Winter Park Resort is giving skiers and snowboarders more time on the mountain during the 2026-27 season by moving its weekend lift opening time to 8am.
Starting this winter, lifts at Winter Park will open at 8am every Saturday and Sunday, giving guests an additional hour of skiing and riding on weekends. The new schedule is expected to provide more time on the slopes during some of the busiest days of the season.
The extended hours are scheduled to be in effect from December 5th, 2026 through April 4th, 2027, although operations will remain subject to weather and mountain conditions.
More Time To Ski And Ride
The earlier opening gives weekend visitors an opportunity to get onto the mountain sooner and potentially fit more runs into their day. The change could be particularly notable for guests traveling to Winter Park for weekend ski trips, when maximizing time on the slopes can be a major priority.
Winter Park did not provide additional details about which lifts will open at 8 a.m., so guests should continue to monitor the resort’s operating information as the season approaches.
The resort is also planning to open for the 2026-27 winter season as soon as possible, rather than announcing a specific opening date at this time. The eventual start of skiing and riding will depend on weather and mountain conditions.
Winter Park Prepares For 2026-27
The earlier weekend lift openings are among the changes skiers and snowboarders can expect as Winter Park prepares for another Colorado ski season.
With the resort targeting an ASAP opening and adding an extra hour of weekend operating time, the 2026-27 season is shaping up to offer guests more opportunities to spend time on the mountain.