Colorado isn’t just a state — it’s a winter playground. Whether you’re a first-time skier or a seasoned powder hunter, there’s terrain, culture, and community waiting for you. Below is a guide to passes, resorts, travel, and tips — now with projected opening dates for this season.
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Pass Options: Epic, Ikon & Alternatives
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Epic Pass
Gives access to major resorts like Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, and more. Great option if you plan to hop between the bigger names and want ease of use across multiple properties. -
Ikon Pass
Unlocks access to places like Winter Park, Copper Mountain, Telluride, Aspen (via partners), and more. Ideal if you’re chasing variety and want a broad portfolio. -
Other Options
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Local / regional passes (e.g. ski area membership passes)
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Single-resort season passes
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Multi-resort bundles or reciprocal deals
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Pay-as-you-go (day tickets or multi-day packages)
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Discounts via partnerships, early-bird rates, military, student, etc.
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Resorts to Visit — Highlights & Family / Beginner Picks
Here are some standout resorts in Colorado, along with notes on what makes them special (especially for families or those learning):
| Resort | Pass Access | Why It’s Worth Visiting / Best For | Notes for Beginners / Families |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keystone | Epic | Wide terrain, excellent infrastructure, multiple peaks | Lots of green runs, ski school, family amenities |
| Breckenridge | Epic | A big variety of terrain plus town appeal | Plenty of gentle slopes, good support for learners |
| Vail / Beaver Creek | Epic | Iconic mountain experience, upscale amenities | Beaver Creek in particular is known for family service |
| Winter Park | Ikon | Strong in local appeal, terrain for all | Excellent ski school, good for beginners |
| Copper Mountain | Ikon | Terrain variety (cuts for every level) | Well laid out beginner and intermediate areas |
| Aspen / Snowmass | Ikon / partners | Premium experience, big name | Snowmass tends to be more forgiving for mixed levels |
| Telluride | Ikon / partner | Stunning scenery, adventurous terrain | Some easier runs, but more known for intermediate/advanced |
| Ski Cooper | — (local) | A quieter, less crowded option | High percentage of intermediate and beginner terrain |
Winter Park Express: Ski by Train
Skip the morning drive stress — the Winter Park Express runs from Denver’s Union Station to Winter Park Resort. Depart early, ski all day, and return conveniently. The train makes the slopes more accessible and gives you more time on snow and less time in traffic or parking lines.
Service typically runs from late December through March (weekends and holidays), and some expanded runs begin in mid-December. Check the official schedule for this season.
2025–2026 Resort Opening Dates
Below are projected opening dates for Colorado ski resorts (subject to change — check the resort websites before planning). Colorado Ski Country USA
| Resort | Opening Day |
|---|---|
| Arapahoe Basin | ASAP |
| Aspen Mountain | Nov 27 |
| Aspen Snowmass | Nov 27 |
| Aspen Highlands | Dec 13 |
| Buttermilk | Dec 20 |
| Ski Cooper | Dec 10 |
| Copper Mountain | Nov 7 |
| Echo Mountain | TBD |
| Eldora | Nov 14 |
| Granby Ranch | Nov 26 |
| Howelsen Hill | TBD |
| Loveland | Late Oct |
| Monarch Mountain | Mid Nov |
| Powderhorn | Nov 22 |
| Purgatory | Nov 22 |
| Silverton | Dec 27 |
| Steamboat | Nov 22 |
| Sunlight | Dec 12 |
| Telluride | Nov 27 |
| Winter Park | ASAP |
Did You Know... Colorado has Night Skiing?
Several Colorado resorts offer night skiing, letting you hit the slopes under the stars.
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Keystone – Largest night skiing area in the state, including terrain parks.
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Steamboat & Howelsen Hill – Trails lit for evening runs, perfect for a unique mountain experience.
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Echo Mountain – Closest to Denver, all 13 trails illuminated for convenient night skiing.
Why try it? Less crowded slopes, stunning nighttime views, and often more affordable tickets.
Tips for Maximizing Your Colorado Ski Season
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Book early and lock in passes — early-season pricing is your friend.
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Use slope reservations when required (some resorts/pass systems may need you to reserve lift access).
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Ride the train — especially for Winter Park via the Winter Park Express — to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
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Mix resorts — use your Epic or Ikon pass to explore different terrains and towns.
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Start smart — on your first day, focus on easy runs to warm up and get comfortable.
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Pay attention to weather and snow reports — snowstorms or warm spells can shift open dates and conditions.
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Carry the right gear — layers, gloves, helmet, goggles, sunscreen (yes, even for winter), and waterproof outerwear.
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Plan buffer days — give yourself flexibility in case a resort delays opening or weather doesn’t cooperate.
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Explore off-ski options — snowshoeing trails, tubing hills, cozy mountain towns, dining, and hot springs.
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Stay safe & know limits — altitude, variable snow, and terrain can surprise you. Stick within your comfort zone until you gain confidence.
Whether you’re drawn to the wide expanses of Vail, the community vibe in Winter Park, or the charm and walkability of Aspen, Colorado has something for every skier. With Epic, Ikon, or local passes, you’re set to explore. Use the Winter Park Express to make one-day ski trips easy. Keep these opening dates, tips, and resort highlights in mind — then get ready to hit the slopes when winter arrives.
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