As ski season gears up, find out all you need to know about the 2024/25 Colorado ski season dates and updates below.
When is the best time to ski in Colorado?
While October skiing in Colorado is usually possible with Arapahoe Basin always racing to be the first to open for the season, the best time to ski in Colorado (in my opinion) is mid-December — between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Of course, this all depends on the snowfall but usually, at this point, there is a good base, you avoid the holiday crowds, and it’s cold but not bitter cold like it can be in January. I also love skiing after President’s Day weekend in February and through March. While spring skiing brings in the spring break crowds, I love it because the days aren’t cold and by now the base is well-established. And while many resorts stay open into April, I don’t like to ski then because it’s usually slush or ice-packed slopes.
What is the best Colorado ski resort for beginners?
While you’ll find many of Colorado’s ski resorts offer beginner terrain, there are a few that stand out as “beginner-friendly.” For me, I learned (and took lessons) at Breckenridge Ski Resort. I learned to ski on peaks 8 and 9, with many of my long practice runs on the Four O’Clock trail. I also think Keystone is great for beginners, along with Winter Park, Copper Mountain, Beaver Creek, and even Telluride with nearly half their terrain designated for beginners.
Which ski resort in Colorado gets the most snow?
Hands down, Wold Creek Ski Area gets the most snow with an average of 430 inches a season. The Wolf Creek Ski Area is located in Southwest Colorado — 30 minutes north of Pagosa Springs. Because of its location, you’re more likely to be skiing the slopes with locals and Texans visiting the area. Its casual vibe, epic powder days, short lift lines, and affordable lift tickets ($44 for all ages, compared to Vail’s $269 cost) are what make Wolf Creek a favorite for the Colorado ski season.
What are the best small ski resorts in Colorado?
Of course, we all know about Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Keystone for great Colorado skiing, but there are several other smaller resorts and ski areas that are perfect for day trips and avoiding the crowds.
My favorites are Monarch Mountain and Loveland Ski Area. Other notable favorites amongst locals here in Denver are Eldora, Ski Cooper, and Arapahoe Basin. Plus, Colorado Ski Country offers a GEMS Card that provides discounts and savings at 11 of Colorado’s smaller ski areas across the state.
2023/24 Colorado Ski Season Opening & Closing Dates
Typically, Arapahoe Basin is the first to kick off the ski season in Colorado and they did this year, opening on October 29, 2023, with Keystone Ski Resort quickly following on November 1, 2023. Below you’ll find the 2023/24 Colorado ski season dates for opening and closing.
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| RESORT | OPENING | CLOSING |
| Arapahoe Basin | Nov. 2, 2024 | TBD (closed Jun. 4, 2023) |
| Aspen Highlands | Dec. 14, 2024 | TBD |
| Aspen Mountain | Nov. 21, 2024 | TBD |
| Beaver Creek | Nov. 27, 2024 | TBD (closed April 16, 2023) |
| Breckenridge | Nov. 8, 2024 | TBD (closed May 21, 2023) |
| Buttermilk | Dec. 14, 2024 | TBD |
| Copper Mountain | Nov. 11, 2024 | TBD (closed May 7, 2023) |
| Crested Butte | Nov. 20, 2024 | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Echo Mountain | Dec. 13, 2024 | TBD (closed April 16, 2023) |
| Eldora | Nov. 1, 2024 | TBD (closed April 16, 2023) |
| Hesperus Ski Area | closed for the 24/25 season | TBD (closed March 19, 2023) |
| Kendall Mountain | TBD | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Keystone | Oct. 25, 2024 | TBD (closed April 17, 2023) |
| Loveland Ski Area | TBD (opened Nov. 10, 2023) | TBD (closed May 7, 2023) |
| Monarch Mountain | Dec. 4, 2024 | TBD (closed April 9, 2023) |
| Powderhorn Resort | TBD (opened Nov. 24, 2023) | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Purgatory Resort | Nov. 16, 2024 | TBD (closed April 23, 2023) |
| Silverton Mountain | Dec. 28, 2024 | TBD (closed April 16, 2023) |
| Ski Cooper | Dec. 11, 2024 | TBD (closed April 16, 2023) |
| Ski Granby | Dec. 6, 2024 | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Snowmass | Nov. 21, 2024 | TBD |
| Steamboat | Nov. 20, 2024 | TBD (closed April 9, 2023) |
| Sunlight | Dec. 6, 2024 | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Telluride | Dec. 6, 2024 | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Vail | Nov. 8, 2024 | TBD (closed April 23, 2023) |
| Winter Park | Oct. 28, 2024 | TBD (closed May 29, 2023) |
| Wolf Creek | Nov. 8, 2024 | TBD (closed April 9, 2023) |
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2024/25 Colorado Ski Season Dates & Updates
While the opening dates for the Colorado ski season are always welcomed with much anticipation, below are the latest updates from the state’s 28 ski areas and resorts for the 2024/25 ski season.
- Arapahoe Basin will implement parking reservations to be made in advance to manage skiers and riders.
- Copper Mountain will upgrade the Timberline Express chairlift replacing the 4-person chairlift with a high-speed 6-pack chairlift. The chair replacement is a continuation of the resort’s Western Territory expansion and will increase access to some of Copper Mountain’s most sought-after intermediate-groomed terrain.
- Purgatory Resort will offer several new upgrades across the resort, including enhancements to the Hermosa Park Express Lift #3 and an expanded retail footprint. The resort’s demand-based pricing strategy returns, with lift tickets on sale starting at $9 on select dates.
- Snowmass Ski Resort will get a new chairlift, Coney Express, replacing the Coney Glade lift and allowing for easier and faster access to Snowmass’ 3,300+ acres of terrain.
- Vail Mountain and Avanti Food & Beverage will open a third Avanti in Colorado in 2025 in the Golden Peak base area – Avanti Vail.
- New for 2024, the Winter Park Express will offer additional holiday services as well as two bonus Thursday roundtrips on March 14 and 21.
- Wolf Creek Ski Area will celebrate its 85th season with several anniversary happenings.
