The best spots for early-season skiing in the U.S.

This Utah favorite is a go-to for early-season skiers—keyword is skiers. It is one of the few resorts left for ski purists. The resort still does not allow snowboarders. Conditions permitting, it will open on November 17th. Only 45 minutes away from Salt Lake City, Alta is notoriously one of the most challenging mountains in North America much like neighboring Snowbird (which does allow boarders). This mountain is not for the faint of heart—expect a good challenge. Even if snow is sparse, there is still plenty to do: Take a spa day at Rustler Lodge, rated the number-one resort in Alta.

Park City is one of the most iconic ski destinations for good reason. Opening on November 17th if conditions permit, the resort boasts 7,300 skiable acres making it the largest resort in the United States. There are good options for all skill levels, but overall caters more to the more intermediate bunch. Park City is also a lot more than just a mountain. There is quite a bit to do from gallery hopping and shopping to a day at the spa. Lodging options include most major brands, including Hyatt and Hilton to more boutique options like the Washington School House.

This southern Utah resort may not be the most notable in the state, but it is the first to open for the season on November 10th. Boasting 650 acres of skiable terrain, this place is a hidden gem away from the long lift lines at larger resorts closer to Salt Lake City. Brian Head is a quick three-hour drive from Las Vegas. It’s definitely not the biggest resort, but it does offer night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays. If you stay the night, check out Brian Head Lodge. Update: Due to condition changes, Brian Head pushed back its opening date to November 17th.

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This Colorado resort was the first one in the state to open. Ski season officially started on October 29th. Boasting 1,428 skiable acres at full capacity this place has a diverse selection of terrain although a preferred choice among more advanced skiers and boarders. The mountain is also not far from Denver, making it ideal for a day trip or part of a weekend in the Denver metropolitan area. It’s not far from Loveland (projected opening November 17) and Keystone, which is already open for the season.

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Nestled a little more than 70 miles from Denver, this Colorado mountain opened on November 1st. This place has lots of options during peak season. It boasts 3,148 acres of skiable terrain. Keystone is also known for night skiing if you dare to hit the slopes after dark. Stay at the Keystone Lodge and Spa. The village is full of bars and restaurants, making for a solid apres experience. Keystone is also not far from Arapahoe Basin and Loveland (projected opening November 17)

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This Idaho resort boasts diverse terrain perfect for every skill level, from lax greens perfect for learning to black diamonds—ideal for the more experienced enthusiasts. While limited at first, the resort has a staggering 2,600 skiable acres. Bogus Basin—slated to open November 17—is only sixteen miles from Boise, Idaho, making it ideal for a day trip. For travelers, Boise boasts a surprisingly impressive restaurant scene. Idaho has one of the largest Basque populations in the country, so its Spanish cuisine is out of this world. Try Leku Ona or The Basque Market. There are lots of other options in Boise’s walkable downtown. Several other Idaho mountains open not much later. Brundage and Sun Valley, for example, will open the following weekend if conditions permit.

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This iconic Lake Tahoe resort is the first to open in California. Only an hour from Reno, it boasts 4,800 acres of skiable terrain. Known for its strong intermediate terrain, this mountain is a must-visit if you’re heading out to Tahoe. It is projected to open on November 17th. Its nearby village has great lodging and apres options. Try the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel for a luxury experience. Other nearby resorts like Kirkwood are not projected to open until December.

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This Washington state resort should definitely be on your list. Three hours from Seattle, this resort is slated to open on November 17. Mission Ridge is also on the Indy Pass—a multi-resort ticket catering to more mom-and-pop ski operations nationwide. You can also night ski at Mission Ridge. This place is on the upswing. Last year, it opened a new high-speed quad chair.

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This Wyoming resort is the first one in the state to open with a projected opening date of November 17th. Boasting 2,602 acres of skiable terrain, this place has something for everyone—but mostly for intermediates. Seventy percent of its trails are blue. It’s 50 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport.

This New Hampshire resort is nothing short of stunning. In its 50th season, this resort is smack center of the White Mountain National Forest—right across from the iconic Mount Washington. Bretton Woods boasts 464 acres of skiable terrain when it's fully open. Known for their glades, this place is a paradise for skiers and boarders alike. Otherwise, Bretton Woods isn’t exactly known for being particularly challenging, making it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediates. Stay at the historic Mount Washington Hotel, which was once the site of the monetary and financial conference that led to the founding of the World Bank. There is also a swath of other skiing opportunities fairly close, including Cannon Mountain (opens November 22) and Wildcat (opens November 23).

This New York mountain is slated to open on November 17—making it the first in the Empire State. Only hours from New York City, this mountain has solid terrain for just about every skill level (although nothing compared to the challenges out west). Often, it is less busy than the more popular Hunter Mountain. Belleayre is much more of a day trip mountain for New Yorkers, but if you are too tired after an intense day on the slopes, there are places to stay nearby, but this isn’t exactly an apres haven. Hunter and Gore Mountain are both projected to open on November 18.

One of the most iconic mountains in the northeast, this Vermont favorite opened this past weekend—making it the first in the Green Mountain state. About 62 miles from Burlington, the resort boasts 1,526 acres of skiable terrain. If snow is sparse, there is still a lot to do in the area. On The Snow ranks the resort as the number one for après in the state. Other Vermont resorts like Okemo, Stratton and Stowe open not too much later. Weather permitting, they’re slated to begin their respective winter seasons on November 18.

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This northern Vermont resort is a go-to for early-season skiers and riders in the Northeast. Boasting 81 trails during peak season, this resort is slated to open up for the season, weather permitting, on November 25th. If snow is sparse, there is lots to do, including a water park. For bookings, the resort offers ski and stay passes and ski, stay and splash passes.

Maine’s biggest ski resort opens on November 17. Boasting 1240 skiable acres, Sugarloaf is 132 miles from Portland, Maine. Known as the best mountain in the state for experts, it may be well worth the two-and-a-half-hour drive. For lodging options, check out the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel—the premiere option at the mountain. Most other Maine resorts open in December, except for Sunday River, which opens the weekend of the 17th.