Vail Resorts Announces 2026-27 Opening Dates for 11 Resorts

Vail Resorts has announced opening dates for 11 ski resorts for the 2026-27 winter season, with Keystone Resort, Colorado, once again targeting an October opening. The dates cover resorts in California, Colorado, Utah, Washington, and British Columbia, with additional opening dates expected to be announced in the coming months.

All opening dates remain subject to change depending on weather, snow conditions, and operational readiness, Vail Resorts said.

“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 in a press release. “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.”

• Related: The Top 9 Largest Ski Resorts Owned by Vail Resorts

Keystone Resort, Colorado, is once again targeting an October opening after becoming the first major ski resort in North America to open last season. Vail Resorts did not provide a specific opening date, instead saying Keystone will open “as soon as possible in October.” Keystone surprised many last season who expected Arapahoe Basin to take the honor after announcing plans to open on Sunday, October 26,  just hours earlier. Instead, Keystone kicked off its season a day sooner on Saturday, October 25, with a special 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. session featuring over two miles of freshly groomed terrain on the Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon trails.

Vail Resorts announced the 2026-27 opening dates for the following resorts: 

California:

• Heavenly: November 20
• Northstar: November 20
• Kirkwood: December 4

Colorado:

• Breckenridge: November 6
• Vail Mountain: November 13
• Beaver Creek: November 25
• Crested Butte: November 25

Utah:

• Park City Mountain: November 20

Washington: 

• Stevens Pass: December 4

British Columbia:

• Whistler Blackcomb: November 20

Before the 2026-27 official season kicks off, skiers and snowboarders’ last chance to purchase the Epic Pass for the lowest price of the fall is September 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.

• Epic Pass: The best deal in skiing and riding, Epic Pass offers unlimited, unrestricted access to iconic destinations worldwide. Available from $889 for teens and young adults ages 13-30, $1,119 for adults, and $569 for children ages 5-12.
• Epic Local Pass: Season-long access to many of North America’s most popular mountain destinations. Available from $659 for teens and young adults ages 13-30, $829 for adults, and $435 for children.
• Epic Day Pass: Customizable access from one to seven days, with prices starting as low as $47-$99 per day. The more days you ski, the more you save. When purchased before the season, an Epic Day Pass can save guests up to 65% compared to window prices. It also offers flexibility, as guests can decide when and where to use them later, whether that’s all at one mountain on consecutive days or split over a variety of resorts throughout the season.
• Epic Military Pass: Available from $220 for Active and Retired Military members and their dependents. Veterans and their dependents can purchase an Epic Military Pass for $633.
• Epic Adaptive Pass: Available from $543 for adults and $279 for children.
• Epic Friend Tickets: Provide 50% off the day-of window ticket price, whether purchased online or at the ticket window. Friends can also apply 100% of the cost of one redeemed Epic Friend Ticket toward an eligible 2026-27 Epic Pass – providing double the savings.

The highest prices for passes will be the day-of window tickets.