Trollhaugen, a beloved ski area in Wisconsin, is preparing to host its annual pre-season festival, Open Haugen, on October 6th.
This event, a fusion of fall festivities and a rail jam, offers a unique opportunity for skiers to hit the snow before the official ski season kicks off.
Open Haugen features chairlift rides, a ski swap, and a food and coat drive, making it a reunion for the skiing community.
This year marks the fourth time Trollhaugen will use its innovative snow storage technique, a method inspired by European resorts.
The operations team, led by mountain manager Adam Mahler and assistant Matt Boody Boudreaux, stores leftover snow from the previous winter, which they unveil in October to create the rail jam course.
This technique has replaced their earlier practice of sourcing ice from local hockey arenas.
Despite a smaller stash of snow due to last winter’s weather conditions, the excitement remains high.
Registration for the rail jam opened on September 20th and nearly sold out within hours, showcasing the local community’s enthusiasm for early-season skiing.
The jam will run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring four 45-minute sessions. Participants will compete for prizes, including gear, lift tickets, and gift cards.
Trollhaugen, which opened last year on November 2nd, hopes for another early season start, though the exact date remains subject to weather conditions.
Open Haugen serves as the exciting prelude to what is sure to be an unforgettable ski season at the resort.