Hey snow enthusiasts, ski and snowboard season is almost here! From Colorado to California and beyond, resorts are gearing up for another winter on the mountain. Before you start counting down to opening day, make sure you’re ready to ride with Sun & Ski Sports.
From skis and snowboards to winter boots, helmets, outerwear, base layers, and accessories, we have everything you need to prepare for a great season. And if last season’s gear needs a little TLC, stop by our ski and snowboard shop for repair and maintenance services to help get your equipment ready for the slopes.
This season, openings run from as early as late October at Winter Park to November 27 at Snowbird. Once you’re geared up, check out the opening dates for some of the top ski and snowboard resorts for the 2026 to 2027 season.
California
Mammoth Mountain Opening Day – 11/13
While some leaves are still changing in California, at Mammoth Mountain, the snow has arrived! Hundreds of local skiers and snowboarders are ready to have another unforgettable season, which kicks off on Friday, November 13th. Celebrate the start of the season with mascot Woolly as he takes the inaugural first chair up the mountain. Don’t forget to gear up at Sun & Ski Sports Mammoth Lakes, located just minutes away from the resort.
Colorado
Heading to the mountains? Stop by our Dillon or Avon location along I 70 before you reach your resort destination. Stock up on ski and snowboard gear, apparel and essentials, and chat with our Outdoor Experts before you hit the slopes.
Winter Park Opening Day – ASAP (10/30 or 31)
Winter Park’s is aiming to open for the winter season ‘as soon as possible,’ with a projected opening date of October 30 or 31. That means you could be hitting the slopes before heading out for some Halloween trick or treating.
Of course, opening day depends on the weather, but Winter Park recently upgraded its snowmaking system, which should help keep things on track. With a variety of terrain for beginners and experts alike, Winter Park offers something for every type of skier and snowboarder.
Beaver Creek Opening Day – 11/25
Get ready to kick off the 2026 to 2027 ski season at Beaver Creek on Wednesday, November 25, just in time for Thanksgiving weekend. Known for its beautifully groomed trails, charming village and famous Cookie Time tradition, Beaver Creek is a favorite for an early season day on the slopes. Plan to stick around until 3:00 pm for the resort’s signature warm chocolate chip cookies, a tradition that has made the end of the ski day even sweeter. Opening dates are subject to weather and conditions.
Breckenridge Opening Day – 11/6
The 2026 to 2027 season kicks off at Breckenridge on Friday, November 6. With five distinct peaks and terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels, Breck offers plenty to explore throughout the season. The resort is also home to the Imperial Express SuperChair, which takes riders to the highest chairlift-served terrain in North America. Start planning your first turns of the season and make the most of an early November opening.
Copper Mountain Opening Day – 11/6
Copper Mountain is set to open for the 2026 to 2027 season on Friday, November 6. Known as “The Athlete’s Mountain,” Copper offers naturally divided terrain that makes it easy for skiers and snowboarders of different ability levels to find their own zone.
Steamboat Opening Day – 11/21
The 2026 to 2027 ski season officially begins at Steamboat on Saturday, November 21. Kick off the season with Steamboat’s Opening Day Celebration, with festivities beginning at 7:30 am and lifts opening at 8:30 am. From their famous ‘champagne-powder’ to classic Western hospitality, Steamboat is a great destination for your first turns of the season. Night skiing is also scheduled to return later in the season, beginning December 17.
Vail Resort Opening Day – 11/13
The 2026 to 2027 winter season gets underway at Vail Mountain on Friday, November 13. With more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, Vail is one of Colorado’s most iconic ski destinations and offers everything from groomed runs to expansive Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. From planning an early season ski day or a full mountain getaway, , opening day is the perfect excuse to start thinking about your first turns.
Arizona
Headed up to Flagstaff or the White Mountains? Gear up for the season at our Paradise Valley store. Stop in for skis, snowboards, rentals, and everything you need for your next day on the slopes.
Arizona Snowbowl Opening Day – 11/20
Arizona Snowbowl is set to open for the 2026 to 2027 winter season on Friday, November 20. Located just outside Flagstaff, Snowbowl offers more than 50 trails across varied terrain, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. Not hitting the slopes? Take a ride on the Arizona Gondola for scenic views from more than 11,000 feet above sea level. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the Grand Canyon.
