Excitement and anticipation is already building around the upcoming winter season, especially with forecasts calling for what could be a historic El Niño. While we obviously don’t know exactly what the winter ahead will look like, we are starting to get some indication of when ski resorts will open.
Vail Resorts announced opening dates for several North American ski resorts on Tuesday, including multiple in Colorado, California, and elsewhere. Dates can change depending on weather, but it’s a good sign to see opening dates scheduled nonetheless.
Keystone Could Open First Again
The race for the first lift-served skiing of the season continues in Colorado, and Keystone Resort will certainly be participating. Vail Resorts says that Keystone plans to open as soon as possible, potentially in October, once again putting it in a position where it could claim the title of the first ski resort open in North America for the second year in a row.
Other major Colorado resorts are set to follow in November, with Breckenridge scheduled for a November 6th opening and Vail Mountain scheduled for a November 13th opening. The initial opening schedule includes several additional dates across North America and is as follows:
- Keystone Resort, Colorado: ASAP
- Breckenridge, Colorado: November 6th
- Vail Mountain, Colorado: November 13th
- Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia: November 20th
- Park City Mountain, Utah: November 20th
- Heavenly, California: November 20th
- Northstar, California: November 20th
- Beaver Creek, Colorado: November 25th
- Crested Butte, Colorado: November 25th
- Kirkwood, California: December 4th
- Stevens Pass, Washington: December 4th
Additional opening dates will be announced in the coming months.
Super El Niño Has Skiers Watching the Forecast
The opening date announcement comes as skiers around the world closely monitor early forecasts for the 2026-27 winter. The potential development of a strong El Niño has generated optimism among powder hunters hoping for an active snowfall season.
“It may only be August, but we’re laser focused on preparing our resorts to deliver the best and most differentiated guest experience in skiing and riding. While no one can predict exactly what Mother Nature will deliver, the possibility of blockbuster snowfall has us feeling optimistic about the winter ahead. And while we’d love to see Super El Niño live up to the hype, we’re also taking an aggressive approach to snowmaking to ensure this ski season is one to remember.” – Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division.
All opening dates are subject to change depending on weather and mountain conditions. Skiers hoping to secure Epic Pass access at the current price have until September 7th before prices increase.