If you can’t wait for North America’s ski season to start, you’ll want to read this! Not all snowy regions are created equal and some ski resorts open earlier and have better early season conditions thanks to strong October and November storm tracks, higher elevations and superior snow-making systems.

Related: NOAA Long Term Winter Forecast 20-21 | 55% Chance of La Nina

Of course there’s no way to forecast where the most snow will fall, but if you book your early season ski trip at one of these five North American resorts, odds are you’ll find great coverage and possibly some powder!

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Where is the best skiing in December?

1) Keystone, Colorado

This Rockies resort typically competes with Arapahoe Basin and Loveland to be the first to open in Colorado each October. Although it’s currently projected to open 11/6/2020, Keystone usually try to move up their opening date, weather permitting. Keystone also benefits from state of the art snow making, playful terrain parks, and a lively base-village, which typically host plenty of early season entertainment.

Where to stay: Located in the middle of Keystone’s base village and less than 250 yards from the lifts, River Run Condominiums place skiers and snowboarders in the middle of all the Keystone early season action.

2) Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff, Alberta

Located high in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is an early season storm magnet. Plus, their mountain operations team knows how to prep the slopes to perfection as they usually host World Cup races in late November/early December. Both Banff and Lake Louise are relatively quiet early in the season and there is often plenty of room of the slopes to spread out and get your first turns of the year in.

Where to stay: The 4.5-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an iconic symbol of the Lake Louise area, and provides guests with an incredible experience including world-class onsite dining, a luxury spa and an Adventure Concierge to plan all of your excursions.

3) Mammoth Mountain, California

With the highest summit elevation in California, Mammoth Mountain is often the first ski resort in the Sierra to open to the public. During normal snow years, Mammoth is a reliable bet for great early-season ski trips, and if the lingering affects of El Niño continue, Mammoth can reap the rewards in feet, not inches.

Where to stay: The ski in ski out Juniper Springs Resort was recently named Conde Nast Travelers top 50 ski resort properties and offers guests relaxing amenities like an outdoor hot tub and swimming pool.

4) Alta, Utah

When storms barrel down Little Cottonwood Canyon, they settle over Alta and stay a while, dumping their powdery payload on these mythical slopes. Recent ski seasons have started with deep bases, so if this year mimics the last few, skiers will be finding fresh tracks well in advance of the resort’s November opening. Alta is currently projected to open 11/25/20.

Where to stay: Located at the base of the resort, the Peruvian Lodge provides simple, comfortable and an inviting atmosphere.

5) Sunday River, Maine

Savvy East Coast skiers know about Sunday River’s legendary snow-making and they’ll be schussing Locke Mountain’s pristine corduroy starting sometimes as early as the beginning of November. Look to Sunday River for easy access from Boston, MA and Portland, ME.

Where to stay: The slopeside Grand Summit Resort is perfect for Sunday River vacationers looking for convenience, amenities—like a pool, outdoor hot and spa—and reasonably priced rates.

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