It is only Halloween, and Colorado skiers have been riding chairlifts since Wednesday. Arapahoe Basin opened the state's season on Wednesday, October 28, and Keystone followed on Friday, October 30. If you are planning a winter trip, the ski resort opening dates 2026 calendar is now filling in fast, with big names like Breckenridge, Vail, Park City and Jackson Hole set to open in November.
This guide answers the question every skier and snowboarder is asking: when do ski resorts open in 2026-27? Below you will find the planned opening dates for more than 30 major US and Canadian resorts, what is already open, and tips for timing an early-season trip.
Key Takeaways
- Arapahoe Basin opened Colorado's season on October 28, and Keystone opened on October 30.
- Breckenridge and Copper Mountain plan to open on November 6, followed by Vail and Mammoth on November 13.
- Park City, Whistler, Heavenly, Northstar, Alta and Solitude are among the resorts planning to open on November 20.
- A large group of Western resorts, including Aspen, Telluride, Jackson Hole and Snowbird, plans to open around Thanksgiving.
- All dates depend on snow and weather, so check resort websites before you book.
Ski Resorts Already Open for 2026-27
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Arapahoe Basin, known to locals as A-Basin, opened on Wednesday, October 28, making it the first Colorado resort to spin lifts this season. Opening-day skiers rode the Black Mountain Express to the High Noon run. The day was extra special because this winter marks A-Basin's 80th season.
Early-season terrain at A-Basin is usually limited to one or two runs built with machine-made snow, so expect busy slopes and a festive crowd rather than wide-open terrain.
Keystone, Colorado
Keystone opened on Friday, October 30, with lifts running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Skiers ride the River Run Gondola and then take laps on the Montezuma Express. Opening terrain covers about two miles on the green runs Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus a hike-to terrain park. The resort also planned a live DJ at the base after the lifts closed.
Because the opening runs are beginner-friendly, Keystone's first weekend is a good fit for families and anyone shaking off rust before the bigger resorts open.
Two Colorado resorts are spinning. Here is when the rest of the country plans to join them.
Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026: The Full Calendar
The dates below are each resort's planned opening day for the 2026-27 season. Every date depends on snow and weather, and resorts can open earlier or later than planned.
Early November
- Killington, Vermont: early November
- Breckenridge, Colorado: November 6
- Copper Mountain, Colorado: November 6
- Winter Park and Loveland, Colorado: as soon as conditions allow
Mid-November
- Vail, Colorado: November 13
- Mammoth Mountain, California: November 13
- Park City, Utah: November 20
- Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia: November 20
- Heavenly and Northstar, Lake Tahoe: November 20
- Alta and Solitude, Utah: November 20
- Steamboat, Colorado: November 21
Thanksgiving week
- Beaver Creek and Crested Butte, Colorado: November 25
- Big Sky, Montana: November 25
- Palisades Tahoe, California: November 25
- Stratton, Vermont: November 25
- Aspen Mountain and Snowmass, Colorado: November 26
- Telluride, Colorado: November 26
- Taos, New Mexico: November 26
- Sun Valley, Idaho: November 26
- Snowbird and Snowbasin, Utah: November 27
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming: November 27
Early December
- Kirkwood, California: December 4
- Stevens Pass, Washington: December 4
- Mt. Bachelor, Oregon: December 4
- Deer Valley, Utah: December 5
Those are the dates. But an opening day does not always mean a great ski day, and that is where timing gets tricky.
Opening Dates by Region
Colorado
Colorado leads the country again. A-Basin and Keystone are already open, Breckenridge and Copper target November 6, Vail follows on November 13 and Steamboat on November 21. Beaver Creek and Crested Butte aim for November 25, with Aspen Mountain, Snowmass and Telluride on November 26. Winter Park and Loveland plan to open as soon as conditions allow, which in a cold autumn can be very early.
Utah
Utah's big resorts cluster around late November. Park City, Alta and Solitude target November 20. Snowbird and Snowbasin follow on November 27, while Deer Valley plans to open on December 5. Salt Lake City's airport is close to many of these resorts, which makes Utah a strong choice for a short early-season trip.
California and Lake Tahoe
Mammoth Mountain aims to open on November 13, one of the earliest dates outside Colorado. At Lake Tahoe, Heavenly and Northstar target November 20, Palisades Tahoe plans to open on November 25 and Kirkwood on December 4. Sierra snow can arrive in big storms, so Tahoe dates often shift with the weather.
Pacific Northwest and the northern Rockies
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia targets November 20. In Washington, Stevens Pass aims for December 4, as does Mt. Bachelor in Oregon. Further east, Big Sky in Montana plans to open on November 25, Sun Valley in Idaho on November 26 and Jackson Hole in Wyoming on November 27.
