It's all good!
I usually start skiing Veteran's day (except this year of course) and will take advantage of the early season. Often I will ski the 4 days up until Xmas, before the crowds. Sugarbush has it's $5.50 day on the friday b4 the holidays, which is usually part of that tour. Also Jay has the best chance for better snow, so we head up there around that time as well. Okemo used to have great early-season discounts, and b/c they make so much snow and don't have the crowds that Kton has, we might start our trip there to get the legs acclimated.
This year, because we had such a lousy early season, I went to Mt Baker and Crystal Mtn (see trip report) because I couldn't take it anymore. I had to find snow, and find it we did. No crowds and plenty of base, with lots of snow falling throughout our stay.
Last year I make a last-minute trip to SLC in early December. It wasn't the first time doing that. Early December airfares are usually cheap, and with friends out there eager to host us and provide us with discounted (or free) lift tix, it was an easy and affordable early-season powder fix.
The slopes are much less crowded before the holidays overall.
I planned my big SLC trip for the first 10 days of Feb this year to hopefully maximize powder possibilities. Only problem is, there will a lot of competition for that powder, as nearly everyone I know who travels to ski will be there that week. Will likely be skiing in a large posse.
I also love spring skiing. Gotta love the longer daylight (our local area is open until 10pm...so 5pm skiing is more enjoyable in March). Also, the sunshine and warmer weather is welcome. When the eastern hardpack softens and the moguls abound, these are pleasant conditions. Tailgate parties with lawn chairs and beer add even more enjoyment to the late season.
So, in summary...it's all good when there's snow, and the only time I don't like it is when I am not skiing or when we get those mid-season thaws, or when the season ends abruptly with too much rain.
Hopefully it will be winter here soon and the snows will come. Even after 4 days of excellent skiing in WA, I am eager to get on the slopes here. May try the telemark gear this weekend at my local hill if there's anything left after this dreadfully warm weather.
