Arapahoe Basin Opens 80th Season as Colorado's First Ski Area

Arapahoe Basin officially opened for the 2026-27 winter season on Wednesday morning. The mountain in Conifer is the first Ikon Pass destination to begin operations this year. It marks the start of the resort's 80th winter season.

Guests on opening day had access to High Noon, a blue run served by the Black Mountain Express. Snowmaking crews continued working on the front side of the mountain to prepare additional terrain. Officials said they would open more runs as quickly as conditions allowed.

Alan Henceroth, the president and CEO of Arapahoe Basin, stated that the resort is starting the Ikon Pass 26/27 season with its 80th anniversary. He noted that both Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders receive unlimited access to the mountain for the winter. Henceroth said skiers and riders have many days ahead to experience the resort's history.

The base area featured live music throughout the day on Wednesday. Staff distributed giveaways in the lift lines. The 6th Alley Bar & Grill opened at 9 a.m., while the Black Mountain Lodge opened in the afternoon.

Other Colorado ski areas have scheduled openings for late October through December. Keystone and Winter Park Resort aim to open as soon as possible in late October or November. Loveland Ski Area does not have a set date, though its average opening over the past five years is November 5. Breckenridge and Copper Mountain are targeted for November 6. Vail Mountain is scheduled for November 13, followed by Powderhorn and Purgatory Resort on November 20.

Steamboat plans to open on November 21. Beaver Creek, Crested Butte, and Granby Ranch are scheduled for November 25. Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Telluride target November 26. Monarch Mountain is expected to open in early to mid-December.

Ski Cooper is scheduled for December 9, while Sunlight Mountain Resort opens on December 11. Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are targeted for December 12. Silverton Mountain has the latest opening on the list, scheduled for December 31. All dates remain subject to change based on weather and snow conditions.