Sunrise Park Resort Opening Day – 11/28
Prepare for excitement if Sunrise Park Resort is your preferred ski destination in The Grand Canyon State! It is scheduled to open for the 2026 to 2027 winter season on Friday, November 28. Located in Arizona’s White Mountains, the resort offers more than just skiing and snowboarding, with snow tubing, ski biking, and other winter activities available throughout the season.
Utah
Before heading to your favorite Utah mountain destination, swing by our Park City location to gear up for the season. Swing by for ski and snowboard gear, outerwear, snow boots, and everything you need for your next day on the slopes.
Solitude Mountain Resort Opening Day – 11/20
Solitude Mountain is set to kick off the 2026 to 2027 ski season on Friday, November 20. Located just outside Salt Lake City, Solitude is known for its stunning mountain scenery, uncrowded slopes and legendary Utah snow. With more than 1,200 acres of skiable terrain, it offers plenty to explore for skiers and snowboarders looking for their first turns of the season.
Park City Opening Day – 12/5
The 2026 to 2027 season gets underway at Park City on Friday, November 20. With thousands of acres of skiable terrain and a variety of runs for different experience levels, Park City is one of Utah’s most popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding. After a day on the slopes, head into historic downtown Park City for dining, shopping and après ski.
Snowbird Resort Opening Day – 12/7
Snowbird is scheduled to open for the 2026 to 2027 season on Wednesday, November 25. Famous for its deep powder, challenging terrain and stunning Wasatch Mountain setting, Snowbird is a favorite among experienced skiers and snowboarders. With more than 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, there’s plenty of mountain to explore throughout the season.
Ski Resort Opening Dates FAQs
When does ski season start in the western U.S.?
Most western resorts open between late October and early December. This season, Winter Park is aiming for late October, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain open November 6 and Snowbird opens November 27.
When do Colorado ski resorts open?
Breckenridge and Copper Mountain open November 6, Vail opens November 13, Steamboat opens November 21 and Beaver Creek opens November 25. Winter Park hasn’t set a date and plans to open as soon as there’s enough snow.
When do Utah ski resorts open?
Solitude and Park City Mountain open November 20. Snowbird opens a week later on November 27.
Which western ski resort opens first?
Winter Park usually opens first in the West and has opened as early as October 31. Among resorts with a set date this season, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain are first on November 6.
Can ski resort opening dates change?
They can. An early storm can move opening day up, and a warm, dry fall can push it back. Arizona Snowbowl has said it may open before November 20 if the snow keeps coming, so it’s worth checking the resort’s site the week you plan to go.
Can I rent ski or snowboard gear for the whole season?
Sun & Ski Sports offers an Adult Seasonal Rental and a Junior Seasonal Lease for skiers and snowboarders who want gear for the whole winter. For a single trip, daily rentals are also available.
Gear Up For the Slopes
The countdown to ski season is on, and we’re ready to hit the slopes. If you’re planning your first turns of the season or a full winter of mountain adventures, Sun & Ski Sports has the gear, apparel and services to help you prepare. Shop online or visit an Outdoor Expert at one of our 30+ store locations for personalized help.
Shop skis, snowboards and winter essentials online or in store and start planning your next day on the mountain. And if you’re looking to plan a ski trip to the East Coast, we’ve got you covered with the Eastern U.S. Ski Resorts Opening Dates.
About the Author, Allie Cheney
Hello there :) Allie Cheney here! I'm a Texan turned mountain enthusiast with a twist. After a year of croissants and conjugations in France where I completed an MBA, I traded baguettes for mountain air and moved to Colorado. As a Copywriter and Content Creator for Sun & Ski Sports I'm thrilled to share my 6 years of outdoor industry knowledge with you! Living in a converted van, I'll be skiing along the Rocky Mountains and West Coast this winter. My aim is to deliver content that is not only accurate and genuine but also provides valuable knowledge and insights into your favorite hobbies, the latest trending styles, and cutting-edge products.
Let’s explore together! For questions feel free to email me at ACheney@sunandski.com or contact an Outdoor Expert at any Sun & Ski Sports store location near you!