5 Amazing Early-Season Ski Destinations

Fresh powder, serious fun!

Dreaming of a wintry escape before the holiday rush? While some people are settling into cozy cabins, ski enthusiasts are polishing their gear in anticipation of downhill thrills! And if you’re ready to carve some tracks on the mountain, these early-season ski destinations have fresh powder waiting just for you!

Here are 5 fantastic ski resorts where you can hit the slopes for your first trip of the ski season.

• Big Bear Mountain Resort, CA

  An Alpine village, just outside of L.A.? SoCal might be famous for its beaches, but skiers and snowboarders know its snowy secret!

  Just 2 hours from L.A. you’ll find Big Bear—one of the best early-season ski destinations in the country. And with impressive snow-making capabilities and snowfalls as early as October, it’s usually one of the first Cali ski resorts to open each year.

  The resort includes 2 mountains linked by a shuttle, allowing you to visit both. Head to Snow Summit for its smooth, tree-lined runs. Or check out Bear Mountain, with jumps, rails, and a half-pipe perfect for snowboarding and freestyle skiing.

• When your ski day is over, the nearby village offers a lively après-ski escape. Warm up and refuel at the local brewery and rustic restaurants with your fellow ski enthusiasts!

• Copper Mountain, CO

  Skiers and snowboarders of all levels will love this early-season favorite!

  Copper Mountain’s high altitude and extensive snowmaking season help it open reliably early each year. And its terrain only adds to its massive appeal!

  The landscape naturally divides the mountain into 2 distinct ski areas. The west side has gentle slopes, ideal if you’re a beginner. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, though, the east side features challenging steeps, tree runs, and bowls.

• The cozy village has a festive vibe, with live music and numerous local events to keep the fun going. Or if you’d rather sit back and unwind, the outdoor fire pits are perfect for enjoying Copper’s relaxed vibe.

• Mount Snow, VT

  With a name like Mount Snow, this resort was destined to be one of our favorite early-season ski destinations!

  Its easy accessibility from major cities (New York, Boston) makes getting to this charming New England ski spot a breeze. And once you’re there, the powdery fun is non-stop!

  Mount Snow’s Carinthia terrain park—the largest on the East Coast—makes it a top destination for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Rather stick to skiing? You’ll find your perfect run in Mount Snow’s varied terrain: gentle beginner trails, winding intermediate slopes, and exhilarating steeps.

  The resort’s village offers plenty of ways to unwind after your day on the slopes. Enjoy that classic Vermont hospitality at live music venues, cozy restaurants, and welcoming pubs.

• Park City Mountain Resort, UT

  The bigger, the better at this ski resort!

• Offering over 7,000 acres of skiable terrain, Park City is one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. And with snowmaking capabilities that ensure excellent conditions from the very start, it’s an easy pick for early-season ski trips!
• Naturally, all that terrain means variety. Like, serious variety: family-friendly green diamonds, thrilling black diamonds, advanced bowls, tree runs, and even extensive backcountry options.
• The town of Park City is just as appealing as its snow! Take a stroll down its charming Main Street, lined with fantastic art galleries, high-end boutiques, and world-class dining choices. It’s the perfectly glam end to a thrilling ski day!

• Sugarloaf, ME

  Looking for an adventure? Then pack your skis and head to Sugarloaf!

  The largest ski area east of the Rockies, Sugarloaf features New England’s only above-the-treeline skiing. “The Snowfields” offers a chance to take on rugged, challenging slopes that are rare on the East Coast. You’ll get wide-open terrain and a backcountry feel, plus all the amenities of a ski resort. And did we mention the spectacular panoramic views?

• Not quite there yet? No worries! There are plenty of green and blue trails with wide, gradual slopes if you’re just starting out.
• Sugarloaf is also home to a friendly local ski community. There are no strangers here! The lively après-ski spots provide a laid-back, welcoming vibe during your ski trip.

Can’t wait any longer for your next ski trip? These early-season ski destinations will have you on the slopes before the holidays!

And if you really want to spend as much time as possible on the slopes, ship your ski gear to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. No need to wait at baggage claim or fumble with awkward ski luggage. Just hop off the plane and enjoy that first-of-the-season snow!