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ORDA's board has approved $15.9 million in capital funding for its three state-owned ski areas, with the bulk directed at snowmaking infrastructure. The allocation continues a decade-long pattern of public investment in New York's ski mountains, though the recurring focus on basic infrastructure raises questions about maintenance backlogs.

Whiteface's entry into the Mountain Collective pass for 2025-26 brings a much-needed Northeast option, but raises questions about the pass's overall strategy and value proposition.

Gore Mountain is set to enhance its facilities for the 2025/2026 ski season with a new quad lift, improved snowmaking, and expanded parking. The resort continues its development with ongoing projects at the North Creek Ski Bowl.

Whiteface Mountain in New York has concluded its 2024-25 season, marking the retirement of two long-serving chairlifts. Plans are underway to replace these with a new SkyTrac fixed-grip double chairlift, maintaining the popular mid-station feature.

Heavy snowfall and ideal winter conditions have led to increased attendance at New York ski resorts, with Holiday Valley and Peek'n Peak reporting strong visitor numbers. The favourable weather has enabled extended operations and enhanced experiences for skiers and riders across Western New York's premier ski destinations.

Hunter Mountain has revolutionized its lift system with a new high-speed six-pack chairlift, the Broadway Express. This significant upgrade enhances access to all skill levels of terrain and introduces wider trails for improved skiing and riding experiences.

Whiteface Mountain in New York has made an exciting announcement that came from left field. The legendary resort, known for its Olympic history, is set to introduce a new lift called 'The Notch' in the upcoming season. This high-speed quad lift will connect Bear Den Mountain and Legacy Lodge, eliminating the need to navigate beginner trails and providing a smoother and more convenient experience for skiers. With improved trail flow and enhanced skier distribution, Whiteface Mountain aims to elevate the resort experience. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking addition that is set to revolutionise access and enjoyment at the iconic Whiteface Mountain.
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Vermont's season is slow to take shape. Stratton is tentatively targeting 18 November and Sugarbush 21 November, while Pico has Friday 11 December on the calendar. Killington never sets a date and opens when the snowmaking allows, and Vail Resorts has yet to name days for Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow. The forecasts disagree about snow, and the main El Niño worry for the Green Mountains is warmth.

Mammoth Mountain is first up in California, targeting Friday 13 November after a dusting of September snow. Heavenly and Northstar follow on 20 November, Palisades Tahoe on Wednesday 25 November and Sugar Bowl on 27 November, with Kirkwood on 4 December and June Mountain on 19 December. Plenty of smaller areas have no date yet. A super El Niño favours the Sierra, but a warmer storm track is the catch.

Arapahoe Basin, Keystone and Winter Park are all chasing an October start, though none has a firm date yet. The first dated openers are Breckenridge and Copper on Friday 6 November, then Vail on 13 November, with most of the rest bunched around US Thanksgiving. Hesperus did not open at all last season. A super El Niño offers hope but no guarantee, and forecasters say the southern mountains have the better odds.

Dolomiti Superski is spending around €100 million across its 12 areas before winter. Kronplatz gets a new 10-passenger gondola with a middle station, 3 Zinnen gets Helmissimo, and Val di Fassa swaps a chairlift for a gondola above Col Valvacin. New water-storage basins and upgraded snowmaking follow, and construction has started on the San Martino to Passo Rolle link. A peak adult day pass is €89.

Brian Head is targeting 6 November, though last year it aimed for 7 November and did not open until the 25th. Park City, Alta and Solitude are pencilled in for 20 November, Snowbird and Snowbasin for 27 November, and Deer Valley for 5 December. Eagle Point will stay closed after the Cottonwood Fire. A super El Niño is forecast, but the big snow is not expected until January.

Hintertux became Austria's second glacier to open for 2026-27 on Friday 2 October, after the Pitztal Glacier. Twelve kilometres of piste are running around the Olperer and Gefrorene Wand, served by one gondola and two drag lifts, with the Betterpark also open. Lifts officially run 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, but skiing stops at 2 pm for now.

A historically poor western winter cut Vail Resorts' annual net income from $280 million to $147.5 million and skier visits by 13.4 per cent. Now 2026-27 pass units are down 12 per cent as of 18 September, worse than the 10 per cent flagged in spring. Vail blames the weather and thinks some buyers are simply waiting, and it forecasts a rebound if the snow behaves.

Arizona Snowbowl advertised eight $1 lift ticket days this winter. Go looking and only three are showing - 10 March, 1 April and 10 April - so the rest may already have gone. The consolation is a calendar full of $9 days, including all but one day in April. Opening day is 20 November, weather permitting, and opening weekend is $19.