On this hot summer day, we are thinking cold! So when will the 2022/23 Ski Season start in Midwest? Well, the truth is I can't tell you but what I can do is give you some data. So today, we will be examining the first three ski areas to open for each state across the Midwest. No predictions, no ridiculous forecasts, just this last season's data. I'll also go over averages across the Midwest and the first ten ski areas open across the Midwest.
As always, once the season starts to edge a bit closer, we'll update our guide and have full coverage during the preseason, including our race to open bracket. That said, make sure you subscribe to our YouTube Channel if you haven't already, and check out our Instagram and Facebook pages.
Looking Back at Last Fall's Weather:
Before diving into the data, I'll start with a quick recap of the general early-season weather for last fall. Across the Midwest, we started a little slower than we would like to - especially in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Temps didn't drop to constant snowmaking temperatures until about mid-November. But overall, we were still in the normal range, being a week or two behind what would be ideal weather patterns for early openings.
First Three Ski Areas Open Per State:
We'll be working alphabetically through the 11 states or regions, I guess, since we are counting the UP in its category - so let's start with Iowa and work our way to Wisconsin.
Iowa:
1 - Seven Oaks - November 26th, 2021
2 - Sundown Mountain - November 27th, 2021
3 - Mt. Crescent - December 26th, 2021
Illinois:
1 - Chestnut Mountain - December 11th, 2021
2 - Snowstar - January 3rd, 2022
3 - Villa Olivia - January 6th, 2021
Indiana:
1 - Perfect North - December 9th, 2021
2 - Paoli Peaks - January 13th, 2022
Michigan:
1 - Pine Knob - November 27th, 2021
2 - Mt. Holly - November 28th, 2021
3 - Nub's Nob - December 3rd, 2021
3 - Boyne Mountain - December 3rd, 2021
3 - The Highlands - December 3rd, 2021
3 - Mt. Brighton - December 3rd, 2021
Minnesota:
1 - Andes Tower Hills - November 14th, 2021
2 -Wild Mountain - November 15th, 2021
3 - Powder Ridge - November 20th, 2021
Missouri:
1 - Snowcreek - January 7th, 2022
2 - Hidden Valley - January 9th, 2022
North Dakota:
1 - Bottineau -December 11th, 2021
1 - Frostfire - December 11th, 2021
3 - Huff Hills - December 23rd, 2021
Ohio:
1 - Snow Trails - December 17th, 2021
2 - Boston Mills - January 7th, 2022
2 - Mad River Mountain - January 7th, 2022
South Dakota:
1 - Terry Peak - December 15th, 2021
2 -Great Bear Ski Valley - December 30th, 2021
Da UP:
1 - Ski Brule - November 24th, 2021
2 - Blackjack Mountain - December 3rd, 2021
3 - Marquette Mountain - December 10th, 2021
Wisconsin:
1 - Trollhaugen - November 19th, 2021
2 - Tyrol Basin - November 20th, 2021
3 - Alpine Valley - November 24th, 2021
3 - Granite Peak - November 24th, 2021
Looking at the Entire Midwest:
Looking at all of the resorts across the Midwest, there was an average opening date last season of December 16th, with over 51 of 115 ski areas we have data on open before that date.
We had 24 Midwest ski areas open before and/or during the Thanksgiving Weekend last season.
-2 in Iowa
-2 in the Mitten
-10 in Minnesota
-1 in the UP
-9 in Wisconsin
The Midwest's first ten ski areas to open last season were as follows...
1. Andes Tower Hills - Minnesota on November 14th, 2021
2. Wild Mountain - Minnesota on November 15th, 2021
3. Trollhaugen - Wisconsin on November 19th, 2021
4. Powder Ridge - Minnesota on November 20th, 2021
4. Tyrol Basin - Wisconsin on November 20th, 2021
6. Afton Alps - Minnesota on November 24th, 2021
6. Ski Brule - UP on November 24th, 2021
6. Granite Peak - Wisconsin on November 24th, 2021
6. Alpine Valley - Wisconsin on November 24th, 2021
10. Lutsen Mountains - Minnesota on November 25th, 2021
Final Thoughts:
Lots of data here, but it should give you a rough idea of when you can expect to be on snow in your region. If you want to check all of the data we have collected over the past couple of seasons with averages, you can do so by clicking here.
But there you guys have it, a quick look at last season's opening dates across the Midwest. But until next time, I hope all of you have a great week, pray for snow, and I'll see you out there!