Skiing in November for me is the start of the season. I know that this isn’t the same for everyone, but personally, I like to go the week before Thanksgiving at the end of November. However, it is important to choose the right location so that’s what we’re going to discuss in this article.
Some ski resorts open as early as September or October, but others may not open until December. Whilst some ski resorts in the USA do open in October, even more of them open their doors in November.
When choosing a ski resort, be sure to check the weather forecast and snowfall predictions as where to ski in November can change from year to year. This is a long list so strap yourselves in!
Austria
Obertauern
Austria is one of the best countries for skiing in October and it gets even better in the month of November. Obertauern is a popular ski resort that attracts visitors from all over Europe as well as Americans and many other nationalities.
The ski conditions are excellent, and the scenery is breathtaking. November is an ideal time to visit Obertauern because it’s not as busy and prices are lower than usual. If you’re looking for a ski destination that offers great value for money, Obertauern is one resort to check out.
St Anton am Arlberg
St Anton am Arlberg is another Austrian ski resort that is open in November, although the main rush of people won’t arrive until December. Of course, this is all dependent on how much snowfall there is at the start of the month if there isn’t enough it won’t open until early December.
It’s known to be great for a lively apres ski, so if that’s what you’re after as well as fresh snow then it’s a top location.
North America
Sugarloaf, Maine
Skiing in November in Sugarloaf Maine is one of the most popular ski resorts in the state. The ski season in the USA usually starts in November and ends in April. Maine is known for its cold winters which is why Sugarloaf is an excellent place to go skiing in November.
It’s a great place to start the season if you live close as it has many different ski trails that are suitable for all levels of skiers. There are many ski shops and restaurants at the ski resort so you’ll be able to buy new gear and keep your strength for the slopes.
Jiminy Peak, Massachusetts
Jiminy Peak is known to be the best ski resort for beginners in the state of Massachusetts and this is one reason why it’s a great place to ski in November. If you want your kids to get a headstart then coming here early in November is a great way for them to get more attention before more people come.
The ski season here usually runs from November to April, and the slopes are open seven days a week. Whether you’re looking for a thrill or a leisurely walk in the snow, Jiminy Peak has something for everyone. With breathtaking views of the Berkshire Mountains, it’s no wonder why this ski resort is so popular.
Loon Mountain, New Hampshire
It can be difficult to find resorts that are open the whole month of November, but Loon Mountain is one that usually is. This is due to the New England climate being perfect for ski conditions with average temperatures of around 27 degrees Fahrenheit.
Loon Mountain offers 71 ski trails with nine ski lifts to accommodate skiers of all levels. The resort also offers apres-ski entertainment such as live music and a game room. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, Loon Mountain is the perfect place to enjoy some time on the slopes in November.
Hunter Mountain, New York
If you live in New York and want to go skiing in November then you can go upstate to the Hunter Mountain resort. It’s ideal for beginners as there’s a ski school as well as lots of restaurants and a cozy atmosphere. The slopes are well-groomed and the elevation is 4,040 feet (1,231 m) which is why it’s possible to ski here in November.
Cataloochee, North Carolina
Cataloochee is another resort in the USA and one of the most popular ski resorts in North Carolina. The ski season usually starts in late October and ends in early May, meaning that you should be able to ski in November here every year.
The snowfall in Cataloochee is relatively reliable, and the slopes are well-maintained which is why it’s one of the go-to resorts for people nearby in these earlier months of the season.
- Elevation – up to 5,400 feet
- Runs – 18
Blue Mountain Resort
Skiing in November in Blue Mountain Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in North America. It is located in Pennsylvania and has many activities even for those that don’t ski or snowboard.
The resort offers ski and snowboard lessons, ski equipment rentals, and of course, ski lift tickets. Skiing in November at Blue Mountain Resort is possible, but it will be later in the month not at the start and December is obviously much better as that’s when the real snow hits.
- Elevation –
- Runs –
Killington, Vermont
Killington in Vermont offers some of the best skiing conditions in North America. It opens in early November and often has one of the longest ski seasons in the whole of the USA. If you’re lucky you can even go here in October.
