Only a month into Fall and we already have one ski resort open here in Colorado, with a second opening coming up shortly. With this season gearing up to be one for the books, it’s time to start thinking about waxing your skis or snowboard in preparation for some serious pow!
Arapahoe Basin
OPENING DATE: OCTOBER 13TH
Founded by five pioneers of skiing, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened in December of 1946 with one tow rope and a $1.25 lift ticket. Since then, Arapahoe Basin has undergone two terrain expansions and several renovations and upgrades, but the ski area has maintained the same local, laid-back vibe.
Loveland
OPENING DATE: OCTOBER 20TH
Near to the hearts and homes of generations of Colorado skiers and riders, Loveland is Colorado’s true winter wonderland. Just 53 miles west of Denver, Loveland boasts 1,800 acres of remarkable terrain, free snowcat skiing along the Continental Divide, an innovative lesson program, and more snow than any Front Range or Summit County resort.
Wolf Creek
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 3RD
Located in the San Juan and Rio Grande national forest between Pagosa Springs and South Fork, Colorado, Wolf Creek Ski Area is known to have “The Most Snow in Colorado”. Spanning across a high alpine ridge, Wolf Creek receives an annual snowfall of 430 inches of natural powder and is known for its incredible hike-to terrain.
Copper
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 10TH
Located just 75 miles west of Denver in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Copper Mountain Resort is an ideal vacation destination with a laid-back and inclusive vibe that represents the best of Colorado. During the winter months, Copper’s naturally-divided terrain offers world-class skiing and riding for all ages and abilities.
Keystone
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 10TH
In winter, Keystone resort boasts more than 3,000 acres of ski-able terrain within the White River National Forest including three incredible peaks, five above-tree-line bowls, night skiing, and an in-bounds cat skiing program.
Winter Park
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 15TH
With seven distinct ski and ride territories delivering on-mountain excitement for all levels, and a village and surrounding area full of countless off-mountain activities, Winter Park Resort is quite simply the hub of winter adventure in Colorado. Always offering more than you imagined.
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 17TH
A summit elevation of 10,800 feet means there is plenty of natural snow. There are 680 acres of ski-able terrain with the longest run three miles long. Corona Bowl offers a double black diamond run for experts. There is 100 percent snow-making on groomed terrain. This is a low-key resort away from the madding crowds, offering an all-ability experience.
Telluride
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 17TH
The Telluride ski experience offers a genuine mountain experience for all levels of skiers thanks to a mix of quality terrain at all points on the mountain. From refined groomed runs to challenging moguls, there truly is something for everyone. Even beginners and intermediate skiers can ride to the highest peaks and enjoy terrain and views typically reserved for the experts
Purgatory
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 18TH
Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, Purgatory is a unique blend of steep tree skiing trails and wide-open cruisers with stunning views. Averaging 260 inches of snow annually, Purgatory is known for consistent, dry powder from frequent storms, followed by sunny, bluebird days, which creates perfect conditions for pure alpine nirvana.
Echo Mountain
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 21ST
Echo Mountain was originally open from 1960-1975 as Squaw Pass Ski Area. When the Eisenhower Tunnel opened in 1973 ski areas on the west side of the Continental divide began to expand. After closing in 1975, it changed ownership a couple of times and laid dormant until 2005 when it was resurrected as Echo Mountain Park with a sole focus on terrain parks.
Beaver Creek
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 22ND
Year after year, skiers of all levels flock to Beaver Creek and discover what they’ve always been looking for: legendary service, unmatched skiing, and the intimacy and relaxation of one of the best mountain towns in the West.
Monarch Mountain
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 22ND
Monarch Mountain is an authentic Colorado ski resort with high elevations, abundant snowfall, gorgeous scenery, and excellent terrain. The ski area is situated high along the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range within the San Isabel National Forest near the towns of Salida, Buena Vista, and Gunnison. The resort features amazing tree skiing, wide open alpine bowls and long intermediate trails.
Aspen Mountain
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 23RD
At Aspen Mountain you can ski down the same runs that hosted last year’s World Cup finals, ride through gladed powder stashes, chase after the snowcat-towed Oasis Champagne Bar, or put together one quad-burning top-to-bottom after another.
Crested Butte
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 23RD
Crested Butte Mountain Resort has a natural character that is both distinctive and exhilarating for any ability level. From the abundant wide open green and blue groomed trails to more advanced long cruisers and the famous extreme limits of the North Face and Headwall, Crested Butte has it all.
Snowmass
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 23RD
At Snowmass, you could spend your entire trip skiing and riding its terrain without covering the same ground twice. From the choice expert terrain of Burnt Mountain Glades, High Alpine and the Cirque, to the long blue groomers and impressive beginner facilities for newcomers, it is an easy choice.
Steamboat Ski Resort
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 23RD
Steamboat’s 2,965 acres of permitted terrain offer a diversity of trails for all levels of ability. Gladed areas of Pioneer Ridge, Sunshine and Storm Peak are Steamboat’s particular claim to fame, with legendary Champagne Powder snow in the trees for the most avid powder hounds.
Howelsen Hill
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 25TH
Howelsen Hill Ski Area is owned and operated by the City of Steamboat Springs and holds a unique place in the history of skiing. It has sent more skiers to international competition than any other area in North America. Experience skiing history in the Yampa Valley!
Sunlight Mountain
OPENING DATE: DECEMBER 8TH
Sunlight gives you a full day of skiing for about half the cost of the mega resorts. You’ll park for free, walk to the lifts, and never stand in line. Without the crowds, the powder lasts for days. All 67 trails lead right back to the lodge where you can stow your brown bag lunch or pick up something hot at the grill.
Buttermilk Mountain
OPENING DATE: DECEMBER 9TH
Buttermilk is one mountain with two personalities. Best known around the world for being home to the Winter X Games and the Red Bull Double Pipe event, the mountain has become an icon for freestyle riders and skiers, who hit up the Buttermilk Park to see what they’re made of. But the mountain is also easy-going for beginners and families, boasting uncrowded beginner terrain and The Hideout, an innovative learning center for young skiers.
Granby Ranch
OPENING DATE: DECEMBER 15TH
Granby Ranch is a family-owned ski resort, designed for skiers and riders of all ages and abilities. There’s no need to hunt for parking, or battle for space to turn on the slopes. Granby Ranch offers easy lift access, gladed skiing, and a terrain park with progressive features. Add to that wide-open terrain that includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.
Hesperus
OPENING DATE: DECEMBER 15TH
Just minutes from downtown Durango—11 miles west on Highway 160—Hesperus Ski Area offers 26 trails on 60 ski-able acres, with 150 inches of annual snowfall. The double chair takes skiers and riders up to the 8,888 feet summit for over 700 feet of vertical. Best known for night skiing and riding, Hesperus also offers tubing, rentals, ski and ride school, and a snack bar and lodge.
Powderhorn
OPENING DATE: DECEMBER 15TH
Tucked alongside the northern edge of Western Colorado’s beautiful Grand Mesa, Powderhorn Mountain Resort offers breathtaking views and over 1,600 acres of mountain terrain.
Silverton
OPENING DATE: DECEMBER 15TH
One chairlift is all you need to access a high alpine environment surrounded by 1,819 acres of amazing descents in every direction. There are loads of bowls, chutes, cliffs, and wonderful natural terrain features to be discovered everywhere you look. Silverton Mountain is the highest and steepest ski area in North America with a peak elevation of 13,487 feet and with no easy way down.