The East and Southwest
In Vermont, Killington typically opens in early November, and Stratton targets November 25. In the Southwest, Taos in New Mexico plans to open on November 26. East Coast openings depend heavily on snowmaking, so cold snaps matter even more than storms.
If you are flexible about where to ski, Colorado and Utah offer the most choices for a Thanksgiving trip. California and the Northwest have later average dates and depend more on early storms, so booking refundable plans there is a smart move.
Seeing a date on a list is one thing. Whether the resort actually opens that day is another.
When Do Ski Resorts Open in 2026-27, and Why Dates Change
Most resorts announce a target date months in advance. Vail Resorts released its 2026-27 dates on August 18, citing excitement about a strong El Niño pattern that could bring good snow this winter. But an announced date is a plan, not a promise.
Three factors decide whether a resort opens on time:
- Cold nights: Snowmaking needs consistently cold temperatures. A warm spell in early November can delay openings even at well-equipped resorts.
- Natural snow: Early storms let resorts open more terrain quickly. Without them, opening day may mean just one or two runs.
- Elevation: High-altitude Colorado resorts such as A-Basin, Keystone and Loveland usually open first because they stay colder.
If the season starts strong, some resorts may open ahead of schedule. If it starts dry, expect delays. Either way, the resort's own website and social media accounts are the best places to confirm the latest plan.
What Is New at US Ski Resorts This Season
Several resorts are celebrating milestones or adding new features this winter:
- Two 80th birthdays: Both Arapahoe Basin and Aspen Snowmass are celebrating their 80th seasons.
- A new lift at Aspen Mountain: Aspen Mountain adds the new Nell Bell quad chairlift.
- More terrain at Purgatory: The southern Colorado resort adds about 40 acres of terrain.
- World Cup racing at Copper: Copper Mountain will host World Cup ski racing on November 28 and 29.
Pass prices
If you ski several days a season, a multi-resort pass is often cheaper than buying lift tickets at the window. Vail Resorts lists the 2026-27 Epic Pass starting at $1,119 for adults, $889 for ages 13 to 30 and $569 for children. For shorter trips, the Epic Day Pass is priced from $47 to $99 per day depending on how many days you buy. At A-Basin, Ikon Pass holders can get 50% off Friends and Family tickets through November 3. Prices and deadlines change, so check the pass websites before you buy.
Knowing the dates is half the plan. The other half is choosing the right week to go.
Tips for Planning an Early-Season Ski Trip
Choose high-elevation resorts
For a November trip, high Colorado resorts like Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper and A-Basin give you the best odds of skiing. They open early and have big snowmaking systems.
Avoid Thanksgiving weekend if you can
Many resorts plan to open the week of Thanksgiving, which draws big crowds and higher prices. Our Thanksgiving travel guide explains the busiest travel days. If your dates are flexible, the first week of December often has smaller crowds and more terrain.
Book flexible travel
Early-season snow is never guaranteed, so refundable lodging and flexible flights are worth the extra cost. New routes can also help: our roundup of new nonstop flights for winter 2026 includes options worth checking. For December travel, our Christmas flights 2026 guide explains why fares are running high.
Pack for cold and changing conditions
Early-season conditions can be icy in the morning and slushy by afternoon. Layers, a good pair of goggles and a hand warmer or two help. If you are shopping for a skier this year, our Christmas gifts for travelers guide has practical ideas.
How to Check Whether Your Resort Is Open
Opening plans can change with just a few days' notice. Before you drive or fly, check these three places:
- The resort's snow report: Most resorts post daily updates on open lifts, open runs and snow totals. This is the most reliable source.
- Official social media accounts: Resorts often announce surprise early openings or delays on social media first.
- State ski associations: Groups such as Colorado Ski Country USA share opening news for member resorts in one place.
On the mountain, early-season skiing comes with its own rules. Stay on open, marked runs. Closed trails may hide rocks, stumps and snowmaking equipment just under the surface. Lines can also be long on opening weekends, so arriving early is often the best way to get the most runs in.
FAQ: When Do Ski Resorts Open in 2026-27?
Which US ski resort opened first in 2026?
Arapahoe Basin in Colorado opened on October 28, 2026, the first Colorado resort to open this season. Keystone followed on October 30.
When does Vail open for the 2026-27 season?
Vail plans to open on November 13, 2026. Breckenridge plans to open earlier, on November 6.
When do Utah ski resorts open?
Park City, Alta and Solitude plan to open on November 20, Snowbird and Snowbasin on November 27, and Deer Valley on December 5.
Are ski resort opening dates guaranteed?
No. All dates depend on snow and temperatures. Resorts can open earlier or later, so check each resort's website before booking.
When is the best time for an early-season ski trip?
The first two weeks of December often balance open terrain and smaller crowds, especially at high-elevation resorts.
Sources
Editor at Trend Ranker covering US trends, tech, travel and deals. We research from primary sources (official sites, press releases, data) and update posts when facts change. Editorial policy