Colorado ski resorts opening dates 2025

The following represent the projected Colorado ski resorts opening dates for the 2025-26 season. These are largely based on announcements by resort operators and aggregated seasonal forecast sources, and should be regarded as targets rather than iron-clad guarantees, since early snow, weather conditions, and snow-making capability all play major roles. Many resorts choose to open “as soon as conditions allow” rather than fixing a drop‐the‐rope date months in advance. Because ski operators want good base coverage, lift & trail safety, and an early, reliable start, they closely monitor snow, temperature, and infrastructure.

About ski lift tickets. What's the right pass for you?

Weather and snow forecasts for the upcoming season suggest some interesting possibilities: overall, models for the 2025-26 winter in Colorado lean toward a neutral or weak La Niña pattern, meaning neither dramatic above-normal snowfall nor a deep drought is strongly locked in.

Some long‐range outlooks (including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) highlight elevated chances of warmer-than-average temperatures and slightly below‐normal precipitation in the Southern Rockies, which could mean slower base build and compressed early season in some lower‐elevation resorts.

On the flip side, other forecasts (including the Old Farmer’s Almanac) suggest the Rockies could still receive a “very cold, snowy” winter feel—although those are lower‐confidence predictions.

For skiers, this means aiming for higher-elevation resorts if you’re early, paying attention to early-season snowmaking and natural snow announcements, and considering that some smaller hills may open later or with more limited terrain. Learn more about all of Colorado's resorts.

Projected Colorado Resort Opening Dates (Colorado, 2025-26 season)

Here’s a fairly comprehensive list of Colorado ski resorts opening dates, including some lesser-known ones. All dates are subject to change based on conditions.

• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area — “As soon as conditions allow / early” (often late Oct or early Nov)
• Keystone Resort — Mid-October, 2025 (conditions permitting)
• Loveland Ski Area — Late October, 2025
• Breckenridge Ski Resort — November 7, 2025
• Copper Mountain — November 7, 2025
• Eldora Mountain Resort — November 14, 2025
• Winter Park Resort — Early November (as soon as conditions allow)
• Vail Mountain — November 14, 2025
• Wolf Creek Ski Area — Early November (conditions permitting)
• Monarch Mountain — Mid-November, 2025
• Powderhorn Mountain Resort — November 22, 2025
• Purgatory Resort — November 22, 2025
• Steamboat Resort — November 22, 2025
• Beaver Creek Resort — November 26, 2025
• Crested Butte Mountain Resort — November 26, 2025
• Granby Ranch — November 26, 2025
• Telluride Ski Resort — November 27, 2025
• Aspen Mountain — November 27, 2025
• Snowmass — November 27, 2025
• Aspen Highlands — December 13, 2025
• Buttermilk — December 13 or December 20, 2025
• Sunlight Mountain Resort — December 12, 2025
• Ski Cooper — December 10, 2025
• Silverton Mountain — December 27, 2025
• Echo Mountain — To be decided (TBD) / December‐ish
• Howelsen Hill Ski Area — November 29, 2025
• Kendall Mountain Resort — December TBD

Snow / Weather Outlook & New Skier Opportunities

With the broader forecast pointing to a neutral or weak La Niña pattern this year, Colorado skiers should watch several themes:

Early high‐elevation resorts with strong snowmaking capability (like Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Loveland) often open first and could provide early-season turns despite thinner natural snow. This gives early-season opportunities for less crowded opening days.

For newcomers or less experienced skiers, resorts with strong beginner terrain and early season programs (for example the smaller hills, or larger resorts’ learn‐to ski programs) may offer good value and fun in the early weeks before the whole terrain is open.

Because some forecast signals point to warmer-than-average temperatures and slightly below normal precipitation in parts of Colorado’s southern mountains, early-season snow may arrive later or be less abundant in lower-elevation resorts—meaning that selecting resorts known for early openings and strong base building might be wise.

Resorts are also updating technology and experiences: for example, one operator announced enhancements to their ski and ride school via mobile app, real-time updates, and digital badges for learners.

For experienced skiers chasing powder, monitoring storm patterns in the northern Rockies may pay off—but also be prepared for variation since long-range forecasts for this season carry moderate uncertainty.

The Colorado Ski Resort Opening Dates and Upcoming Season Look Good

In summary, the 2025-26 ski season for Colorado resorts appears poised for a full and varied start, with many resorts targeting early November openings and a few aiming for late October. While all dates remain contingent on early snow and base conditions, the list above provides a strong roadmap for planning ski trips or creating content for your site. Weather and snow forecasts suggest there’s no strong signal for a blockbuster powder season or a major drought; instead, skiers and operators should stay alert, flexible, and ready to take advantage of early openings and terrain as it becomes available. Whether you’re a seasoned powder hound or a beginner looking for your first ski experience, this year may offer a bit more choice and value—especially if you select resorts carefully.