Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, Nordic skier, snowshoer, sledder, tuber, ice skater or simply a Coloradan ready to see an end to last year’s drought, you’ve undoubtedly been tracking the news of a super El Nino weather pattern delivering loads of snow to Colorado this winter. The expectations are high. The forecasts are favorable. And the snow has begun to fly in the high country. You’ve probably seen the social media images of that beautiful transition from golden fall to winter white. It’s all a reminder that Colorado’s 2026-2027 ski season is on its way. So just when are 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. 6. But who will be the first to open the 2026 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. Keystone claimed the title as first ski resort to open in 2025 when it started spinning its lifts for the public on Oct. 25. And nearby Arapahoe Basin was hot on its snowy heels when it opened on Oct. 26, 2025. Those resorts and more are making snow now, so we won’t be surprised to hear an opening announcement before Halloween hits.
All of the Vail Resorts and the Colorado Ski Country USA association resorts (almost everyone else) have announced their projected opening dates for the 2026-27 ski season as well.
Here Are All the Opening Dates for the Colorado 2026-2027 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 — As soon as possible 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 — As soon as possible pending early season conditions
November Ski Resort Openings
Breckenridge Ski Resort — Nov. 6
Copper Mountain Resort — Nov. 6
Vail Mountain — Nov. 13
Powderhorn Mountain Resort — Nov. 20
Purgatory Resort — Now Open, Nov. 20
Steamboat — Nov. 21
Beaver Creek Resort — Nov. 25
Crested Butte Mountain Resort — Nov. 25
Granby Ranch — Nov. 25
Aspen Mountain — Nov. 26
Snowmass — Nov. 26
Telluride Ski Resort — Nov. 26
Howelsen Hill Ski Area — Nov. 28
Eldora — TBA
Monarch Mountain — TBA
December Ski Resort Openings
Ski Cooper — As soon as conditions allow in December
Sunlight Mountain Resort — Dec. 11
Aspen Highlands — Dec. 12
Buttermilk — Dec. 12
Cuchara Mountain Park — Dec. 12
Silverton — Dec. 31
Echo Mountain — TBA
Silverton Kendall Mountain — TBA
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 or until they sell out. You can find them all at coloradoski.com.
Ski Passport (grades K-6)
4 days each at 19 Colorado resorts (76 days total)
$76 for kindergarten–6th grade
Gems Teen Pass (ages 12–17)
2 days each at 10 Gems resorts | 20 days on the slopes for $210
Gems Discount Card
2 uses each at 10 Gems resorts — 20 days of discounts for $50
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! — did you get a chance to check out the No Name Basin that opened last season on the Western side of the Continental Divide at the independent resort? The snow should be even better this year!
