If you’re itching to hit the slopes as soon as possible, you might be wondering which Colorado ski resort opens the earliest. Luckily, there are a few resorts that open their doors earlier than others, giving skiers and snowboarders an opportunity to get some early-season runs in. Here’s a breakdown of the resorts that typically open the earliest.
Arapahoe Basin
If you’re looking for the earliest possible start to your skiing or snowboarding season, Arapahoe Basin is likely your best bet. Located just a short drive from Denver, this resort is known for its high elevation and long season. In fact, A-Basin typically opens in mid-October and stays open through early June.
While early-season conditions can be hit-or-miss, A-Basin does an excellent job of making snow and grooming their runs to ensure a quality experience for guests. Plus, with fewer crowds than other resorts later in the season, you’ll have more room to explore and enjoy the mountain.
Loveland Ski Area
Another option for early-season skiing and snowboarding is Loveland Ski Area. Located just up I-70 from Denver, Loveland often opens in late October or early November. Like A-Basin, Loveland is known for its high elevation and long season – they typically stay open through early May.
One benefit of choosing Loveland over A-Basin is that they tend to have more beginner-friendly terrain available earlier in the season. So if you’re new to skiing or snowboarding and want to get started as soon as possible, Loveland might be a better choice.
Keystone Resort
If you’re willing to wait just a little bit longer for your ski season to start, Keystone Resort might be worth considering. While they don’t typically open until mid-November, they offer a wide variety of terrain and amenities once they do.
One unique aspect of Keystone is their night skiing program, which allows guests to hit the slopes after dark. This can be a great way to get some extra runs in if you’re short on time during the day. Additionally, Keystone is home to one of the largest snowmaking systems in North America, which means they can often open more terrain earlier in the season than other resorts.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
While Breckenridge doesn’t typically open until mid-November, it’s worth mentioning because it’s one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado. With over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain and a charming mountain town at its base, Breckenridge is a must-visit destination for many skiers and snowboarders.
Even though Breckenridge doesn’t open as early as some other resorts, they often have excellent early-season conditions thanks to their extensive snowmaking capabilities. Plus, with so much terrain available once they do open, you’ll have plenty of options for exploring the mountain.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking to start your ski season as early as possible, Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Ski Area are your best bets. Both resorts typically open in October or November and offer quality early-season conditions.
If you’re willing to wait just a bit longer for your ski season to start or want more amenities like night skiing and extensive snowmaking capabilities, Keystone Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort are both excellent options as well.
- Arapahoe Basin: typically opens in mid-October
- Loveland Ski Area: typically opens in late October or early November
- Keystone Resort: typically opens in mid-November
- Breckenridge Ski Resort: typically opens in mid-November
No matter which resort you choose, be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information on opening dates and early-season conditions. With a little bit of research and some luck with Mother Nature, you’ll be hitting the slopes before you know it!