2026-27 Opening Days for Breckenridge, Summit County and Neighboring Ski Resorts
Winter is just around the corner in Summit County! With world-class skiing and snowboarding across Breckenridge and the surrounding mountains, the 2026–27 season brings plenty to look forward to. Whether you're chasing high-alpine terrain, planning a family ski trip, or counting down the days until your first turns of the season, here's what to know about opening days, lift tickets, lessons, rentals, dining, and more at some of our favorite Colorado ski resorts.
Opening dates and operating hours are subject to change based on weather, snowmaking, and mountain conditions. Always check directly with the resort before your visit.
Here's What to Expect for the 2026-27 Ski Season:
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Opening Day: November 6th, 2026
Known For: Breckenridge spans five peaks and offers terrain for every ability level, from beginner-friendly learning areas to some of Colorado's most recognizable high-alpine terrain. Breckenridge's Imperial Express SuperChair on Peak 8 is the highest chairlift in North America at 12,840 feet. From the Imperial Express, advanced skiers and riders can access Imperial Bowl, Whales Tail, and the Lake Chutes. Click here for more information on all 5 of Breck's peaks.
Hours of Operation: Breckenridge's lifts typically operate from 8:30 am to 4 pm during ski season. Hours and terrain availability can vary throughout the season, so check the resort's current lift and terrain status before heading out.
Lift Tickets: Lift tickets will be limited, and Breckenridge recommends purchasing in advance. Booking seven or more days ahead generally provides the best rates. Click here for more information on Breckenridge’s lift ticket and pass options.
Lessons: Group and private lessons are available for all ages and levels, click here to book your lesson online today!
Rentals: Ski and snowboard rentals are available through Breck Sports at multiple locations around the resort. Booking online in advance can save up to 20%, click here to book your rentals.
Dining: From quick on-mountain stops to sit-down après options, Breckenridge offers dining across several of its base areas and peaks. Hours and restaurant availability change throughout the season. Check out Breck's On-Mountain Dining options here!
Want an up close and personal look at what’s happening on the mountain? Click here to check out our Mountain Cams live streaming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Opening Day: Weather dependent, exact dates for 2026 to be determined.
Known For: Arapahoe Basin is known for its high-alpine terrain, laid-back atmosphere, and one of the longest ski seasons in Colorado. With terrain ranging from beginner areas to challenging bowls, chutes, and steep runs, A-Basin offers a distinctly Colorado skiing/boarding experience. Click here for more information on A-Basin's 7 distinct mountain areas.
Hours of Operation: 9 am-4 pm Monday through Friday and 8:30 am-4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Lift Tickets: Lift tickets for Arapahoe Basin are ONLY sold online and must be purchased in advance. They offer a variety of lift ticket options from full day to specialty lift tickets. Click here for more information on A-Basin’s lift ticket and pass options.
Lessons: A-Basin offers private and group lessons for all ages and skill levels. Choose from snowboarding, alpine skiing, or telemark ski lessons. Visit their website to learn more about the different types of lessons A-Basin has to offer or to book your lesson today!
Rentals: Ski and snowboard rentals, tuning, and repair services are available through A-Basin's Base n' Edge Rental Shop. Click here to reserve your equipment through A-Basin’s website.
Dining: Choose from 1 of the 6 dining options that A Basin has to offer at their base area a-frame, mid-mountain lodge, or at the top of the mountain. End your day with one of A-Basin’s award-winning Bloody Mary’s at their classic base-area bar and grill, the 6th Alley.
Keystone Ski Resort
Opening Day: As early as possible in October 2026; exact date to be announced.
Known For: Keystone is known for its family-friendly mountain experience, with beginner terrain, night skiing on select dates, Kidtopia activities, and its Kids Ski Free program for eligible lodging guests ages 12 and under. From learning areas to more advanced terrain across the mountain, Keystone offers options for a wide range of skiers and riders. Click here for more information on Keystone's mountain playground.
Hours of Operation: Lift hours vary throughout the season. Keystone also offers night skiing on select dates; check the resort's current lift hours and night-skiing schedule before visiting.
Lift Tickets: Lift tickets are limited, and purchasing in advance is recommended. Visit Keystone's website for current lift ticket and 2026–27 pass options.
Lessons: Keystone offers group and private ski and snowboard lessons for both adults and children; click here to see all the types of lessons the resort has to offer.
Rentals: Equipment reservations can be made for skis and snowboards online for slope side pick-up or delivery, visit their website to learn more and book your equipment.
