The vast majority of the ski resorts in the Northland began their snowmaking process early this week, with a targeted opening day looking more and more likely to be in November, something that hasn't occurred in a few years. In order for the snowmaking process to continue, temperatures need to remain below 30 degrees.

"We are most definitely stoked to see the early onset of cold air this past week," Spirit Mountain General Manager Jody Ream said. "It has certainly been a number of years since we have been blessed with the sustained colder temps this early in the month of November, and we are rolling along with round-the-clock snowmaking."

The general consensus among the resorts says that the targeted opening date is about Thanksgiving weekend, with that being completely weather dependent.

"This is somewhat of a moving target and dependent on various factors," Ream said when asked about a targeted opening day. "Depending upon how all unfolds these next 48 hours or so, we could potentially see some early-season skiing and riding here very soon."

Resorts are not the only ones getting excited for the long winter.

"Nordic skiers in the Northland seem to be quite excited about this early snow," Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club board member and communications chairman Nils Arvold said. "Particularly given that for many years, there has been rarely skiable snow in the Duluth area before Thanksgiving."

Arvold said he believes the early winter is "great for the outdoor community" because it allows people to transition into snow sports earlier, rather than having an awkward season between fall and winter.

Estimated opening days

• Lutsen Mountains — Nov. 18 and 19

• Mont du Lac, Giants Ridge and Spirit Mountain — Thanksgiving weekend

• Chester Bowl — Dec. 9

• Snowflake Nordic Ski Center — 95 percent covered, already open