Ski Resort Opening Dates for the 2025–2026 Season
It may only be spring, but we're already planning ahead and dreaming of the fresh powder turns we'll be hitting next winter. Below you’ll find the projected ski resort opening dates for winter 2025–2026.
Keep in mind: these dates are based on previous seasons and are subject to change. The weather, Mother Nature, and each resort will have final say over when their slopes open.
Canadian Ski Resort Opening Dates (2025–2026)
Canadian ski resorts offer a long season, stretching from as early as October to late May. The diverse terrain from province to province delivers distinct mountain experiences. You'll find everything from interior powder stashes, coastal alpine bowls, pristine heli-skiing conditions, and winding trails through scenic national park settings. Here are the projected opening days for Canadian ski resorts.
Alberta
Alberta’s resorts are known for their long seasons, dry powder, and dramatic Rocky Mountain backdrops. Here's when Alberta’s major ski resorts are expected to open:
Banff Sunshine - Projected Opening Day: November 8, 2025
Lake Louise Resort - Projected Opening Day: November 6, 2025
Mount Norquay - Projected Opening Day: November 1, 2025
Photo Credit: Ski Big 3
British Columbia
British Columbia is host to North America's largest ski resort (Whistler Blackcomb), the highest elevation golf course in the province (Sun Peaks), and the best resort for experts according to National Geographic (RED Mountain Resort). Here are the opening dates for ski resorts in British Columbia.
Big White Mountain - Projected Opening Day: November 28, 2025
Fernie Alpine Resort - Projected Opening Day: November 30, 2025
Kimberley Alpine Resort - Projected Opening Day: December 13, 2025
Panorama - Projected Opening Day: December 13, 2025
Photo Credit: Panorama Resort
RED Mountain Resort - Projected Opening Day: December 13, 2025
Revelstoke Mountain - Projected Opening Day: December 6, 2025
Silver Star Ski Resort - Projected Opening Day: November 29, 2025
Sun Peaks Resort - Projected Opening Day: November 22, 2025
Whistler Blackcomb - Projected Opening Day: November 27, 2025
Photo Credit: Vail Resorts - Whistler
U.S. Ski Resort Opening Dates (2025–2026)
From the Rockies to the Sierra Nevada, the U.S. ski season kicks off as early as late October in some regions. When and where possible (and of course, weather permitting), many resorts will try to open in time for American Thanksgiving (late November). Below are the projected opening days for ski resorts in the U.S.
Colorado
With high elevations and some of the most popular resorts in North America - if not the world - Colorado is often among the first states to open the slopes and start the lifts spinning. Here’s when major Colorado ski resorts are expected to open for winter 2025–2026.
Aspen Highlands - Projected Opening Day: December 14, 2025
Aspen Mountain - Projected Opening Day: November 28, 2025
Buttermilk - Projected Opening Day: December 14, 2025
Beaver Creek - Projected Opening Day : November 27, 2025
Breckenridge - Projected Opening Day: November 8, 2025
Photo Credit: Vail Resorts - Breckenridge
Copper Mountain - Projected Opening Day: November 8, 2025
Crested Butte - Projected Opening Day: November 27, 2025
Keystone - Projected Opening Day: Mid-October, 2025
Snowmass - Projected Opening Day: November 28, 2025
Steamboat Ski Resort - Projected Opening Day: November 23, 2025
Photo Credit: Steamboat Resort
Telluride - Projected Opening Day: November 28, 2025
Vail - Projected Opening Day: November 15, 2025
If you're trying to keep costs down, check out this post: How To Visit Vail On A Budget.
Winter Park - Projected Opening Day: October 28, 2025
Photo Credit: Winter Park Ski Resort
California
California’s ski season depends heavily on early winter storms, especially in the Sierra Nevada. But with high-elevation terrain and major snowmaking investments, these resorts are usually ready to start welcoming guests by mid-to-late November. Here are the opening dates for ski resorts in California for 2025.
Heavenly - Projected Opening Day: November 22, 2025
Kirkwood - Projected Opening Day: November 30, 2025
Photo Credit: Vail Resorts - Kirkwood
Mammoth - Projected Opening Day: November 9, 2025
Northstar - Projected Opening: November 22, 2025
Palisades Tahoe - Projected Opening Day: November 22, 2025
Photo Credit: Palisades Tahoe
Idaho
Idaho’s ski resorts tend to fly under the radar, but they offer expansive terrain and low crowds. Snow making and early storms can help kick start operations before December. For anyone looking to escape the crowds without sacrificing on big resort infrastructure, Idaho can be a great place to start the season. Here's when Idaho ski resorts open for 2025.
Sun Valley - Projected Opening Day: November 25, 2025
Photo Credit: Sun Valley Resort
Montana
Montana’s ski resorts aim for a late November or early December opening, with more terrain coming on as natural snowfall increases. Cold early-season temperatures can support good snow conditions. Here are the opening days for Montana ski resorts in 2025.
Big Sky Resort - Projected Opening Day: November 28, 2025
Whitefish Mountain Resort - Projected Opening: December 6, 2025
Photo Credit: Whitefish Mountain Resort
Utah
Utah’s ski season is known for reliable early snowfall and light, dry powder. Thanks to high-elevation base areas and extensive snow making at resorts like Park City, several ski areas aim to open by mid-to-late November. Find the projected opening day for Utah ski resorts below.
Deer Valley Resort - Projected Opening: December 7, 2025
Park City - Projected Opening: November 22, 2025
Solitude - Projected Opening: November 22, 2025
Photo Credit: Solitude Mountain Resort
Wyoming
Cold temperatures and strong early storms off Wyoming's Tetons can set up excellent conditions for skiing and riding by the holidays, though snowfall can vary in early season. Here's the projected opening day for Wyoming ski resorts.
Jackson Hole - Projected Opening: November 28, 2025
Photo Credit Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Ready to Go?
Planning early isn’t just smart—it’s how you score the biggest savings and the best spot on the mountain. Now's the time to lock in your trip before peak season prices hit. Our website is a catalogue of options for lodging at ski resorts. When you see something you like - submit a booking request! For free advice and help booking your trip, chat with a Lodging Company Travel Consultant!