After the driest start to a California ski season in years, resorts are set to receive 40-100 inches of snow just in time for Christmas. The two-phase storm system arrives this weekend, with the best conditions developing Wednesday through Friday as snow levels drop and quality improves across the Sierra Nevada.
The Dolomites have added another tri-cable gondola to their lift infrastructure, with Campitello di Fassa's new 3S installation to Col Rodella opening December 19th. The 2,200 people-per-hour system replaces older infrastructure on this key Sellaronda access point, though whether the Italian resort needed Italy's 'most modern ropeway' for what's essentially a commuter lift is another question.
Loon Mountain has opened 44 trails across three peaks by mid-December, claiming the most extensive early-season terrain in New Hampshire. The resort attributes the opening to aggressive snowmaking operations supported by favourable temperatures and approximately 10 inches of natural snow.
Austria's Kitzsteinhorn glacier resort operates from early October through late April, offering 61 kilometres of pistes reaching 3,029 metres above sea level. With reliable snow conditions, unique high-elevation beginner terrain, and access to three resorts through the ALPIN CARD system, this glacier destination delivers consistent skiing for Australian visitors seeking extended European ski seasons.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort has accumulated 390cm of snow this season while the current atmospheric river continues to favour the interior ranges over coastal BC resorts. The pattern raises questions about shifting snowfall distributions across Western Canada.
Vail Resorts has announced plans to replace the Showcase T-Bar at Whistler Blackcomb with a fixed-grip quad chairlift by 2026, part of a $215-220 million capital investment programme. The upgrade aims to improve access to Blackcomb Glacier terrain, though questions remain about capacity and whether this addresses the resort's real infrastructure issues.
An Italian ski resort used 40 helicopter flights to transport manufactured snow to its highest runs after December winds left them bare and temperatures were too warm for snowmaking. The operation, costing potentially less than €400,000 in lost revenue, has drawn criticism from environmental groups and highlights the escalating costs of maintaining ski operations in warming winters.
A 64-year-old Czech teacher has died after veering off-piste and striking a tree at Austria's Nassfeld resort, marking the third European ski fatality in less than a week. The incident occurred in front of students during a school trip, raising questions about supervision protocols.
Zermatt has opened a new eight-seater chairlift to replace the 21-year-old Gifthittli six-seater. The CHF 25 million upgrade brings incremental capacity improvements and modern features to a critical mid-mountain connector, though the investment raises questions about priorities in an increasingly competitive Swiss market.
A significant avalanche at Austria's Stubai Glacier on Thursday morning caught eight skiers in off-piste terrain, triggering one of the season's largest rescue operations. While all skiers managed to free themselves before emergency services arrived, three required medical treatment for injuries. The incident involved nearly 250 rescue personnel and highlights the elevated avalanche risk during early season conditions across Austrian ski areas.
The FIS Slalom World Cup in Gurgl delivered an unexpected shake-up as France's Paco Rassat claimed his first career win and Belgium's Armand Marchant secured his country's first-ever World Cup podium. With established contenders faltering on a technical second run, the result raises questions about form heading into the season.
After receiving 10 inches of snowfall in the last week, Brian Head Resort became Utah’s first resort to open the 2025–26 ski season on Friday, November 21. The resort was originally scheduled to open on November 7 and subsequently postponed season opening twice, first to November 15 and then to November 21.
Lucas Braathen's switch from Norwegian to Brazilian colours has delivered immediate results, with the 24-year-old claiming victory in Levi's opening slalom. It's a historic first World Cup win for Brazil, though questions remain about what this nationality change actually means for alpine racing's traditional power structures.
The 2025-26 North American ski season is underway with resorts across Colorado, Alberta, and Vermont opening their lifts. From Keystone's surprise first-to-open move to Sunshine Village's impressive 38 runs already available, here's exactly what terrain you can access right now and which resorts are offering the best early season conditions.
Val Gardena opens 4 December 2025 with access to the Dolomiti Superski network. Beyond the standard Christmas markets and World Cup racing, the resort has widened a competition piste ahead of the 2031 World Championships and added hybrid buses to its transport fleet.
Obertauern has issued a blanket ban on uphilling within resort boundaries for 2025-26, citing safety concerns after years of conflict. The decision adds the Austrian resort to a growing list implementing outright bans rather than managed access, despite local guides questioning the safety rationale.
Boyne Resorts continues its five-year infrastructure investment with new lifts at Alpental and Big Sky, doubled snowmaking capacity at Sunday River, and various dining additions across its North American properties. Here's what's actually changing for the 2025/26 winter season across their 10 ski resorts from Michigan to Montana.
Kronplatz in South Tyrol opens 29 November, making it Italy's first operational ski resort this season. With the Milano-Cortina Olympics drawing attention to the country's major resorts, this 121km ski area offers an alternative for those looking to avoid the Olympic circus and accompanying crowds.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort stands apart in Tahoe with the region's deepest snowfall (354 inches annually), 58% advanced/expert terrain, and a refreshingly uncrowded atmosphere. Discover why this remote alpine valley offers California's most authentic skiing experience, where challenging terrain and quality snow take priority over flashy amenities.
Colorado stands as the undisputed capital of American skiing, combining reliable snowfall, varied terrain, and the legendary Rocky Mountain powder. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and some of the most accessible high-elevation skiing in North America, it's no wonder why Colorado draws skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.