For skiers and riders already dreaming of powder days, mountain escapes and fireside evenings in the world’s most coveted ski towns, winter planning officially begins now. Vail Resorts has announced its anticipated opening dates for the 2026/27 season, giving travelers an early look at when some of North America’s most celebrated mountain destinations will welcome guests back to the slopes.
The season is expected to begin as early as October at Keystone Resort in Colorado, which is hoping to claim the distinction of being the first North American resort to open for the second consecutive year. From there, the winter calendar rolls through a collection of destinations spanning Colorado, Utah, California, British Columbia and Washington.
Breckenridge is scheduled to open November 6, followed by Vail Mountain on November 13. November 20 will see the anticipated openings of Whistler Blackcomb, Park City Mountain, Heavenly and Northstar, while Beaver Creek and Crested Butte are slated for November 25. California’s Kirkwood and Washington’s Stevens Pass are currently scheduled to open December 4. Additional opening dates are expected to be announced in the coming months, with all dates subject to weather and snow conditions.
A Winter Season Worth Planning Ahead For
The timing is particularly enticing for travelers watching forecasts for signs of a potentially exceptional snow season. The anticipated Super El Niño has already sparked speculation about what the coming winter could bring, although Vail Resorts is emphasizing that Mother Nature ultimately remains in control.
“We’re laser focused on preparing our resorts to deliver the best and most differentiated guest experience in skiing and riding,” said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division. The company is also continuing to invest heavily in snowmaking, with more than $100 million invested across its portfolio since 2015.
For those looking beyond the skiing itself, the 2026/27 season will also introduce new experiences across the Vail Resorts portfolio. As part of the company’s Epic Experience growth strategy, guests can expect elevated food and beverage offerings and the introduction of Epic Ascent, a concierge-style enhancement to private ski and snowboard lessons.
The winter calendar will bring its own lineup of events, too. Breckenridge will celebrate its first winter as the “Kingdom of Breck” and welcome back the Rockstar Energy Open, while Shaun White and The Snow League will bring an international snowboard and freeski halfpipe competition to Park City Mountain for the first time. Vail Mountain will also expand its pop-up music programming with new venues and artists.
The Epic Pass Advantage
For travelers planning multiple mountain getaways this winter, the Epic Pass remains one of the most flexible ways to access Vail Resorts’ extensive collection of destinations. The 2026/27 lineup includes options ranging from the unlimited Epic Pass to customizable Epic Day Passes for travelers who only expect to ski a handful of days.
The full Epic Pass starts at $1,119 for adults, while the Epic Local Pass starts at $829. Travelers looking for shorter commitments can choose an Epic Day Pass, with pricing from $47 to $99 per day, depending on the number of days purchased. Military and adaptive options are also available.
This season, there’s also a new incentive for younger travelers. Skiers and riders ages 13 to 30 receive 20% off Epic Pass and Epic Local Pass pricing. Those who visited one of Vail Resorts’ 37 North American resorts during the 2025/26 season may also qualify for additional savings of up to $175 on select passes.
And for those who prefer to make their winter trips a group affair, Epic Pass and Epic Local Pass holders who purchase now receive five Epic Friend Tickets. The tickets provide 50% off adult lift tickets and 25% off child lift tickets, making it easier to bring friends and family along for the season’s best days on the mountain.
Epic Pass holders can also take advantage of 20% savings on select on-mountain experiences, including dining, lodging, ski and ride school, and equipment rentals.
With the lowest Epic Pass pricing of the fall available through September 7, winter travelers have an early opportunity to secure access before prices increase. For anyone already eyeing a Colorado ski weekend, a Park City holiday escape, or a powder-filled trip to Whistler, the countdown to winter has officially begun.
Visit epicpass.com to compare all 2026/27 Pass options and see what pass is right for you.
