Ski Resorts Open Now: Our 2025–2026 Early-Season Tracker
Winter didn’t tiptoe in this year. It kicked the door down with authority with the earliest opening dates coming a week before Halloween. That said, the mountains are alive, lifts are spinning, and skiers everywhere are dusting off their gear like it’s sacred ritual. If you’ve been wondering about the ski resorts open now, the answer is clear: more than you think. From Colorado to the East Coast to the Canadian Rockies you have plenty of options to get in those early season turns you so crave.
Here’s our first early-season tracker (ever). It's a part mountain guide, part travel companion, part après-ski sermon and a must follow if you are heading to the mountain early this season.
We're Here to Make Your Early Season Ski Trip Easy
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Hotel Deals — Ski-in/ski-out, early-season discounts, last-minute bookings at Trip.com.
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Ski Gear — Travel ready outerwear direct to consumer from Akova.
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Rental Cars — AWD cars for mountain roads from Denver, Burlington, Calgary, or Salt Lake and more at Rentalcars.com .
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Travel Insurance — Early-season weather is unpredictable; insure your adventure with Visitor's Coverage.
- Other Experiences -- If the weather fails you, give yourself options with experiences and tours from Viator.
- Cooking In? -- Buying food for your vacation rental can get pricey. Bring it from home and keep it cool in a cooler from RovR.
Colorado Resorts Already Open
Keystone
Keystone slid out of bed first this winter(I mean fall)...groomers perfect, snowmaking strong.
Après: Kickapoo Tavern. Right in River Run Village. Lively, loud, and the kind of place where you can properly celebrate conquering a black diamond.
Arapahoe Basin
A-Basin is open and proud just a day behind Keystone. Lifts spinning, snowguns humming, and early-season stoke hitting full throttle.
Après: 6th Alley Bar & Grill — nothing like one of the best Bloody Marys at altitude to make you believe in second chances.
Loveland Ski Area
Loveland is officially open. Chalky corduroy, crisp mornings, hot coffee. Early-season skiing doesn’t get more classic.
Après: Loveland Grill / The Rathskeller. It's not fancy, but it's honest. Grab a beer, swap some stories, and feel the day melt away.
Breckenridge
Breck has joined the party. Peaks 8 and 9 already see their first pilgrims.
Après: T-Bar — high-energy mountain vibes, espresso martini shots optional.
Copper Mountain
Copper cracked open with wide smiles and wide groomers.
Après: J.J.'s Rocky Mountain Tavern. Good grub, good brews, and a good spot to unwind without all the fuss.
Eldora Mountain Resort
Eldora is open and offering the closest-to-Denver turns without leaving the state.
Après: Timbers Tap Room. Simple, unpretentious, and serving up local Colorado suds. Just what the doctor ordered.
Vail
While the Back Bowls aren't quite there yet, other parts of the mountain are groomed, polished, and spinning.
Après: Red Lion. An institution. Live music, sing-alongs, and a feeling like you've stepped into a ski movie.
Winter Park
Winter Park turned lifts early. Soft snow, zero crowds, maximum fun.
Après: Derailer Bar. Slopeside, sunny, and where you'll find skiers and riders swapping tales of their best runs.
East Coast Ski Resorts Open Now
Sugar Mountain Resort, NC
Sugar has opened for the season, proving that southern slopes can deliver sweet turns early.
Après: The Last Run Lounge. Cozy, comfortable, and exactly what you need after a day carving turns in the Blue Ridge.
Killington Resort, VT
The Beast is awake. Killington opened with extensive coverage and high energy.
Après: The Lookout Tavern is where you go when you need that first cold one now.
Sunday River, ME
Sunday River is open, eight peaks ready, endless ways to get lost.
Après: The Foggy Goggle is the immediate gratification.
Black Mountain, NH
Black Mountain is officially open. This Indy Pass staple is historic, beloved and perfectly New England.
Après: The Shannon Door — Good beer, good company, and maybe even a bit of Irish music to tap your foot to. Pro tip: try the pizza, locals swear by it.
Bretton Woods, NH
Bretton Woods opened elegant and early. Groomed perfection awaits.
Après: Slopeside Pub & Restaurant. It’s right there, it’s warm, and it's got what you need to toast a successful day.
Midwest Ski Resorts Open for Early Season
Andes Tower Hills, MN
They flipped the switch — snowmakers + cold temps = open terrain.
Après: Whispering Pines Grill, No fuss, no frills, just a warm spot for a cold beer and some friendly chatter.
Wild Mountain, MN
Wild Mountain is open, families laughing, lifts humming.
Après: The Eagle's Nest Bar. A fine spot to perch and reflect on a day well spent on the slopes.
Canadian Rockies Resorts Open Now
Banff Sunshine
Banff Sunshine opened right on schedule. Dreamy early-season snow, alpine views that make phones weep.
Après: Mad Trappers A classic, authentic pub located in one of the resort's original lodges at the village area. It offers a great vibe to relax and refuel.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise opened early and glorious.
Après: The Kokanee Kabin is a famous outdoor deck, especially on bluebird days, known for BBQ and jugs of beer.
Mt. Norquay
Norquay beat many resorts to the punch. Excellent early coverage.
Après: Lone Pine Pub Located in the Cascade Lodge, this is the go-to spot for an easy, slopeside beer, popular with locals and known for its low-key, friendly atmosphere.
Nakiska Ski Area
Nakiska is open, crisp groomers ready for fast turns.
Après: Blacktail Bar — modern meets rustic Canadian charm, roaring fireplaces, and warm plates.
Final Thoughts: From First Chair to Last Call.
Just a word to the wise, early season conditions are just that...early. Terrain will definitely be limited, there could be exposed terrain and most snow will be man-made. So make sure to keep your edges sharp and maybe even pack your rock skis. It's also a good idea to check the resort's official website. That's the best spot for the latest snow reports, lift operations, and open trails before you hit the road. Conditions can change in an instant and there’s nothing worse than a wasted drive to a mountain with nothing to ski.
Nonetheless, the lifts are spinning. Snow is falling (or blowing from guns). Your favorite bar has whiskey ready to pour. Winter didn’t wait this year and neither should you. If you’ve been asking “which ski resorts are open right now,” the answer is loud, clear, and snowy: right now, they’re all waiting for you.
Share the Stoke: More Open Resorts + Your Après Favorites
Before you click away and start waxing your skis, drop a comment below and let us know which other ski resorts are open right now in your neck of the woods. And while you’re at it, tell us your favorite après-ski spot at any of the mountains we mentioned — the bars, the backroom haunts, the places where the boots come off and the stories get good.
Your tips help keep this tracker honest, hungry, and always up for another round. Cheers!
Ready to hit the slopes and the bars this winter?
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