Small Massachusetts Ski Area Becomes First 'Open' In North America
Ski Ward, located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts became the first North American ski area to open for the season on October 22nd, 2023.
To accomplish the seemingly impossible feat, the small ski area utilized its new Latitude 90 all-weather snowmaking technology that can make snow when outdoor temps are as high as 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check out skiers and snowboarders making their first turns of the season in the short video shared to social media below:
Ski Ward has been sharing photos and videos of their new Latitude 90 snowmaking system since it was delivered earlier this summer.
Their first snowmaking test turned heads across the internet. The sight of a large pile of snow growing larger by the minute in the beginning of August is something you just don't see everyday.
Ski areas such as Kelly Canyon, ID; Spring Mountain Adventures, PA; and Beech Mountain Resort, NC currently utilize Latitude 90's technology.
The systems aren't capable of covering a long trail from top to bottom in snow, but they provide a valuable boost in coverage to learning areas, terrain parks, and other high-traffic areas like lift lines.
Check out Ski Ward's post from August 3, 2023 below:
According to Ski Ward, it wasn't their "original goal" to be the first ski area open in North America, but I have a feeling they don't mind staking claim to the title.
The opening day offering was part of Ski Ward's 'Fall Festival'. The slope will reopen on Saturday, October 28th for a Rail Jam event.
Ski Ward was able to edge out perennial first-to-open favorites in Colorado like Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, and Keystone.
A-Basin COO Al Henceroth gave Ski Ward, and Unofficial Networks, who was first to break the story, a shoutout for beating them to the punch:
"Our friends at Unofficial Networks are reporting that Ski Ward, Massachusetts has opened for skiing. With $5 tickets, a couple groomer widths of snow and a carpet, skiers and riders are sliding in New England. Kudos to Ski Ward for offering up some good, slippery fun."
Check out the video below of Matt Lush skiing with his son on Ward's opening day. The excitement was real!
Ski Ward's tiny magic carpet serviced strip of snow pales in comparison to what A-Basin will eventually have available for their upcoming day, but skiing is skiing, after all.
Credit to Al and the team at A-Basin for respectfully conceding the title of 'First To Open' to Ski Ward.
Happy Winter '23-'24, friends. It's technically underway, and I can't wait to experience it with all of you. Shout out to Ski Ward for getting things started for us.
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