shrewsbury is defying the odds. Thanks to their advanced Latitude 90 & SMI snowmaking system, they’re laying down some serious snow, prepping for a November 2nd rail jam. Last season, they were the first ski area in North America to open with lift-serviced runs, and they’re aiming to keep the momentum going this year. It’s all about creating an early-season playground and stoking the local scene. Check out what’s in store.
Speaking of snow, here’s something for our East Coast powder hounds…
4. Maine’s Ski Resorts Celebrate the First Big Snowfall of the Season
The first real snowfall of the season hit Maine’s ski resorts on October 14th, with Saddleback getting a dusting from top to bottom. While lower elevations saw some melting, the early flakes are a welcome sight for those already dreaming of powder days. Sugarloaf also joined the fun, showing off some fresh accumulation on their webcams. With new snowmaking upgrades and the West Mountain expansion ready for the season, they’re gearing up for an earlier-than-usual opening on November 22nd—just in time for Thanksgiving. Catch all the snowy details here.
And now, for some not-so-great news from the West Coast…
5. Homewood’s Closure Sparks Controversy and Uncertainty in Tahoe
Sad news for Lake Tahoe skiers: Homewood Mountain Resort has announced it won’t be opening for the 2024/25 season. The closure follows a setback with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency regarding updates to the resort’s master plan, leading their financial backer to pull out. The resort points fingers at local group Keep Homewood Public, accusing them of delaying progress, while the group continues to push for a “hard reset” to protect public access. It’s a tense situation, and both sides seem far from reaching a compromise. Read more about the ongoing dispute.
That’s the latest for now! As ski season approaches, the anticipation is building and the news keeps rolling in. Whether you’re getting ready to hit the slopes or just following along from your couch, I’ll keep you posted on the stories that matter most. Got a mountain on your radar? Let me know, and I’ll be sure to cover it in an upcoming newsletter.
Until next time, keep dreaming of powder days and stay stoked!
Alex