New England sees first signs of what promises to be a unique winter

Sunday River received its first snow of the winter Saturday morning. (Sunday River Photo)

The first flakes of the season have fallen across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, which signals the unofficial beginning of a winter we’ve all been yearning and planning for over the better part of the last seven months. 

Ever since COVID-19 put an abrupt halt to the 2019-20 season in mid-March, skiers and riders have been aching to return to the hill, in whatever capacity possible. While the 2020-21 season will decidedly look — and feel — a lot different with limited capacities on lifts and in lodges, reservations, and advance ticketing purchases, the hurdles are only going to try and assure that we’re skiing well into, and past, March this time around. 

So, when much of northern New England woke up to snow on the ground Saturday morning, it was easy to feel the fuel burning for those early starts in the mountains. 

Here’s a roundup of how some of our favorite spots looked with their first signs of winter. 

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Nothing gets us more excited for winter than the first snow on the Front5! This winter will be different, but that’s OK. We’re good at different. Have questions about this season? Tickets? Passes? The Tram? Ski School? Click link in bio for newly updated info on the 2020/21 season. #cannonismine #stillyourcannon

A post shared by Cannon Mountain (@cannonmountain) on Oct 17, 2020 at 8:29am PDT

The Beast of the East got a visit from Old Man Winter this morning. #beast365 #firstsnow https://t.co/wDmYmJX88p pic.twitter.com/na4LbauSIt

— Killington Resort (@KillingtonMtn) October 17, 2020

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Still a little bony, but it won’t be long now. The countdown is on #theloaf #winteriscoming

A post shared by Sugarloaf (@sugarloafmountain) on Oct 17, 2020 at 8:12am PDT

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Saturday is all right with us. #snowliage Photo: Saturday, October 17, 2020

A post shared by Loon Mountain Resort (@loonmtnresort) on Oct 17, 2020 at 5:16am PDT

Today's cold brew. pic.twitter.com/oQJbwYEz4b

— Jay Peak Resort (@jaypeakresort) October 17, 2020

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From flip flops to flurries! Due to 8 inches of surprise snow and current power outage, we will not be running Gondola rides today. Rides are scheduled to run tomorrow from 10am-3:30pm for final day.

A post shared by Omni Mount Washington Resort (@omnimountwashington) on Oct 17, 2020 at 7:26am PDT

Easton NH this morning. Just north of Woodstock. pic.twitter.com/vArOMT2gu8

— Terry Eliasen (@TerryWBZ) October 17, 2020

It may still be fall in your backyard, but it's winter in ours. Photo taken 10.17.20 @ 9:45am. pic.twitter.com/dDjK9rCjpK

— Waterville Valley Resort (@waterville) October 17, 2020

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Swipe left for winter.

A post shared by Waterville Valley Resort (@waterville_valley) on Oct 17, 2020 at 8:12am PDT

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"A Shade of Everything" Winter touched down for the first time atop the mountain last night ❄ 10.17.2020 – 7:35 AM

A post shared by Stratton Mountain Resort (@strattonresort) on Oct 17, 2020 at 5:51am PDT

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Oh yeaaaaaa! Oct. 17th.

A post shared by Burke Mountain (@burkemountainofficial) on Oct 17, 2020 at 5:39am PDT

Snowy scenes have set up in parts of eastern Vermont this morning. Let us know how much you have seen this morning! #vtwx #nywx pic.twitter.com/6cs2NaExGl

— NWS Burlington (@NWSBurlington) October 17, 2020

eric.wilbur@skijournal.com