As ski season gears up, find out all you need to know about 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 — in 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 in 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.
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 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.
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 | Oct. 29, 2023 | TBD (closed Jun. 4, 2023) |
| Aspen Highlands | Dec. 9, 2023 | April 7, 2024 |
| Aspen Mountain | Nov. 23, 2023 | April 21, 2024 |
| Beaver Creek | Nov. 22, 2023 | TBD (closed April 16, 2023) |
| Breckenridge | Nov. 10, 2023 | TBD (closed May 21, 2023) |
| Buttermilk | Dec. 9, 2023 | March 31, 2024 |
| Copper Mountain | Nov. 13, 2023 | TBD (closed May 7, 2023) |
| Crested Butte | Nov. 22, 2023 | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Echo Mountain | Dec. 15, 2023 | TBD (closed April 16, 2023) |
| Eldora | Nov. 3, 2023 | TBD (closed April 16, 2023) |
| Hesperus Ski Area | Nov. 5, 2023 | TBD (closed March 19, 2023) |
| Kendall Mountain | Dec. 15, 2023 | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Keystone | Nov. 1, 2023 | TBD (closed April 17, 2023) |
| Loveland | TBD | TBD (closed May 7, 2023) |
| Monarch Mountain | TBD | TBD (closed April 9, 2023) |
| Powderhorn Resort | Nov. 24, 2023 | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Purgatory Resort | Nov. 18, 2023 | TBD (closed April 23, 2023) |
| Silverton Mountain | Nov. 25, 2023 | TBD (closed April 16, 2023) |
| Ski Cooper | TBD | TBD (closed April 16, 2023) |
| Ski Granby | TBD | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Snowmass | Nov. 23, 2023 | April 14, 2024 |
| Steamboat | Nov. 22, 2023 | TBD (closed April 9, 2023) |
| Sunlight | Dec. 8, 2023 | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Telluride | Nov. 23, 2023 | TBD (closed April 2, 2023) |
| Vail | Nov. 10, 2023 | TBD (closed April 23, 2023) |
| Winter Park | Nov. 3, 2023 | TBD (closed May 29, 2023) |
| Wolf Creek | TBD | TBD (closed April 9, 2023) |
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2023/24 Colorado Ski Season Dates & Updates
While the opening dates for the Colorado ski season are always welcomed with much anticipation, there are also new updates from the state’s 28 ski areas and resorts.
- This ski season, Aspen Snowmass unveils a new high-speed quad chairlift and major terrain expansion on Aspen Mountain, increasing skiable acreage by more than 20%. With 1,220 vertical feet and more than 150 acres of new chutes, glades, and trails, this expansion will be Aspen Mountain’s first major addition since 1985.
- Everyone’s favorite, Steamboat Ski Resort will complete its largest redevelopment in resort history after a three-year, $220+ million dollar project. The final phase adds an additional 655 acres of expert terrain, moving Steamboat from the 5th to 2nd largest ski resort in Colorado. And with the upper section of the Wild Blue Gondola being completed this season, Steamboat will now be home to the fastest and longest 10-person gondola in North America.
- Keystone will now offer lift-served access to more than 550 acres of high alpine terrain in Bergman and Erickson Bowls through the addition of a new high-speed 6-passenger chairlift, the Bergman Express.
- Copper Mountain welcomes its first full-service on-mountain restaurant — the Aerie at the top of the American Eagle lift.
- Winter Park Resort unveils a new high-speed, 6-person chair lift in the Vasquez Ridge area, plus the new Sundog Tap Room and four new on-mountain pop-up dining options.
- The Amtrak Winter Park Express, from Denver to Winter Park, will resume this January with three-day weekend runs.
- Wolf Creek Ski Area is installing a new beginner chairlift, The Tumbler. This will definitely help make this ski area more approachable for beginners as it is known for its tricky terrain and deep powder.
