Colorado Ski Resorts Opening Days
OPENING DAYS 2023/24
| RESORT | OPEN |
| ARAPAHOE BASIN | mid-October |
| ASPEN HIGHLANDS | December 10 |
| ASPEN MOUNTAIN | November 24 |
| BEAVER CREEK | November 10 |
| BUTTERMILK | December 17 |
| BRECKENRIDGE | November 10 |
| COOPER | December 7 |
| COPPER MOUNTAIN | November 14 |
| ECHO MOUNTAIN | late November |
| ELDORA | November 18 |
| GRANBY RANCH | December 10 |
| HESPERUS | December 17 |
| HOWELSEN HILL | November 25 |
| KEYSTONE | mid-October |
| LOVELAND | late October |
| MONARCH | late November |
| POWDERHORN | November 25 |
| PURGATORY | November 19 |
| SILVERTON | December 29 |
| SNOWMASS | November 24 |
| STEAMBOAT | November 23 |
| SUNLIGHT | December 9 |
| TELLURIDE | November 24 |
| VAIL | November 10 |
| WINTER PARK | mid-November |
All resort season dates subject to change
New Ski Lifts In Summit County Colorado
Though Summit County has seen several steamy, end-of-summer days over the last week, the upcoming winter season is not far away. Soon the warm weeks will give way to fall days, and before long, snow will once again be seen on the slopes of the region’s ski areas. BOOK NOW
In preparation for the quickly approaching 2023-24 ski and ride season, Breckenridge Ski Resort and Keystone Resort have been keeping work moving over the summer, making sure the mountains are ready before lifts start turning again when the slopes are covered in snow.
Two of the major projects that have been taking place over the summer are the upgrade of Breckenridge’s 5-Chair and the development of Bergman Bowl at Keystone.
Although the summer-long transformation of 5-Chair to Five SuperChair did play a role in Breckenridge’s summer operation plans, the upgrade is considered to be fundamental to the continual evolution of the resort’s busiest base area.
With the 5-Chair upgrade, all four of Peak 8’s chairlifts will be high-speed, which will drastically assist with flow and circulation from the peak’s base area. The upgraded lift is also expected to provide faster and easier access to the resort’s five peaks and will aid in the resort’s summer operations by serving the Alpine slide.
Earlier this summer, Breckenridge made the first step toward completing the project with helicopters flying in concrete for the base of the Five SuperChair’s new lift towers.
Breckenridge continued to make progress on the project, and, late last week, the lower terminal of the Five SuperChair was put into place.
According to Breckenridge senior communications specialist Sara Lococo, the top terminal of the new Five SuperChair was installed on Wednesday, Aug. 23, and the resort has plans for a helicopter to be on site on Monday, Aug. 28, to install the new lift towers.
“Looking ahead, work still to come includes the completion of grading and dirt work, the installation of our carpet conveyor lifts for the learning area, some trenching and electrical work, the deconstruction of the former Breck Flyer zipline and then pulling the haul rope, hanging the new chairs on the line and load testing the lift,” Lococo said.
Breckenridge expects most of the remaining work to be completed by early October with the load test on the Five SuperChair taking place in early to mid-October.
Despite frequent rainstorms to start the summer season, the Five SuperChair project is currently on track and is expected to be revealed in November, dependent on weather and conditions.
Bergman Bowl expansion
Anyone who has been following Keystone’s Bergman Bowl expansion project knows that the 555 new acres of lift-serviced terrain has been the topic of scrutiny and speculation over the last calendar year.
The expansion — which will bring one new high-speed, six-passenger chair and 16 new trails — was slated to open up at the beginning of the 2022-23 winter season, but the project was brought to a halt by the U.S. Forest Service after unauthorized construction took place in a sensitive Alpine environment last summer.
Since the unapproved construction took place, Keystone Resort Vice President and General Manager Chris Sorensen and Vail Resorts have worked in tandem with the Forest Service to implement a substantive restoration plan that looks to save disturbed topsoil and collect plant seeds.
With a restoration plan in place, the Forest Service approved Keystone to resume construction, and the project quickly got back on track for a 2023-24 winter season opening.
