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May, 2025

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First to open, yo

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BrothsTopaz
Posts: 225 - Karma: 1,204
Considering that this damn states weather changes from day to day, based on a solid guess, when do you think the resorts will open to skiing and the first to do so. Obviously a more northern resort, but how bout those southern ones?
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10 years ago
25 1
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,788
Last year it was Ski Brule in Iron River. They opened November 7th. Mt Bohemia always opens later because they don't make snow. Last year Pine Knob opened November 15th. Not too far off!
10 years ago
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andeezymcd
Posts: 73 - Karma: 170
Holly, Alpine, Pine and Brighton only need like 24 hours to make enough snow to open a run or two, so if the whole state gets a cold snap, my bet would be with them. If we get an ease into winter, I'd go with Boyne or Highlands since they're pretty far north (=colder temps) and spend a ton on snowmaking. They make snow as much as they can it seems and usually push it in marginal conditions. Highlands opened 11.16 last year IIRC. In the end I think it really depends on if we get a hard cold snap like last year or not. I have no clue about when the UP opens but I know Bohemia doesn't make snow so they won't open til December.
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
And then there are the poor souls of bmbw where we are lucky to ski by Christmas.
10 years ago
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BrothsTopaz
Posts: 225 - Karma: 1,204
cjt121099And then there are the poor souls of bmbw where we are lucky to ski by Christmas.


Haha.
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
BrothsTopazHaha.


We even have 100% smi snowmaking. It's ridiculous. Its not even the weathers fault, we opened new years day last year...
10 years ago
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BrothsTopaz
Posts: 225 - Karma: 1,204
cjt121099We even have 100% smi snowmaking. It's ridiculous. Its not even the weathers fault, we opened new years day last year...


Sometimes southeast Michigan is the same way. It's not fun because it can possibly make the season shorter. But then again, Michigan winters go until April. Hopefully it turns out well for you this year. I'll shoot that karma to you.
10 years ago
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
Bittersweet usually pushes to open early on the west side but the east side is probably gonna be Brighton because they can piss money out and make enough snow to open a run for 2 days and then watch it melt. Cannonsburg usually waits until they can open more than just one hill and atleast have a decent park. Boyne will try to open as early as they can, usually shoot for Thanksgiving.
10 years ago
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,788
im guessing pine Knob will be open by thanksgiving weekend
10 years ago
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Mr.Mitten
Posts: 1341 - Karma: 4,132
Yeah pretty sure BSweet was open early as fuck last year, and I believe had a mini park setup at the bottom of the run on the first day. They definitely killed it with being open last season, killer year.
10 years ago
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Mr.Mitten
Posts: 1341 - Karma: 4,132
Yeah pretty sure BSweet was open early as fuck last year, and I believe had a mini park setup at the bottom of the run on the first day. They definitely killed it with being open last season, killer year.
10 years ago
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teamdummy
Posts: 1189 - Karma: 2,607
Pine knob does a pretty impressive job how fast they can get a few runs open once they start blowing snow.
10 years ago
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Crehm
Posts: 951 - Karma: 842
Ski Brule will be the first to open, every year.

After that its a toss up really, SE Michigan resorts actually usually get some of the earliest good snowmaking temps it seems like. Hope downstate gets it by Thanksgiving!
10 years ago
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Lonely
Posts: 7139 - Karma: 69,463
Crystal was open by thanksgiving last year, they said it would be the same this year. We'll see
10 years ago
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dustygoldflakes
Posts: 484 - Karma: 700
Its looking like it might be boyne mountain this year
10 years ago
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
dustygoldflakesIts looking like it might be boyne mountain this year


why do you say that? lol they haven't even turned their guns on yet! hopefully they open first tho! would be sick!
10 years ago
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
not feeling this 70 degree weather :(
10 years ago
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BrothsTopaz
Posts: 225 - Karma: 1,204
yungsteezenot feeling this 70 degree weather :(


It's bullshit. I keep telling my friends that I just want the temps to be in the 30s so there's a reason to kick in the machines
10 years ago
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Mr.Mitten
Posts: 1341 - Karma: 4,132
as a michigander relocated out west, I will get my shredding in for all of you today. Snow on the ground in Bozeman, and quite a decent accumulation on the mountains already. Stay patient my friends, season will be here before ya know it
10 years ago
1 0
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
im gonna predict/hope for november 24 at brighton. tear it up out there mr mitten
10 years ago
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andeezymcd
Posts: 73 - Karma: 170
yungsteezeim gonna predict/hope for november 24 at brighton. tear it up out there mr mitten


Just checked the forecast - Detroit area resorts are looking like they have a good chance to open Thanksgiving weekend if this forecast holds....

