Colorado Ski Season Is Almost Here! 2026–2027 Opening Dates

It's almost time to dust off the skis, dig out the winter gear, and get back to the mountains!

Colorado's 2026–2027 ski season is right around the corner, with some resorts hoping to start spinning lifts before Halloween. Whether you're chasing the first chair or planning your first mountain weekend, here's when you can expect your favorite ski areas to open.

October: Let the Race Begin!

• October 30: Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park
• October 31: Keystone

These are projected dates. All three mountains are aiming to open as soon as conditions allow.

November: Ski Season Kicks Into Gear

• November 6: Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Loveland
• November 7: Wolf Creek
• November 13: Vail, Eldora
• November 20: Purgatory
• November 21: Steamboat
• November 25: Beaver Creek, Crested Butte
• November 26: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Telluride
• November 27: Granby Ranch
• November 28: Howelsen Hill (tentative)

December: The Rest of the Mountains Join In

• December 4: Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn
• December 9: Ski Cooper
• December 11–12: Sunlight Mountain
• December 12: Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Echo Mountain
• Mid-December: Kendall Mountain
• December 31: Silverton Mountain

A Little Colorado Ski Season Advice

Opening day doesn't necessarily mean the whole mountain is open! Early-season terrain is typically limited, and snowmaking temperatures can make or break opening plans.

My advice? Keep an eye on the snow reports, check your favorite mountain's website before heading up, and be ready for some last-minute opening-day announcements.

Here's to another winter of powder days, après-ski, and Colorado mountain adventures!

*Last updated October 26, 2026. All dates are estimates or targeted openings and subject to change based on weather and snow conditions.*