Snow has been flying in the high country, and the highest of the Rockies are shining with snow-capped summits. Many ski resorts have been making snow and filling their social media feeds with the beautiful transition from golden fall to winter white. It’s all a reminder that Colorado’s 2025-2026 ski season will be here before we know it. And, of course, the snowy reminders have us asking: Just when are the Colorado ski resort opening dates this year?
The answer is: Ski season is coming soon — very soon!
At the very least, several resorts will open Nov. 8. But who will be the first to open the 2025 ski season in Colorado — and in the nation? There is always a race to get the chairs running, and the usual contenders hope for the right conditions to claim the annual title. Will Wolf Creek claim the title as first ski resort to open in 2025 in a repeat from 2024? Or will Arapahoe Basin come back to claim first to open bragging rights like it did in 2022 and 2023
All of the Vail Resorts and the Colorado Ski Country USA association resorts (almost everyone else) have announced their projected opening dates for the 2025-26 ski season as well.
Here Are All the Opening Dates for the Colorado 2025-2026 Ski Season
Here’s what’s been announced so far. Of course, opening dates are subject to change, based on weather and conditions, so always check with your resort of choice before heading for the slopes.
Possible October Ski Resort Openings — The Race for First Chair
Arapahoe Basin — As soon as possible pending early season conditions
Keystone Resort —October, pending early season conditions
Loveland Ski Area — As soon as possible pending early season conditions
Winter Park Resort — As soon as possible pending early season conditions
Wolf Creek — Pending early season conditions
November Ski Resort Openings
Breckenridge Ski Resort — Nov. 7
Copper Mountain Resort — Nov. 7
Eldora — Now Open, Nov. 14
Vail Mountain — Nov. 14
Powderhorn Mountain Resort — Nov. 21
Purgatory Resort — Now Open, Nov. 22
Monarch Mountain — TBD pending natural snow conditions
Steamboat — Nov. 22
Beaver Creek Resort — Nov. 26
Crested Butte Mountain Resort — Nov. 26
Granby Ranch — Nov. 26 — Opening Day with a Thanksgiving Buffet
Aspen Mountain — Nov. 27
Snowmass — Nov. 27
Telluride Ski Resort — Nov. 27
Howelsen Hill Ski Area — Nov. 29
December Ski Resort Openings
Echo Mountain — As soon as conditions allow in December
Ski Cooper — As soon as conditions allow in December
Sunlight Mountain Resort — Dec. 12
Aspen Highlands — Dec. 13
Buttermilk — Dec. 13
Silverton — Dec. 27
Silverton Kendall Mountain — TBD
Check back here for more updated dates as the snow really begins to fly and the ski season gets underway.
Get Your Ski Pass While You Can
You can still get season passes to your favorite resort or group of resorts, including the big Epic Pass or Ikon Pass — at least until the season begins. If you’re looking for one of the best deals for the whole family, the Colorado Ski Country USA Passes are expanded this year, giving kids and families excellent flexibility to explore resorts all over Colorado for incredible prices. Here’s a breakdown, and you can get them through Jan. 31. You can find them all at coloradoski.com.
Newly Expanded Ski Passport (grades K-6)
4 days each at 19 Colorado resorts (76 days total)
$67 for kindergarten–2nd grade (new this season!)
$72 for 3rd–6th grade
2 FREE junior ski or snowboard rentals compliments of Presenting Sponsor Christy Sports.
Gems Teen Pass (ages 12–17)
2 days each at 10 Gems resorts | 20 days on the slopes for $207
Gems Discount Card
2 uses each at 10 Gems resorts — 20 days of discounts for $49.99
Additional purchase of adult lift ticket required.
If you’re new or wanting to go to the next level with skiing or snowboarding, check out our Get Snow Schooled with Ski and Snowboard Lessons or Guide to Cat Skiing in Colorado from our archives.
And Monarch lovers — we know there are tons of you in the Springs! — can be stoked for the new No Name Basin coming to the Western side of the Continental Divide at the independent resort.
