When Does Ski Season Start in Colorado?
Quick answer
Colorado ski season usually opens in mid to late October, when Arapahoe Basin and Loveland race each other to run the first lift in North America. Most major resorts including Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone open in mid to late November. Aspen typically opens around Thanksgiving. Closing dates run from early April for most mountains, though Arapahoe Basin frequently stays open into June.
Colorado has one of the longest ski seasons in the country, but the useful dates are not the same as the opening dates. Here is how the season actually unfolds.
Which Colorado resort opens first?
Arapahoe Basin and Loveland open first, usually in mid to late October. Both sit high enough to hold early snow and both run aggressive snowmaking, and the race between them to open first has become an annual Colorado tradition.
Opening day at either usually means one run, top to bottom, on manmade snow. It is a celebration rather than a full ski day. Still, it marks the season properly and the atmosphere is worth experiencing once.
When do the major resorts open?
Most of Colorado’s major resorts open between mid and late November, with the exact date depending on snowfall each year.
| Resort | Typical opening | Typical closing |
|---|---|---|
| Arapahoe Basin | Mid to late October | Late May to June |
| Loveland | Mid to late October | Early May |
| Keystone | Early to mid November | Early April |
| Breckenridge | Mid November | Late May |
| Vail | Mid November | Mid April |
| Copper Mountain | Mid November | Mid April |
| Beaver Creek | Late November | Mid April |
| Steamboat | Late November | Mid April |
| Aspen Snowmass | Around Thanksgiving | Mid April |
Always check the resort directly before booking. Dates shift each year with conditions, and a warm November can push openings back by a week or more.
When is the snow actually good?
January through March gives the most reliable conditions, with the deepest base and the most terrain open. February is generally considered the strongest month of the Colorado season.
December can be excellent, although early December often runs on limited terrain. Meanwhile, late season into April brings warm afternoons, soft snow and far smaller crowds, which suits some skiers better than midwinter does.
Booked your trip? Book the ride too.
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When should you book a ski trip?
Book Christmas, New Year and Presidents Day weekend at least three to four months ahead. Those three periods sell out first every year, for lodging, lift tickets and transport alike.
Midweek and January outside the holidays stay considerably easier, often bookable a few weeks out. Furthermore, prices drop noticeably in the first two weeks of December and again after the first week of April.
Which resort stays open latest?
Arapahoe Basin stays open latest, regularly running into late May or June. Its high elevation and north-facing terrain hold snow long after other mountains have closed.
Breckenridge also runs late, typically into late May. So if you want spring skiing, Summit County is where to look.
Frequently asked questions
Can you ski in Colorado in October?
Yes, usually from mid to late October at Arapahoe Basin or Loveland. Expect one or two runs on manmade snow rather than a full mountain.
Is Colorado skiable at Thanksgiving?
Usually yes. Most major resorts are open by Thanksgiving, though terrain can still be limited depending on early snowfall.
What is the best month to ski in Colorado?
February, on balance. Deepest base, most terrain open and the most reliable conditions, although it is also among the busiest months.
Planning a Colorado ski trip? Call (720) 277-1843 or book online. We run private transfers to every Colorado resort.