Dining: Choose from Keystone's dining options. Looking for more elevated dining after fun filled day on the mountain? Keystone Resort's Ski Tip Lodge is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country, just make sure to plan ahead as reservations are required.
Copper Mountain Ski Resort
Opening Day: November 6, 2026
Known For: Copper Mountain is known for being a self-contained village, which is even more exaggerated by Copper's distance from any other established towns in Summit County. Those visiting Copper Mountain can find everything they need right at the base area, from restaurants, entertainment, outfitters and gear, lodging, and even a general store. Out of all the entertainment at Copper Mountain, the 22' Superpipe is by far the must-see attraction for both terrain park enthusiasts and adrenaline loving bystanders.
Hours of Operation: Base area lifts are open 9 am-4 pm daily, other lifts have staggered closing times between 2:30 pm-3:30 pm.
Lift Tickets: Lift tickets for Copper Mountain can be purchased here. Purchase tickets at least 1 day in advance online to receive a discount.
Lessons: Copper Mountain offers private and group lessons for children and adults. Copper also offers family lessons, a program for ages 50+, and specialty clinics. Visit Copper’s website to learn more.
Rentals: Ski and snowboard rentals are available throughout Copper's base villages, with equipment options for a variety of ability levels. Booking online in advance is recommended. The earlier you book online, the more you save!
Dining: Choose from Copper Mountain's on and off mountain dining options.
Vail Ski Resort
Opening Day: November 13th, 2026
Known For: Vail offers more than 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, including its seven legendary Back Bowls. Beyond the mountain, Vail Village and Lionshead offer a wide range of dining, shopping, lodging, and après-ski options.
Hours of Operation: Lift hours vary by location, terrain, and time of season. Check Vail's current lift and terrain status before heading out, as operating hours for the Front Side, Back Bowls, and BlueSky Basin may differ.
Lift Tickets: Lift tickets are limited, and purchasing in advance is strongly recommended. Visit Vail's website for current 2026–27 lift ticket and Epic Pass options.
Lessons: Vail offers multiple lesson options for all ages, skill level beginner to advanced. Click here to visit their website to see all the ski and snowboard lessons Vail offers.
Rentals: Equipment rentals available directly through Vail Resort for slope-side or for delivery. Book online for the best pricing. Online equipment reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Dining: With 11 dining options, it’s impossible to go hungry at Vail. Grab a quick bite at 1 of their 3 base dining locations or travel up the mountain to enjoy their other 9 restaurant options. Experience fine-dining while looking out on the Gore Range at Vail’s premier on-mountain restaurant, The 10th, reservations required. Or refuel at Belle’s Camp, Vail’s farther outpost. Click here for more information on all of Vail's dining options.
Beaver Creek Ski Resort
Opening Day: November 25th, 2026
Known For: Beaver Creek is known for being the ski resort with all the amenities. For skiers and riders who want the ultimate luxury experience, Beaver Creek offers guests free freshly baked cookies, escalators to and from the village and chairlift, upscale dining options including 3 on-mountain restaurants accessible only by snowcat, and a world class spa.
Hours of Operation: Lift and terrain hours vary throughout the season. Check Beaver Creek's current mountain conditions and lift status before your visit.
Lift Tickets: Lift tickets for Beaver Creek can be purchased on their website. The number of tickets available this season will be limited, so they recommend purchasing your ticket in advance.
Lessons: Beaver Creek offers ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults, with programs available for a range of ability levels. Visit the resort's website for current lesson options and availability.
Rentals: Ski and snowboard equipment rentals for Beaver Creek can be made online for either slope-side pickup or delivery. Click here to reserve your equipment for next visit to Beaver Creek.
Dining: Choose from one of Beaver Creek’s 6 on and off mountain dining options, make a reservation at their full-service restaurant: Spruce Saddle at the top of Continental Express Lift (#6), or swing by The Parlour at the top of Haymeadow Express Gondola (#1) for warm drinks, "ready to drink" adult beverages, and handheld snacks.
Find Your Dream Ski Home
It’s not hard to fall in love with all that Breckenridge has to offer on and off the slopes, but it can be hard to find the perfect mountain property in this highly desirable location. Whether you’re looking for a second home for your family to gather and celebrate the holidays or an income generating ski-in, ski-out condo - Breckenridge Associates are the local experts on Breckenridge real estate.
Call us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable brokers. We look forward to being your Breckenridge home buying guides!
