Colorado’s 2025–26 ski season is underway. Once the leaves fall off the aspen trees, and the weather turns colder, ski resorts in Colorado start making snow and prepping for what Colorado is famous for, ski season. So, without any snow fall in the Denver metro area just yet, many want to know: When do Colorado ski resorts open? And, what to budget to ski and stay in Colorado.
Colorado Ski Resorts – 2025–26 Colorado Opening Dates
| Resort | 2025 Opening Day | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| Keystone | Oct 25, 2025 | keystoneresort.com |
| Arapahoe Basin | Oct 26, 2025 | arapahoebasin.com |
| Winter Park | Oct 31, 2025 | winterparkresort.com |
| Loveland | Nov 8, 2025 | skiloveland.com |
| Breckenridge | Nov 7, 2025 | breckenridge.com |
| Copper Mountain | Nov 7, 2025 | coppercolorado.com |
| Vail | Nov 14, 2025 | vail.com |
| Steamboat | Nov 22, 2025 | steamboat.com |
| Beaver Creek | Nov 26, 2025 | beavercreek.com |
How Much Are Lift Tickets at Colorado Ski Resorts?
- Vail/Breckenridge/Beaver Creek/Keystone: dynamic pricing; buy in advance for lowest rates. Start here: Vail lift tickets and Epic Day Pass (1–7 days).
- Winter Park: save big with Flex Lift Ticket Packs (choose dates later): Flex Packs and ticket hub here.
- Loveland: budget-friendly window rate and 4-Pak: Lift tickets and Loveland 4-Pak.
- Arapahoe Basin: best value via multi-day packs and midweek: A-Basin passes & packs.
- Ikon option (Winter Park/Steamboat/Copper access): Ikon Flex Pack for Winter Park.
Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Denver Locals (Fast Drive, Strong Value)
- Loveland (≈53 miles): quickest I-70 access, frequent early storms, and value tickets/4-Pak.
- Arapahoe Basin: long season (often Oct–June), limited daily tickets to manage crowds, excellent multi-day pack pricing.
- Winter Park/Mary Jane: reliable early opening, deep bump lines, strong Front Range deals.
- Copper: central location, efficient parking flow, and steady early-season operations.
Where to Plan Your Winter Vacation
- Vail & Beaver Creek (luxury week): vast terrain, upscale villages, and top-tier ski schools; book early and pre-buy lift access.
- Breckenridge (family favorite): Peak 9 learning terrain, big lodging base, lively town energy.
- Steamboat (powder + Western vibe): great for families and groups, with expanding base amenities.
- Copper (events & race energy): early-season competitions and a packed holiday calendar.
Money-Saving Playbook
- Buy early: almost all resorts use dynamic pricing—advanced purchase beats the window.
- Pick packs over day tickets: Loveland 4-Pak and A-Basin 3–5 day packs drive the per-day cost way down.
- Go midweek: fewer crowds and better rates (A-Basin Midweek Pass is a standout).
- Use Day/Pack products: Epic Day Pass and Ikon Flex Packs lock in lower per-day pricing for marquee mountains.
Denver Logistics Tips
- Beat I-70: leave early; for day trips consider returning eastbound before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m.
- Storm strategy: hit Loveland/A-Basin for quick powder laps; save Vail/Beaver Creek/Breck for longer stays where village amenities matter.
- Lodging: weekend warriors—book Summit County (Breck/Copper/Keystone) early for Jan–Mar; families—look at Steamboat or Beaver Creek for village convenience.
Editor’s note: Dates and prices change with weather and dynamic pricing. Always verify on the official resort site linked above before you drive.
Thinking of making Colorado your new home? Request your FREE copy of the Denver Relocation Guide, and start planning!
