One Two Ski: Thanks for the Snow!

Making much-heralded history as America's biggest ski resort, Park City Mountain Resort is opening for the season on Nov 21 with its 'other half', Canyons following Nov 27. Part of the $50million project, the new Quicksilver Gondola connecting the two areas will be open in time for the Christmas holidays. Both resorts were great before but this merger will enable them to compete with the mega resorts of Europe!

Deep Winter at Lake Louise after record-breaking 1/2 metre of snow this week - Photo by Chris Moseley

Thanks to all the recent snow in the west, many ski resorts are scheduled to open in time for American Thanksgiving next week, including Telluride - still haven't skied there but absolutely must next season!

What better way to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday than skiing! Breckenridge takes the tedium out of turkey by offering condo delivery service. A posh option is the gourmet Thanksgiving feast in the Living Room at One Ski Hill Place.

Spur at Teton Mountain Lodge, Jackson Hole

For no-fuss fun, friends and football, Spur at Teton Mountain Lodge, Jackson Hole has a more casual Thanksgiving party planned. For those who haven't skied Jackson yet, put it on the bucket list for radical runs, ritzy restaurants, sensational scenery and a great community of committed skiers and riders with a passion for outdoor living.

Thanksgiving Santa at Copper Mountain

Thanksgiving skiing at Copper Mountain is followed Friday, Nov 27 by an early visit from Santa, arriving via Pisten Bully Snowcat, for Copper’s annual tree lighting and fireworks. I skied Copper last season, a few fabulous days in early April with no crowds, heavy spring snowfalls and cool culinary experiences. Lovely little village with cute shops and restaurants set around a central lake with fun ziplining.

Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are launching daily operations from Nov 21 after a special preview last weekend. After Thanksgiving's fun, festivities and fireworks, it's the annual Thanksjibbing event, Fri Nov 27, the first crazy competition of the season. Like an American Verbier, Aspen Snowmass is a posh playground with a vast variety of worldclass skiing attracting an eclectic community of lifestyle migrants as well as international ski tourists. With four mountains and two towns, it takes at least a couple of weeks there to appreciate the whole experience.

Snowmass Thanksgiving Fireworks - photo by Jeremy Swanson

Brighton and Snowbird in Utah opened early on Nov 18 due to so much recent snow and Alta follows Nov 20 - I skied all three last season as part of my Utah ski safari, taking in 7 resorts in 7 decadent downhill days.

Marmot Basin - Bob Covey Photo

Lots of early openings in Canada, too - where I'm headed in just three weeks time. My son, Fergus Hudson, who lives in Calgary, reports heavy snow at Lake Louise and Banff area! Marmot Basin opened early after several significant snowfalls.

Whistler Mountain opens a week ahead of schedule Nov 19 with Blackcomb following suit Nov 26.

Whistler Blackcomb

I'm trying something new this week - sending out this blog via Google+. If you find out from someone else that you have been left off the list, please email me at louise.hudson2011@gmail.com and I will make sure you are added! Also, please share this blog with all your Google+ network as well as any other social media contacts who might be interested.

In case you missed my newspaper article links, here's an update of stories I've had published so far this season:

Sept 15 Silver Travel Advisor – Winter Sport Tourism http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/blog/ski/winter-sports-tourism

Sept 28 Houston Chronicle – Ski Pass Article

http://www.chron.com/life/travel/destinations/article/What-winter-ski-pass-is-right-for-you-6535659.php

Also MuckRack: http://www.chron.com/life/travel/destinations/article/What-winter-ski-pass-is-right-for-you-6535659.php

Oct 1 Andermatt Swiss Alps Blog – Global Ski Industry Trends

http://blog.andermatt-swissalps.ch/en/2015/10/01/global-ski-industry-trends-by-louise-and-simon-hudson/

Oct 28 Houston Chronicle – Ski Gear Article

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/travel/article/New-ski-gear-to-buy-for-the-winter-season-6595859.php

Nov 7 Boston Globe – Fat Biking

http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/travel/2015/11/07/the-fat-bike-phenomenon/DTDXQafa7ZDDZGhr6HlBVL/story.html

Nov 7 Boston Globe – Downhill Dealing

http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/travel/2015/11/07/upswing-downhill-dealings/NWynQ88o7cN81jJCsUqx0O/story.html