You don't have to wait any longer to hit the slopes - the snow certainly hasn't. Strap on your ski gear and get the first taste of winter powder with our guide to the best ski resorts for early snow.
Best for powder: Obergurgl, Austria
Winter’s surprise attack struck at Obergurgl, which has been getting pounded with snow since the first week in November. With so much snow, lifts opened for business on 12 November, one week earlier than planned. With 52cm (20 inches) of snow already, Obergurgl got a head start out of the gate this season, and conditions are almost perfect. With forecasts of light snow all next week, there’s even more fun to come at Obergurl.
Best for kids: Mammoth, California
Mammoth Mountain, California, is the ultimate place for kids. With uncomplicated trails that all lead to two main lodges, the dressed up “Woolly” Mammoth skiing around, and a well-run ski school programme, Mammoth is the best ski resort for families. There are also fantastic Alpine bowls and classic American wooded areas to keep parents occupied. And with nearly half of the runs now open, thanks to the 22cm (9 inches) of snowfall at the weekend, now is the best time to go.
Best for heights: Val Senales, Italy
Val Senales, in Italy, is a small ski resort with slopes at such a high altitude that it stays open all year. However, right now is the best time to take that gondola ride to the top and be the first to cut through the fresh powder. Val Senales, located near the Austrian border and with few slopes actually below the tree line, is best known for the discovery of the iceman Ötzi. For advanced skiers, this resort is a snowy heaven – no fighting crowds, no slush or ice, and no waiting in line for the first run of winter.
Best for snowboarders: Breckenridge, Colorado
With four peaks, more than 500 hectares (2,000 acres), five terrain parks and a brand-new half pipe, Breckenridge is a massive utopian playground where skiers and boarders live in harmony. And good vibrations were certainly in the air after 16 November, when 50cm (20 inches) of fresh powder led to the opening of almost 30% of the mountain. This season, boarders and skiers are itching to conquer Breckenridge’s ‘Peak to Peak Challenge’, a dare to traverse 10 black runs across the four peaks in just one day.
Best for the whole shebang: Pas de la Casa, Andorra
Andorra is a tiny, snow-capped country that is a favourite for Spanish, French and Brits on a budget. Right now, Pas de la Casa has the best conditions for all age and skill levels. Due to the recent 30cm (12 inches) of snowfall, the resort opened for weekend skiing on 20 November, a full week ahead of schedule. Pas de la Casa is the liveliest resort base of the entire Grandvalira ski area, and offers a splendid range of intermediate to advanced slopes. At Pas de la Casa, the always reliable snow promises to stick to the mountain.
