Vail Resorts announces winter 2026/27 opening dates at its western North America resorts

We now have opening dates for Vail Resorts’ western North America resorts, including Canada.

Vail Resorts kicked off the countdown to winter by releasing its opening dates for the 2026/27 winter season, the Broomfield-based company said in a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

According to Vail Resorts, winter 2026/27 will begin at Keystone, Colorado, where the resort hopes to claim for the second year in a row its title as the first ski resort to open in North America.

Keystone opened on at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 last season, beating out fellow Summit County, Colorado ski area Arapahoe Basin Ski Area by one day.

Planned opening dates include: 

• As soon as possible in October – Keystone Resort (CO)
• November 6 – Breckenridge (CO)
• November 13 – Vail Mountain (CO)
• November 20 – Whistler Blackcomb (BC), Park City Mountain (UT), Heavenly (CA) and Northstar (CA)
• November 25 – Beaver Creek (CO) and Crested Butte (CO)
• December 4 – Kirkwood (CA) and Stevens Pass (WA)

“It may only be August, but we’re laser focused on preparing our resorts to deliver the best and most differentiated guest experience in skiing and riding,” Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division said. “While no one can predict exactly what Mother Nature will deliver, the possibility of blockbuster snowfall has us feeling optimistic about the winter ahead. And while we’d love to see Super El Niño live up to the hype, we’re also taking an aggressive approach to snowmaking to ensure this ski season is one to remember.”

Additional resort opening dates will be announced in the coming months. Opening dates are subject to change based on weather and conditions.

Vail Resorts said the last chance for the lowest Pass price of the fall is Sept. 7.

“Whether you’re planning a handful of ski days, weekend getaways or a season spent chasing every storm, Epic Pass provides significant savings compared to lift ticket prices,” Vail Resorts said in the statement.

Vail Resorts encourages skiers and rider to visit epicpass.com to compare all 2026/27 Pass options, including local and regional Passes.