Hey snow enthusiasts, it’s that time again: Ski and snowboard season west of the Rocky Mountains has arrived! Whether you favor Colorado or California, your first run down the slopes is just around the corner, and over at Sun & Ski Sports, we’re buzzing with excitement. Check out the opening dates at your favorite ski resorts and get ready to dive into some of the finest slopes for the 2025-2026 season.
Since Mother Nature sometimes has plans of her own, we recommend always checking the resort link to confirm the slopes are open.
California
Mammoth Mountain Opening Day – 11/20
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 November 20, 2025. Celebrate the start of the season with mascot Woolly as he takes the inaugural first chair up the mountain. Be sure to use your Ikon Pass and don’t forget to gear up at Sun & Ski Sports Mammoth Lakes, located just minutes away from the resort.
Colorado
Winter Park Opening Day – 10/31
Winter Park’s grand opening for the winter season is on Halloween, October 31, 2025, so you can hit the slopes before trick-or-treating. Of course, weather plays a part, but considering they just upgraded their snowmaking system, we’re not too worried about a late start. With a variety of slopes for beginners and experts, Winter Park has something for everyone. Don’t forget to use your Ikon Pass!
Beaver Creek Opening Day – 11/30
Unlock the magic of Beaver Creek, as their slopes open on Sunday, November 30, 2025, just after a hopefully lovely Thanksgiving week! Ski or snowboard to your heart’s content, and don’t miss the daily 3:00 pm treat: warm, fresh chocolate chip cookies at the base of the slopes (they hand out about half a million cookies a season!). Be there on time to savor this sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Breckenridge Opening Day – 11/7
Our wish for an early start to the ski season at Breckenridge comes true on November 7, 2025! Take on the five peaks that make up the mountain, one of which features the Imperial Chair, the highest chairlift in North America. Suit up early in the morning and be among the first to carve through the powdery terrain that makes Breckenridge a winter haven.
Copper Mountain Opening Day – 11/7
Copper Mountain is opening on Friday, November 7, 2025! “The Athlete’s Mountain” welcomes locals and Denverites with open arms and open lifts. The celebratory day commences bright and early at 7:30 am with free hot chocolate and power bars, followed by a DJ hitting the decks at 8:00 am. Located down i-70 from both our Dillon and Avon locations, Copper is a favorite for Ikon Pass holders.
Steamboat Opening Day – 11/22
This winter, Steamboat opens on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Carving through the Steamboat slopes makes for an ideal pre-Thanksgiving activity to kick off the holiday season. Get there early to snag a parking spot and, if you’re lucky, the first chair! The Ikon Pass gets you in, where you can ski and snowboard from morning to night (that’s right, they have night skiing).
Vail Resort Opening Day – 11/14
November 14, 2025 begins the winter season at Vail Ski Resort, one of the most recognized names in skiing! Glide down its renowned runs and experience the thrill that makes Vail a winter wonderland sought after by skiers from all around. As the largest ski resort in Colorado, a day on Vail’s slopes promises to be an adventure you won’t forget. Be sure to gear up at the Sun & Ski Sports in Avon, located just a short drive from the mountain.
Arizona
Arizona Snowbowl Opening Day – 11/21
Arizona Snowbowl is opening its doors on November 21, 2025, and the excitement is palpable! Hit the slopes bright and early to take on the 61 trails offered. Not a skier or simply need to kick up your feet? Hop on the Arizona Gondola for a Scenic Gondola Ride, which takes you up 11,500 feet and promises some epic views (you may even spot the Grand Canyon on a clear day).
Sunrise Park Resort Opening Day – 11/28
Prepare for excitement if Sunrise Park Resort is your preferred ski destination in The Grand Canyon State! With an anticipated opening date of November 28, 2025, Sunrise Park is a one-stop shop for all your outdoor winter activities. Beyond just hitting the slopes and taking on their range of trails, rent a ski bike, go snow tubing, or even ride their thrilling Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster.
Utah
Solitude Mountain Resort Opening Day – 11/27
As the premier ski resort close to Salt Lake, we’re eagerly anticipating the Solitude Mountain opening on Thanksgiving, November 27, 2025. Make sure to clear your schedule for that day to join in on the celebration, which features a DJ and free donuts, kicking off early at 8:00 am. Don’t forget to snag an Ikon Pass for easy access.
Park City Opening Day – 12/5
The slopes at Park City are almost ready for skiing and snowboarding, as opening day is December 5, 2025! Take on the mountain playground with 7,300 acres of skiable terrain spread across three unique base areas. You can even ski directly into downtown Park City for a well deserved break. Don’t miss Sun & Ski Sports in Park City to get all your mountain essentials.
Snowbird Resort Opening Day – 12/7
You’ll have more than one thing to celebrate in December, as the festive month also brings Snowbird’s opening day of December 7, 2025. We can’t think of a better way to ring in the holiday season than by hitting the 2,500 acres of skiable terrain nestled in Utah’s breathtaking landscape. With varied trails and stunning vistas, every visit to Snowbird (use your Ikon Pass!) ensures a distinctive and thrilling adventure.
At Sun & Ski Sports, we live for the adrenaline rush of a run on the slopes. Thankfully, winter, and another ski season, is upon us. As a one-stop shop for all your winter gear and apparel, we’re here to help you and the family suit up. Whether you’re in the market to buy, or prefer to rent, we’ve got you covered. Check out our daily rental options, as well as both the Adult and Junior Seasonal Lease programs, the latter of which features free size upgrades to accommodate growing kiddos. As always, for professional assistance, visit an Outdoor Expert at any of our store locations, or shop online at sunandski.com.
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, Sydney Fogel
Hi, I’m Sydney! I’m a writer and editor living in San Francisco. After attending college and kicking off my career in Boston, I made my way back to the Bay Area, where I grew up. When I’m not working, you can find me enjoying everything my beautiful area has to offer, from spending time at the beach (I live just a few blocks away!) to climbing those San Francisco hills to check out the latest restaurant. I’m also super into working out and have been dancing my entire life. Feel free to reach out at sfogel11@gmail.com