Vail Mountain is officially kicking off its 2026-27 ski season this Friday, November 13, with a limited amount of terrain available for opening day. The resort will begin welcoming skiers and snowboarders at 9 a.m., offering early-season laps, a new hike-to terrain park, and a few après-ski festivities.
Opening day skiing and riding will be limited to Ramshorn, accessed from Mountaintop Express. While Swingsville won’t be ready for regular skiing and riding, a hike-to terrain park will be set up at the top of Swingsville will give freestyle skiers and snowboarders a place to knock off the rust and get their first park hits of the winter.
There will be no beginner terrain available on opening day, so those looking for an introductory skiing or snowboarding experience will need to wait.
Opening Day Lift Operations and Amenities
Two lifts will operate from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Gondola One will provide access from Vail Village, while Mountaintop Express will serve the opening day terrain. Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead will remain closed.
Several dining options will also be available throughout the day. Buffalo’s will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mid Vail will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Express Lift Bar will serve guests from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mid Vail will also offer access to its upper-level dining area, full bar, and outdoor terrace.
Vail Sports rental locations in both Vail Village and Lionshead will be open for anyone needing equipment.
The resort is also planning a few opening day extras, including giveaways and food for guests waiting in lift lines. A DJ will be stationed at Express Lift from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to help transition the day from first laps to après.
Guests are reminded to have their Epic Pass ready through the My Epic app or visit an open ticket office before heading up the mountain. The opening makes Vail Mountain the 7th ski area to open in Colorado, though it will be the 6th resorts currently open because Wolf Creek has remained closed since November 1st due to historic flooding.