The completion of the project will give skiers and riders access to both Bergman and Erickson bowls and will eliminate the prior hike to both areas of the mountain.
According to Keystone communications manager Max Winter, Keystone recently completed the installation of the Bergman Express bottom lift terminal and has already started work on installing the top terminal.
“We have also begun work on our top terminal, which sits at over 12,280 feet and will treat guests to 360-degree views of the county as they ski off the lift,” Winter said. “Our teams have made great progress installing our snowmaking lines, which will allow us to pump air and water up to Bergman Bowl’s 37 new snow guns, ultimately helping us open our exciting high-Alpine terrain as early as possible.”
In addition to lift terminals and snow guns, Keystone has began work on Bergman Bowl’s sustainable patrol hut, which utilizes beetle-kill pine wood and will run entirely on solar power while being heated by a pellet stove.
The Bergman Bowl expansion will continue to make progress over the next few weeks and has plans to pour concrete via helicopter in the next few days. The Bergman Bowl project is expected to open this winter.
A-Basin To Open Sunday October 17th
Araphoe Basin Set to Open
The plan is to open Arapahoe Basin Ski Area this weekend.
A-Basin stated it will open at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 17. While A-Basin is not the first to open in Colorado (Wolf Creek will open Saturday, Oct. 16) it will be the first for Summit County. Maybe Keystone is holding out!?
“We anticipate a normal operating season and look forward to welcoming you back for skiing and snowboarding through June. We have the longest winter season in Colorado! “
A-Basin will open with the Black Mountain Express lift, to a single run for opening day: High Noon, an intermediate trail. A-Basin hopes to stay open into June 2022.
Just over a foot of natural snow that fell will allow them to open much earlier than last years Nov 9th date!
What’s the Deal with Ski Season 20/21 in Colorado?
Masks
One of the big rules you’re going to see at every major resort in Colorado is a mask or face covering mandate. Both staff and guests at virtually every ski resort in Colorado will be required to wear a face covering over their mouths and noses, whether you’re in line for the lifts, entering the lodge, or riding a shuttle bus. Some, like Copper Mountain, require face coverings in any indoor area, while others, like Breckenridge, recommend or require them at all times except while actively skiing and snowboarding.
When not being worn, face coverings should be kept somewhere very easily on hand, and should cover both your mouth and your nose.
Physical Distancing
Lifts and gondolas at most resorts will only be seating related parties together, and leaving plenty of space between singles or doubles by spacing them out. At Breckenridge, for example, two single riders can be seated at opposite ends of a four-person chairlift, or on opposite sides of a larger gondola, and two doubles will be allowed on a six-person chairlift, but that’s about as close as you’ll get to someone who isn’t part of your group. At Copper Mountain, they’ve extended the maze for the queues, and no one will be required to ride the lift with someone they don’t know, except for in cases of high-capacity lifts and gondolas, which will still operate at reduced capacity and be spaced appropriately.
Most resorts are also instituting a lower capacity limit this season, meaning there will be fewer people on the slopes, in the facilities, and on the lifts, making it easier for you to maintain social distancing from other patrons. In places where avoiding other people isn’t always possible, or in high-traffic areas like locker rooms, lifts, and bathrooms, resort staff will be working hard to make sure the areas are sanitized often throughout the day.
Reservations
Some resorts, like Aspen Snowmass, haven’t released their plan for the season yet, in part because they would like to avoid a reservation system. As of yet there’s been no word as to whether you’ll have to plan ahead for your Aspen trips, but if all goes well, there’s a chance that not all resorts will require you to make a reservation. Other resorts that won’t require a reservation this year include Ski Cooper
Lessons, Group Tours, & Rentals
This is another one of those case-by-case basis deals, but most resorts are hoping to operate with lessons and tours as usual, albeit at a reduced capacity. When it comes to renting equipment, resorts are still doing their best to make sure you have access to everything you need, which means increased sanitation regulations as well as asking both staff and guests to wear face coverings at all times during their interactions.
Uphill Access
For many, uphilling is an essential part of ski season, and some resorts aren’t quite sure how they’re going to handle it yet, since it limits their control when it comes to capacity. Some, like Aspen Snowmass, are planning on allowing it, but ask that those seeking uphill access stick to designated routes, which may be closed at will to meet capacity restrictions.
