Winter is coming…Gearing up for Ski Season 🙌🏻⛷️

As summer fades, Colorado’s mountains are gearing up for another epic ski season. Here's everything on the horizon for 2025—think opening dates, early-season gems, and season-long perks.

Opening Dates: Mark Your Calendars

Vail Resorts has announced tentative opening dates for its major Colorado mountains—weather permitting, of course:

• Keystone: Mid‑October (earliest among Vail-owned resorts)

• Breckenridge: November 7

• Vail Mountain: November 14

• Beaver Creek & Crested Butte: November 26 CBS News+1Vail Resorts Newsroom+8Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+8Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+8Vail Resorts Newsroom+1

Meanwhile, non-Vail mountains are setting their own schedules:

• Wolf Creek: October 24

• Arapahoe Basin: November 2

• Eldora: November 7

• Keystone (IKON listing): November 8

• Winter Park: November 8

• Copper Mountain: November 8

• Purgatory: November 15

• Monarch: November 21

• Powderhorn: November 22

• Steamboat: November 22

• Aspen Snowmass: November 28 (Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Telluride)

• Others like Howelsen Hill: November 29, Aspen Highlands & Buttermilk: December 13 CBS News+5OnTheSnow+5Springsmag Colorado Springs+5Springsmag Colorado Springs+1

These dates are projections and can shift depending on snowfall and snowmaking conditions.

Snowmaking: Behind the Scenes

Loveland doesn’t confirm exact opening dates, but usually fires up its snow guns by late September, aiming for a mid‑October to early November opening—depending on Mother Nature. Powder+10Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+10CBS News+10

Early-Season Strategy: What to Know

1. Be Ready for Early Openers: Resorts like Keystone and Wolf Creek typically open the gates first—and may offer groomed runs and beginner terrain soon.

2. Watch the Pass Alerts: Epic Pass holders, remember the lowest pricing ends September 1. Plus, "Epic Friend Tickets" are now available—pass perks to share! Powder+8Vail Resorts Newsroom+8Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+8

3. Expect Rollout in Waves: Mid-November brings a big chunk of resorts online. Thanksgiving to Christmas is your best bet for full-resort access and lift infrastructure.

4. Stay Flexible: Because conditions vary year to year, it's smart to check resort websites for real-time updates before planning your trip.

Good to Know: 2025–2026 Season Grooves

• Extended Season: Breckenridge may keep lifts spinning into May, depending on snowpack. Springsmag Colorado Springs+10The Lodging Company+10Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+10

• New Tech & Perks: Vail Resorts is rolling out the My Epic app enhancements—for parents to check into lessons, get live updates, and more. Summit Daily+3Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+3Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+3

• Early Access—Real Value: The earlier you plan, the more affordable your trip can be—key for lodging and ticket pricing.

Quick Reference Table

TimelineWhat’s HappeningLate Sept–Mid OctSnowmaking begins; Keystone & Wolf Creek target openEarly Nov (1–8)Breckenridge, Copper, Winter Park, Eldora opening rollMid Nov (14)Vail officially opensLate Nov (21–28)Beaver Creek, Crested Butte, Aspen areas openMid DecAspen Highlands & Buttermilk typically begin operations

Final Thoughts

For ski lovers in Colorado, 2025 promises an exciting season kickoff—from early-bird openings at Keystone and Wolf Creek to full peak access by Thanksgiving. Whether you're chasing powder, planning a family getaway, or looking to leverage pass perks, now’s the time to get ready.