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/brighton-mi/48116/november-weather/333708

23rd - low 19
24th - low 19
25th - low 21
26th - low 24
27th - low 27
28th - low 24 (all as of 11.10 according to the link above....)
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
andeezymcdJust checked the forecast - Detroit area resorts are looking like they have a good chance to open Thanksgiving weekend if this forecast holds....

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/brighton-mi/48116/november-weather/333708

23rd - low 19
24th - low 19
25th - low 21
26th - low 24
27th - low 27
28th - low 24 (all as of 11.10 according to the link above....)

Now in ohio on the otherhand...
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
Now holiday valley may open thanks giving weekend thank goodness. If not that weekend then Dec 5 for sure
10 years ago
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andeezymcd
Posts: 73 - Karma: 170
cjt121099Now in ohio on the otherhand...


Yeah BMBW will be at least another month unless Ullr decides to bless us haha
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
andeezymcdYeah BMBW will be at least another month unless Ullr decides to bless us haha


Our passes include alpine valley which is about 35 min away. It may be able to open december 5th if the long range is correct and the rain is a minimum. It is the crappiest place to ski but atleast its included.
10 years ago
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andeezymcd
Posts: 73 - Karma: 170
cjt121099Our passes include alpine valley which is about 35 min away. It may be able to open december 5th if the long range is correct and the rain is a minimum. It is the crappiest place to ski but atleast its included.


Yeah that's true, the weather might be colder up there... All we can do is cross our fingers haha
10 years ago
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
snowed today \o/
10 years ago
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
BRIGHTON FAM THE FORECAST IS A GOOD LOOK!!! snowmaking conditions will be a little humid, but they might start making snow on the 20th anyway. and theyre predicting snow on monday night 1-3 inches! cant put too much faith in the forecast, but my november 24 prediction might be correct knock on wood!
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
yungsteezeBRIGHTON FAM THE FORECAST IS A GOOD LOOK!!! snowmaking conditions will be a little humid, but they might start making snow on the 20th anyway. and theyre predicting snow on monday night 1-3 inches! cant put too much faith in the forecast, but my november 24 prediction might be correct knock on wood!

What r u talking about? I don't live in michigan but the forecast does not agree with the 24th
10 years ago
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BrothsTopaz
Posts: 225 - Karma: 1,204
yungsteezeBRIGHTON FAM THE FORECAST IS A GOOD LOOK!!! snowmaking conditions will be a little humid, but they might start making snow on the 20th anyway. and theyre predicting snow on monday night 1-3 inches! cant put too much faith in the forecast, but my november 24 prediction might be correct knock on wood!


I want to agree with you, but are you sure? I mean, the 15 day outlooks looks to be in the 40s consistently.
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
Id say most of us will be opening on december 5th including us in Ohio for once. Cold temps arrive thanksgiving week and the following week. Id say 6-7 nights of snowmaking in the mid 20s can have most people open a few runs.
10 years ago
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
Yea, they're gonna need colder nights to make good quality and a good quantity snow. Wet snow will just melt with the temps in 40s. But I'm curious to see who's gonna turn their guns on first. Wont be worth it, besides to say, "we were first" lol
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
SkiLefleyYea, they're gonna need colder nights to make good quality and a good quantity snow. Wet snow will just melt with the temps in 40s. But I'm curious to see who's gonna turn their guns on first. Wont be worth it, besides to say, "we were first" lol


New gun technology makes it easier to make snow in low temps. A resort right by me cools the water a lot so it freezes faster and is dryer so they can make more at a time. They had a 4 foot base by thanksgiving last year
10 years ago
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
cjt121099New gun technology makes it easier to make snow in low temps. A resort right by me cools the water a lot so it freezes faster and is dryer so they can make more at a time. They had a 4 foot base by thanksgiving last year


Boyne is really the only resort that can make legit dry snow at 28 degrees. Maybe brighton as well. Other than that, the other older guns that most resorts have are gonna need colder and drier air. Forecast isn't looking really good for anyone though!
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
SkiLefleyBoyne is really the only resort that can make legit dry snow at 28 degrees. Maybe brighton as well. Other than that, the other older guns that most resorts have are gonna need colder and drier air. Forecast isn't looking really good for anyone though!


My resorts just got brand new smi pole cats for almost the whole system so im good.
10 years ago
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
cjt121099My resorts just got brand new smi pole cats for almost the whole system so im good.


Indeed, need about 27 degrees and low humidity tho. As long as they blow with lights off it'll be colder as well. Cannonsburgs lights will add about 2 degrees to the temperature. Not many people believe that, but its true lol.
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
SkiLefleyIndeed, need about 27 degrees and low humidity tho. As long as they blow with lights off it'll be colder as well. Cannonsburgs lights will add about 2 degrees to the temperature. Not many people believe that, but its true lol.


