It never fails. Even though we know it’s coming, the first snowflakes of the season inspire a certain kind of uncontrollable excitement.

I felt that giddy vibration this morning as I stood on the summit taking pictures. Even though our first snowfall of the season was merely a dusting, the feeling was there.

I turned my head toward the sky and caught one of the sparse, soggy snowflakes on my tongue, thinking, “it’s been too long, my friends, far too long.”

Now these friends have already melted off the summit, and while the forecast is calling for more tonight, those welcome flakes are likely to melt away, too.

That’s how it normally goes this time of year. A little bit of snow to get you excited…and a little bit more…and then….the sun comes back out and the weather warms up.

But still, standing on the summit with snowflakes falling on my face, I admit, I’m excited. I will step up my ski workouts at the gym. I will probably even put my boots on and tromp around my living room soon. I will embrace the tingly feeling, even amid the cold, hard facts:

Brundage Mountain’s earliest opening day ever was on November 11, 1984.  (More recently, we opened November 12 in 2005).

Our average opening day is December 1. As most of you know, we rely on this wonderful, natural snowfall to determine our opening day. Here is a look at our operating plans for early season.

Don’t have your season pass yet? Don’t worry. We’ve got a whole bunch of exciting ways for you to save on the “Best Snow in Idaho” during our “Best of Brundage” Anniversary sale, which starts on October 20. Season passes, SnowCat Skiing, Select Cards, Gift Card Bonus Bucks…I think you’ll find there’s something for everyone.

So as we sit and wait for the next BIG blast of snow, ask yourself. Are you really ready for ski season?

A couple more weeks, and I know I will be.

– April