Midwest's Ski Season Kicks Off With Surprise Opening

This past weekend, on October 28th, Andes Tower Hills, Minnesota, became the first Midwestern ski area to open for the ski season.

The resort's tentative scheduled opening was November 11th, so the opening -- which spanned October 28th and 29th -- was ahead of schedule.

This weekend, Andes Tower Hills had its magic carpet service a patch of manmade snow thanks to cold temperatures. Last season, the resort was also able to open in October.

Three generations of skiers graced the slopes of Andes Tower Hills over the weekend -- a grandpa, dad, and recently born daughter hit the hill to take advantage of the early-season skiing. The daughter, who's only about a month old, was the youngest ever skier to "ski" (she hitched a ride in dad's baby carrier) Andes Tower Hills.

"I thought, man, we will never make snow in October again, and then it turned out two years in a row," says Tom Anderson, the resort's general manager.

The 2023 October 28th and 29th opening was temporary -- Andes Tower Hills won't be open this week.

In an October 29th post, Anderson noted that the resort "might consider" opening again after its Fall Fest, which ends on Saturday, November 4th. Anderson reports that the resort is taking the time off this week to stockpile snow. To stay in the loop on a potential reopening date, visit Andes Tower Hills' Instagram page.

"We had fun, everybody came out and had fun," says Anderson, referring to this past weekend.

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