The snow conditions are consistently good throughout the season, making it an ideal place to ski in November. Plus, there are on-mountain concerts to après ski parties, so there is something for everyone at Killington.
- Base elevation
- High elevation – 4,229 ft
- Runs
Snowshoe, West Virginia
Snowshoe is a ski resort in West Virginia and the season begins in November and ends in April. It was established in 1963 and has been open for skiing since then. Snowshoe has a base elevation of 3600 feet (1097 m) and receives an average of 180 inches (457 cm) of snowfall per year.
The resort covers an area of 11,000 acres (4,450 ha) and has 60 miles (97 km) of ski trails. Snowshoe also has the largest ski area and the most ski trails of any resort in North America. The longest run at Snowshoe is 5 miles (8 km).
- Base elevation – 3600 feet (1097 m)
- High elevation –
- Runs
Hilltop Ski Area, Alaska
When you think of Alaska, you think of the wilderness and the snow. Well, at the Hilltop ski area in the state you can ski here even in November.
It has a Snowsports school which is great for young kids to learn the basics. It’s a great family ski resort as there’s something for people of all ages. Once the season begins, the snow is generally fresh and powdery, and the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking.
Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort
Unlike Alaska, when you think of Arizona, you don’t immediately think of skiing or snowboarding in November. However, Arizona Snowbowl does offer this opportunity. The set opening date for 2022 is November 18th so put this in your diary if you want to be one of the first!
Arizona Snowbowl offers skiers the chance to experience some of the most beautiful terrain in North America. The resort also offers a variety of ski packages, making it easy for skiers and snowboarders to find the perfect package for their needs. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, Arizona Snowbowl is the perfect place to ski in November.
- Elevation –
- Runs –
- Website – https://www.snowbowl.ski/?season=winter
Mammoth Mountain, California
Many ski enthusiasts wait all year for the snow to fall so they can hit the slopes and Mammoth Mountain is set to open even earlier than Arizona Snowbowl. The tentative date is Friday November 11th for the winter season to begin.
Mammoth Mountrain is one of the best places to ski in November if you live near the southern west coast. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a ski school, equipment rentals, and après-ski activities.
Website – https://www.mammothmountain.com/mountain/winter-weather
Vail, Colarado
Colorado is known for being the state with the best ski resorts in the country and there’s none better than Vail. You can be sure that you’ll find snow at this popular resort in November and the planned opening date for the 2022/23 season is November 11th.
The snowfalls are reliable and the runs are long, so you can make the most of your ski vacation here. The town of Vail is a great place to enjoy après-ski activities, with its lively bars and restaurants. If you’re planning an early start to your ski season then Vail is a great choice to start it at.
- Website –
- Elevation
Schweitzer, Idaho
Schweitzer is one of the best places to ski in North America. The ski resort is located in Idaho, USA and it offers some of the most amazing ski slopes in the continent. It’s possible to buy your ski pass already and the sale ends on October 31st ready for the ski season to start in November.
The ski resort is open from early November until late April, and it offers a variety of ski slopes for all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, you will find the perfect slope for you.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky in Montana might not be available to ski in early November, but they have set their opening date as November 24th. The winter season at this resort will then end on April 23rd.
Big Sky is a world-class ski resort with over 5,800 acres of terrain and nearly 4,000 feet of vertical drop. It’s also one of the largest ski resorts in North America, so you’ll never find yourself bored or short on what to do here. With an average of 400 inches of snowfall each year, it’s one of the snowiest places around.
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- Vertical drop –
- Runs
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Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe in the state of Nevada gives visitors the best chance to ski in November. November is considered to be off-peak at this resort so you can get better rates on your ski pass if you’re only looking to go in these early months.
Due to it being off-peak even into December the crowds are smaller and the rates are lower than they are during peak season. There’s no set opening date on the website, but the ski passes advertise that it can be used in November so we’re sure it’ll be open during this month. Whether that’s an early or late date in the month is yet to be seen.
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- Vertical drop –
- Runs
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Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge in Oregon is the only ski area in the United States that can offer 10 months of skiing! The regular season starts in November and ends in May, but there is also the chance to ski in the summer months too! Depending on the weather, of course!
