As we gear up for the 2024/2025 ski season, exciting changes are underway at ski resorts across the U.S., enhancing the on-mountain experience with new lifts, expanded terrain, and major resort updates. We gathered the latest and greatest, here’s a roundup of the biggest news for the upcoming ski season.

Projected Opening Dates

For ski enthusiasts, there's nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the slopes. But before you can strap on your skis and enjoy the crisp mountain air, you need to know when your favorite ski resorts are opening.

For a complete list of projected resort opening dates, check out On the Snow's projected openings. 

It's crucial to note that these dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. Always check the resort's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Lift Updates

• Mammoth Mountain, CA: The Broadway Express (Chair 1) is getting a significant upgrade from a quad to a high-speed 6-pack, increasing uphill capacity and reducing wait times at this popular entry point.
• Hunter Mountain, NY: The Jersey Cream high-speed quad is being replaced with a high-speed 6-pack, significantly improving the flow in the busy "Jersey Zone."
• Snowbird, UT: The Original Wilbere Lift will be replaced with a fixed-grip quad and a conveyor belt loading system to improve access and reduce congestion at the base.
• Big Sky, MT: Big Sky continues to push the boundaries of lift innovation with the new Madison 8-pack, replacing the Six Shooter 6-pack. This makes Big Sky the only resort in North America with two 8-person lifts. Construction is also underway for the Lone Peak Tram Enclosure, which will feature sleek glass panels and geometric steel designs.
• Sugarbush, VT: The Heaven’s Gate Triple is being replaced with a fixed-grip quad with conveyor belt loading. Realigned for better wind resistance, the new lift features slatted seats to help reduce wind holds.
• Jackson Hole, WY: The Sublette lift is being replaced with a high-speed quad, which will drastically reduce ride times to Alta Chutes and The Cirque, cutting the vertical ascent to 1,600 feet in just 4 minutes.
• Snowmass, CO: The new Coney Express high-speed quad has been realigned to reduce congestion in the Snowmass Mall area. The lift will also provide foot traffic access to Lynn Britt Cabin and Spider Sabich Race Arena for the first time.

Just like the new high-speed chairlift upgrades, our Chair Lift Après Sweater takes your post-mountain style to the next level—because the ride doesn't end when the lifts close!

Resort Expansions

• Aspen Mountain, CO: The much-anticipated Hero Expansion is set to open, adding 153 acres of new terrain. Skiers and riders will have access to 19 double black chutes, 3 blue gladed areas, and 4 black-cut trails, all serviced by a new high-speed quad.
• Deer Valley, UT: The East Village Expansion is underway and, while still ongoing, this season brings three new chairlifts and 300 acres of new skiable terrain, including several new cut trails.
• Loon Mountain, NH: As part of its "Flight Path: 2030" initiative, Loon Mountain's South Peak Expansion adds over 30 acres of new terrain, a 4-person quad lift, and fully automated snowmaking to ensure consistent conditions.

Other News

• Powdr Corp Updates: Powdr Corp has sold Killington/Pico to local investors and is planning to sell other key resorts, including Eldora, Mt. Bachelor, and Silver Star.
• Indoor Skiing Milestone in China: Shanghai's L*Snow, now the largest indoor ski resort in the world, has opened its doors. The 90,000-square-meter complex features four ski slopes, a railway, a village, a hotel, a waterpark, and even a gondola.
• Black Mountain, NH: Recently purchased by Indy Pass, Black Mountain has future plans of transitioning into a community-owned cooperative model, similar to Mad River Glen in VT.

Stay tuned as all resorts make final preparations for the upcoming season. Whether you're ready to ride the newest lifts or explore the expanded terrain, there’s a lot to look forward to this winter and we can't wait to see you out there!