Vail Mountain Kicks Off Ski Season Nov. 13

Vail Mountain will officially open for its 2026-27 ski season on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. Guests can look forward to skiing the Ramshorn intermediate trail, accessible via the Mountaintop Express and Gondola One. Although beginner terrain will not be available initially, a hike-to terrain park will offer early-season stunts.

Opening day festivities will include music from a DJ at the Express Lift and giveaways for skiers in line. This opening follows a dry spell for Colorado ski resorts, with some other mountains like Copper and Breckenridge experiencing delayed starts. Forecasters are monitoring a potential pattern shift expected to bring snow to Western resorts.

While the immediate forecast for Vail shows modest snowfall, increased totals are possible next week. Other Colorado resorts such as Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Loveland are also open, marking a modest start to the season across the state.