7 November 2016 — Report from the A-Team this weekend of some pretty terrific skiing at Arapahoe Basin, all things considered. Yes they are still on a single white ribbon of death, and if you look closely at the photo above you’ll get an idea of the crowd on Saturday. Snow off and on through the day kept conditions decent…snowmaking ramps up again in the northeast; Maine biggies Sugarloaf and Sunday River both laying down a nice ribbon of white…Stratton VT has projected November 23rd as opening day…and to make sure New Englanders get in the mood, Boston Ski Show coming up this week…Midwest biggie Lutsen Mountains MN planning to open November 18, assuming the weather cooperates. They’re also jumping on the Black Friday bandwagon, if you recall last year REI created a bit of commotion by closing all their stores on Black Friday — which I think is fantastic — well now Lutsen is reporting that they’ll offer free skiing — again, fantastic. According to Lutsen, “#OptOutside is gaining momentum, Minnesota State Parks have joined the movement with free access to all 75 parks and now Lutsen Mountains is a proud supporter offering a Free Ski Day on Friday, November 25th.” Kudos!

Photo above: A-Basin, Saturday November 5, 2016