SnoNews

This year's ski season started early with cold temperatures allowing snowmakers to begin covering trails in October. November followed with several snowstorms that blanketed the northeast.

 continue reading

With 2018 quickly coming to a close, several areas across the U.S. and Canada will get final bursts of snow and cold for the year. Here’s the breakdown…

That’s right, it’s only November and the Northeast is having one of the best starts to the season in recent memory. If you haven’t already headed for the hills, get your sick day excuses ready and make your way to your nearest mountain.

Here comes a nice taste of cold weather for many of us!  Some resorts sit in just the right spot for heavy snow accumulations. 

Stoke was high this week for east coast skiers and riders, as the power of snowmaking and the fortune of cold weather combined for October openings at Killington and Sunday River, with Mount Snow and Wildcat spinning lifts this coming weekend. 

Here we go! The season’s first, strong coastal storm will take aim at the East during the weekend bringing some wild weather. Meanwhile, we enjoy some mild skiing/riding in the West.

Sister resorts Mount Snow and Wildcat will make history this weekend with their earliest opening in their 64- and 61-year history, respectively. Lifts will begin turning at both mountains Saturday, October 27,.

New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain Resort is now boasting the highest disc golf course in New Hampshire, a scenic 18-hole course that starts at the 2,733-foot summit of Loon Peak. 

Even though it might still feel like February as snow continues to fall on mountain resorts across the country, Northeast mountains are celebrating end-of season runs as they look ahead to summer activities and construction. Thanks to snowmakers and some great March snowfall, bases are still deep for those spring runs.

Meteorologist Steve Glazier enjoyed April riding at Colorado's Arapahoe Basin this week. (Steve Glazier)

Record cold temperatures are on tap for the weekend of April 7-8, allowing snow pack to last a little longer while creating opportunities for spring snowfall in some areas!

Jackson Hole getting the good stuff. (Jackson Hole)

It’s finally going to feel more like fall across the East as a sharp Canadian front plows through New England and brings snowfall, plus those long-awaited colder temperatures.

Weather forecasts for Sunday River Resort look favorable for opening by Saturday. (Sunday River/Facebook)

We’ve been waiting for our snowmaking window here in the East, and it’s finally here. Skiers and riders can make plans now for first turns of the season at Sunday River, Wildcat, Mount Snow and Killington.

Looking down the slope at Ponderosa Chalet with Glacier National Park in the background. (Snow Bear Chalets/Facebook)

Part of the fun of planning a winter getaway is finding the perfect spot to rest and relax after a day on the slopes. SnoCountry.com has picked some of our favorite hotels that offer more than your standard night’s stay. 

Going for the basket at Gore Mountain. (Gore Mountain)

Want to add a little friendly competition to your mountainside hike? Disc golf at your favorite Eastern resort is a great way to get outside with your buddies, perfect your throw and explore the mountain from a new perspective. Scoring is the same as golf - count the number of throws needed to get the disc in the basket.

 Sunny spring days ahead at Sugarloaf. (Sugarloaf)

Soft spring bumps and goggle tans are still calling many to the mountains in the Northeast, and a stormy March has left a handful of resorts in great shape to make it to May for those who aren’t ready to trade the skis for bikes and boats.

Attitash charges into spring. (Attitash/Facebook)

April has begun on a wonderful note for Northeast resorts with a foot of snow falling April 1, making conditions so great that several have decided to extend their season.

Mount Washington from top of Wildcat. (Wildcat/Facebook)

One of the true blessings that comes with skiing and snowboarding is the chance to no only get into the mountains but also to rise up to the high ground and soak in an eyeful of wild country that surrounds.

SnoCountry.com took a long look around the country and came up with some it our favorite mountains where, if we pause for a moment, will bring joy to our eyes and hearts. Here they are:

Wildcat. Skiers and snowboarders at New Hampshire resort are treated to a horizon-to-horizon view of Mt. Washington (highest in East) and the Presidential Range – plus sneak preview of springtime hiking fav Tuckerman’s Ravine. Best view: Top of Polecat trail.

Gunstock. Mountain rises up next to Lake Winnipesaukee – largest in New Hampshire – with the Ossipee Range in the foreground and massif of White Mountains looming behind. Best view spot: Top of Panorama lift on Flintlock trail.

Camden Snow Bowl. Only ski and snowboard mountain with view of the Atlantic Ocean off mid-coast of Maine. Best spot: Top of triple chair or top of aptly named Lookout run.

Lutsen Mountains. Sitting on the north shore of Lake Superior, all four mountain rise 1,000 feet out of the world's largest freshwater lake that looks an inland sea, as no land can be seen across the lake. Best spots: At summit of each.

Copper Mountain. Colorado’s central Rockies spread all around Copper, including the Ten-Mile and Gore ranges and Vail Pass – plus a glimpse at Continental Divide off the backside. Best spot: Top of Storm King chair.

Homewood. With the Sierra Range as a backdrop, skiers and riders get to soak in view of iconic Lake Tahoe that (literally) laps up against the base area of Homewood. Best spot: Pretty much anywhere on the hill.

Mt. Baker. Volcanic field in Washington produces long views of the North Cascades National Park and glacier-coated Mt. Baker itself. Best spot: Top of Experts lifts on appropriately labeled Panorama Dome.

Stowe Mountain Resort boasts 5-6 inches of new snow in their most recent storm system. While the pattern doesn't favor "huge" storms in the East, there are still great conditions to be had. (Stowe Mountain Resort/Facebook)

In this week’s SnoCast, we dig into yet another active stretch for the western U.S. and continue to hope for a much colder change in pattern for the East.

Upstate New York specializes in fall colors, and best place to see them is atop Whiteface (Whiteface/Facebook)

For skiers and snowboarders, the first sign of winter comes when the leaves start to color up as the days get shorter and the temps begin to drop.

Enjoy every last drop of this season by checking out our list of some of the best late spring eastern trails in the east.