Colorado Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026–2027 (Updated October 2026)
Updated: 2 days ago
Updated October 23, 2026. The 2026–27 ski season in Colorado is almost here. Below are the opening dates the resorts have announced, plus projected dates for the ones that open as soon as conditions allow. We'll keep this page current as resorts confirm.
2026–27 Colorado ski resort opening dates
Resort | 2026–27 opening | Status |
Keystone | Late October (projected Oct 31) | As soon as conditions allow |
Arapahoe Basin | Late October | As soon as conditions allow |
Winter Park | Projected Oct 30 | As soon as conditions allow |
Breckenridge | Friday, Nov 6, 2026 | Target date |
Copper Mountain | Friday, Nov 6, 2026 | Target date |
Loveland | Projected Nov 6 | Projected |
Wolf Creek | Projected Nov 7 | Projected |
Vail | Friday, Nov 13, 2026 | Target date |
Eldora | Projected Nov 13 | Projected |
Purgatory | Projected Nov 20 | Projected |
Steamboat | Saturday, Nov 21, 2026 | Target date |
Crested Butte | Wednesday, Nov 25, 2026 | Target date |
Beaver Creek | Late November (projected Nov 25) | Projected |
Aspen Mountain & Snowmass | Thursday, Nov 26, 2026 | Target date |
Telluride | Thursday, Nov 26, 2026 | Target date |
Monarch | Projected Dec 4 | Projected |
"Target date" is the date the resort has announced. "Projected" dates are estimates for resorts that haven't set a date and open as soon as there's enough snow. Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk open later than Aspen Mountain and Snowmass. Every date depends on snow and temperatures, so check the resort before you travel.
Who opens first in 2026?
Keystone and Arapahoe Basin usually race to open first in Colorado, typically in the last days of October. Last season Keystone was first, on October 25, 2025, and A-Basin followed a day later. Both are about 90 minutes to 2 hours from Denver International Airport. See our Denver Airport to Keystone shuttle.
Breckenridge and Copper: November 6
Breckenridge targets Friday, November 6, 2026, and Copper Mountain plans to open the same day. Breckenridge is about 104 miles from DEN, roughly 2 hours in good conditions. Early-season terrain is limited to what snowmaking and the first storms cover, so expect a few runs and lifts at first. Ride up with our Denver Airport to Breckenridge shuttle.
Vail and Beaver Creek: November 13 and late November
Vail targets Friday, November 13, 2026. Beaver Creek is projected for late November, around Thanksgiving week. Vail is about 120 miles from DEN over the Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass. See our Denver Airport to Vail shuttle, and if you're splitting a trip between both resorts, our Breckenridge to Vail guide.
Aspen, Telluride, Steamboat and Crested Butte
Steamboat targets November 21, Crested Butte November 25, and Aspen Mountain, Snowmass and Telluride all target Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026.
Getting to the mountains on opening weekend
Opening weekends and Thanksgiving week bring heavy traffic on I-70, and the Traction Law can be in effect from September 1. Read our I-70 winter driving guide before you go, or skip the drive: Ski Lift Limousine runs private Sprinter vans and SUVs from Denver Airport to every Summit County and Vail Valley resort. Get your price in the Ski Lift app.
FAQ
Which Colorado ski resort opens first in 2026?
Keystone and Arapahoe Basin are usually first, in late October. Both plan to open as soon as conditions allow, with Keystone projected for around October 31 and Winter Park around October 30.
When does Breckenridge open for 2026–27?
Friday, November 6, 2026.
When does Vail open for 2026–27?
Friday, November 13, 2026. Beaver Creek is projected for late November.
Are ski resort opening dates guaranteed?
No. Resorts move dates earlier or later depending on natural snow and how cold it is for snowmaking. Always confirm on the resort's website before you book travel.
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