Vail Resorts Announces Target Opening Dates for 2025–26 Ski Season

Vail Resorts Announces Target Opening Dates for 2025–26 Ski Season

 

August 22, 2025 — As the summer season winds down, ski enthusiasts across North America are already eyeing the slopes, and Vail Resorts has officially fueled the excitement. The company released its target opening dates for the 2025–26 ski season, with some locations aiming to open as early as mid-October.

Leading the charge is Keystone Resort in Colorado, which is once again positioning itself among the first North American resorts to open for the season. Pending weather and snowmaking conditions, Keystone is targeting an opening in mid-October. This has become a tradition for the resort, which frequently competes for the honor of opening first in the U.S.

Following closely, Breckenridge is expected to open in early November, joining several other Colorado resorts in welcoming skiers and snowboarders ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Other early November openings include Vail, Beaver Creek, and Crested Butte, all weather-dependent and subject to change.

Farther west, Vail Resorts has announced that its West Coast properties—including Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood in California and Nevada—are all targeting a November 21st opening date. These popular Lake Tahoe destinations typically rely more heavily on natural snowfall and tend to open slightly later than their Rocky Mountain counterparts.

In Canada, Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America and one of Vail Resorts’ crown jewels, is also slated for a November 21st opening. With its expansive terrain and strong early-season following, Whistler’s opening day is one of the most anticipated events on the ski calendar.

“This time of year is always exciting as we look ahead to another great season on the mountains,” said Bill Rock, Chief Operating Officer of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division. “We’re committed to delivering an incredible winter experience, and our teams are already preparing snowmaking equipment, planning events, and making sure each resort is ready to open as soon as conditions allow.”

Rock also noted that season pass sales, including Epic Pass products, have been strong this summer, signaling continued enthusiasm for mountain travel and winter sports despite a warm and stormy summer in many parts of the U.S. and Canada.

In recent years, Vail Resorts has emphasized early snowmaking investments, allowing for more consistent early openings, particularly in Colorado. Keystone and Breckenridge benefit from robust snowmaking systems, which help them open terrain even if natural snow is slow to arrive.

While these dates are subject to weather and operational readiness, the company has a strong track record of hitting its targets or opening even earlier when conditions allow. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to monitor each resort’s website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information.

As always, early-season terrain will likely be limited and focused on beginner and intermediate runs. Vail Resorts is expected to roll out terrain gradually throughout November and December as snow accumulates and resort crews prepare lifts and trails.

2025–26 Vail Resorts Target Opening Dates (selected):

Keystone, CO – Mid-October

Breckenridge, CO – Early November

Vail, Beaver Creek, Crested Butte, CO – Early November

Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, CA/NV – November 21

Whistler Blackcomb, BC – November 21

With fall just around the corner, the countdown to winter is officially on.