Our resort is so cheap that we had the technology last year and they waited till after christmas to start making snow so they are very interesting with their investing
10 years ago
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BrothsTopaz
Posts: 225 - Karma: 1,204
The bright side is, at the end of the 15 day weather outlook, it looks like we're gonna get our constant freezing temps first week of December.

Fuck, that's far.
10 years ago
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
my friend said a brighton worker told him theyll open on saturday which sounds like complete bullshit to me, so im not gonna get my hopes up. but it is possible to make snow tomorrow night, barely. friday theres a 40% chance of snow, but with a worse wet bulb temp than thursday. Saturday theres 3-5 inches natural predicted during the day and 1-3 at night, and snowmaking will be possible too. i think a run being open on sunday sounds decently possible if they start on thursday, and brighton has a ton of nice polecat snow cannons. based on the forecast and calculating the wet bulb for the next 5 days, snowmaking will definitely be possible. just hope vail will pump out all that money to get brighton opened asap. if not ill be shredding in my backyard anyway ;)
10 years ago
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
yungsteezemy friend said a brighton worker told him theyll open on saturday which sounds like complete bullshit to me, so im not gonna get my hopes up. but it is possible to make snow tomorrow night, barely. friday theres a 40% chance of snow, but with a worse wet bulb temp than thursday. Saturday theres 3-5 inches natural predicted during the day and 1-3 at night, and snowmaking will be possible too. i think a run being open on sunday sounds decently possible if they start on thursday, and brighton has a ton of nice polecat snow cannons. based on the forecast and calculating the wet bulb for the next 5 days, snowmaking will definitely be possible. just hope vail will pump out all that money to get brighton opened asap. if not ill be shredding in my backyard anyway ;)

Yea Vail won't care how much snow they gotta pump out even tho half of it will melt before it hits the ground. They're gonna blow snow right as it hits 27 as long as their humidity level is good. I bet they could open a little run sunday but its not gonna be worth it in their costs but who cares for them haha.
10 years ago
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JCTheut
Posts: 221 - Karma: 734
Anyone think Boyne and Nubs Nob will open by thanksgiving? It seems possible with up to 8 inches of snow this weekend and temps in the 20's at night!
10 years ago
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BrothsTopaz
Posts: 225 - Karma: 1,204
JCTheutAnyone think Boyne and Nubs Nob will open by thanksgiving? It seems possible with up to 8 inches of snow this weekend and temps in the 20's at night!


I have a feeling they will but I'm naive
10 years ago
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
Heard through the grape vine that boyne was gonna try to make snow last night if it got cold enough. So I am sure when it hits the temp, they are blowing no doubt. All their guns are set and ready!
10 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
PERFECT NORTH SLOPES STARTED MAKING SNOW LAST NIGHT!!!
10 years ago
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
Boyne made snow last night and is still making snow right now through the night I assume. Bittersweet just fired up some guns tonight. Not sure about the guys on the east side. Depending on the next 2-3 days I could see bittersweet trying to push to open a run. I'm headed west for a week so either or Imma be on snow and I'm stoked! Just figured I'd fill ya in on what I know.
10 years ago
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BrothsTopaz
Posts: 225 - Karma: 1,204
SkiLefleyBoyne made snow last night and is still making snow right now through the night I assume. Bittersweet just fired up some guns tonight. Not sure about the guys on the east side. Depending on the next 2-3 days I could see bittersweet trying to push to open a run. I'm headed west for a week so either or Imma be on snow and I'm stoked! Just figured I'd fill ya in on what I know.


My god, that would be awesome to have something open by the start of my thanksgiving break. Mucho gracias for the info.
10 years ago
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,788
BrothsTopazMy god, that would be awesome to have something open by the start of my thanksgiving break. Mucho gracias for the info.


Pine Knob OPENS TOMORROW!!!!!!! or tuesday. But I'm so stoked!
10 years ago
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BrothsTopaz
Posts: 225 - Karma: 1,204
gnar_whalPine Knob OPENS TOMORROW!!!!!!! or tuesday. But I'm so stoked!


Hold up. What?!
10 years ago
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,788
BrothsTopazHold up. What?!


Check the webcam! And my dad is on ski patrol and he got the email!
10 years ago
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
Bittersweet opens at 3 today I heard. Enjoy it if you get there!
10 years ago
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doitbig
Posts: 4818 - Karma: 315
Mt. Brighton to open 11/24 at 10AM.
10 years ago
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All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 12:41PM