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and challenging slopes even when the snow has melted elsewhere. It’s possible to ski here in October, but November is even better! You can get discounts on your ski pass for these earlier months so take advantage of this.
- Vertical – 4,540 vertical feet
- Website
- Elevation
Park City, Utah
Skiing in November in Park City is the perfect way to enjoy the first of the heavy snowfall of the season. It is one of North America’s largest ski resorts and is located in Utah which is famous for hosting the Winter Olympics in the past.
With over 7,000 acres of ski-able terrain, Park City offers something for everyone. The town of Park City is also a great place to enjoy après ski activities, with its many bars, restaurants, and shops.
November is a great time to ski in Park City as the snow is fresh and the crowds are relatively thin. At least compared to the peak months.
Crystal Mountain, Washington
Crystal Mountain ski resort in Washington State opens in November and it’s possible to buy your ticket pass already. Skiing in November offers a unique experience, as autumn feels like its ending and winter is starting up on the mountains. The weather can be variable at this time of year, but on a clear day, the views of Mt. Rainier are simply stunning.
Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming
The Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming is planning to reopen for the winter season on November 18th. As stated on their website, this is weather permitting.
The resort, which is located in North America, receives an average of 500 inches of snow each year, making it a perfect place to ski and snowboard. November is a great time to visit the resort because the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower due to it being off-peak.
If you want to be one of the first to see the trees covered in snow and the mountains looming in the distance then make sure to get your ski pass ready.
Canada
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb isn’t only one of the most popular ski resorts in British Columbia or in Canada, but it is known all over the world when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. The winter season starts in mid-November as every year there’s an abundant amount of snowfall during this early month. It’s a great time to go when there are smaller crowds and with the prices being lower than in the peak months. With so much to offer, Whistler Blackcomb is the perfect place to enjoy a ski or snowboard vacation in November.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise ski resort has a tentative opening date for November 4th. This is obviously dependent on the weather and even if it does have to be pushed back, it will still be ready to ski in November. The views from the ski lifts are breathtaking and the skiing is some of the best in the world. If you buy your tickets before October 17th then you can get a discount on the full price. So, if you know that you’re going to visit often during the winter season it’s worth getting.
Tremblant
Skiing in November in Tremblant is an experience not to be missed. With its stunning mountain views and world-class ski slopes, Tremblant is a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
What could be more exciting than hitting the slopes in Canada’s beautiful Laurentian Mountains when it’s less busy? The ski season in Tremblant typically runs from late November to early April, so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy some powdery goodness. It’s already possible to buy your ski pass for the season even if there’s no set date for the opening of the resort on their website.
Sunshine Village
Sunshine Village is a ski resort located in the Canadian Rockies, just outside the town of Banff. The resort is open year-round for all types of outdoor activities and then skiing is available from November through April.
There’s no set date yet on the website, however, you can buy your ski pass and get a discount if you get it early. Sunshine Village is one of the earliest ski resorts to open in North America. The resort’s high elevation (over 2,000 meters) and north-facing slopes help to ensure that there is plenty of snow throughout the season.
In addition, Sunshine Village offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers, from beginner to expert. As a result, it is an ideal place to ski in November. Whether you are looking for an early start to the ski season or just want to enjoy some of the best skiing in Canada, Sunshine Village is worth a visit.
Japan
Nozawa Onsen
Skiing in November in Nozawa Onsen is a truly unique experience. To be honest, skiing in Japan is a unique experience that not many get to enjoy.
Nozawa Onsen is one of the best ski resorts in the country with fresh powder from the day it opens in November. There’s no set date on the website of when it will open in 2024, but in most previous years it opens in November without fault.
It isn’t the best resort for beginners as the ski conditions can be challenging, so it is important to be prepared. That said, for all the ski and snowboard enthusiasts that want to go early in the season, you’ll be fine.
Zao Onsen
November is an excellent time to ski in Japan, as the snowfall is typically high and the temperatures are crisp and cool. Zao Onsen is one of the best places to ski in the country, as it receives an average of 16 feet of snow each year.
The resort also has a wide variety of trails to suit all abilities, from beginner to intermediate to expert. November is an ideal time to visit Zao Onsen, as you can enjoy all the benefits of the high season without the crowds.