Dining
Contactless dining and transactions are going to be the name of the game this season. At most resorts, expect to wear a face covering unless you’re actively eating, and anticipate limited capacity (including on days when the weather outside isn’t exactly picnic-worthy!), grab-and-go options so you can avoid seated dining, limited menus, contactless payments, and in many cases, the closure of full-service bars for the season.
What Do These Changes Mean?
If you’re a local, then these COVID-19 changes to the upcoming season might actually work in your favor. Reservation systems and capacity restrictions mean you’ll probably experience fewer crowds than usual, which means a lot more time on the slopes for you. There will probably be a lower volume of people coming from out of state this year, since the travel industry is still not back on its feet yet, so the people you do encounter out on the slopes are more likely to be locals or day trippers from in-state as well.
The restrictions do mean that you might have to plan ahead a bit more for your ski trip. Check and see whether you’ll require reservations before you go, so you don’t run into any trouble on the day of. Again, these reservations might actually work in your favor, as many resorts—even the big ones—are making changes to accommodate locals this year, since they’re anticipating less of a tourism boom. Aspen Snowmass is offering the discounted Valley Pass for residents of the Roaring Fork Valley (with valid ID and proof of address), and Winter Park is prioritizing access for passholders above all others this year.
The “What If” Factor
No one expected last year’s ski season to end the way it did. COVID-19 threw a wrench in everyone’s ski plans last spring (among other things!), and even with the slew of new restrictions and precautions, there’s no way to guarantee there won’t be another lockdown. Before you buy your passes this year, check to see if there are any policies or precautions in place. Loveland is offering discounted passes for those who weren’t able to use theirs last year, and if they are forced to shut down again, they will prorate their passes for the 2021/22 season. Ski Cooper is also offering to transfer pass value to the following season if they are forced to cease operations due to COVID-19, and anyone who purchases a pass for Winter Park (Ikon or Local Pass) is automatically covers under the Adventure Assurance plan, which ensures you’re protected if resorts are forced to close. Others are offering cancellation policies for a 100% refund if your plans are forced to change, so do your research before buying your passes this year in order to get the best bang for your buck, as well as the best peace of mind in these confusing and scary times.
For more information, check out the CDPHE website.
Vail Resorts Announces Opening Days For Sking!!
Vail Resorts announces opening dates for 2020-21 season, plans reservation system
Skiers and riders are pictured on Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 8 on March 12 before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down ski areas across the state. Vail Resorts, which owns and operates Breckenridge and Keystone Resort, has announced its plans for the upcoming ski season.
Liz Copan / [email protected]
DILLON — After months of anticipation about the upcoming ski season, Vail Resorts announced Thursday its operating plan, including a reservation system and opening days.
It looks like there won’t be the usual race to open this year between Keystone Resort and Arapahoe Basin Ski Area as Vail Resorts already has set Keystone’s opening date for Nov. 6 — weather permitting. Breckenridge Ski Resort is expected to open Nov. 13. In nearby Eagle County, Vail is scheduled to open Nov. 20 and Beaver Creek is planning for Nov. 25.
Reservations will be required to access Vail-owned mountains, and the company said in a news release that it intends to limit lift tickets and prioritize passholders. According to the website for the Epic Pass, Vail Resorts’ pass system, the company anticipates being able to accommodate everyone who wants to ski or ride for the “vast majority of days.” The site also notes that the reservation system was designed to make people feel safe.
Passholders will be able to make reservations at EpicPass.com, on each ski resort’s website or over the phone. Additional information on the reservation system is expected to be provided by early November. Beginning Nov. 6, passholders can start making reservations online for Dec. 8 to April 4. Passholders will be offered seven priority reservation days during that period.
Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz noted in a letter published Thursday, Aug. 27, that passholders will be able to make as many week-of reservations as their pass type and availability allow throughout the season.
Those looking to ski 100 days will need to get in the habit of reserving a new day every day, but those with goals to have a big ski year should be able to do so, resort officials said.
“It is possible that at some point in the season, as we evaluate the dynamics of our operations, we may decide that we no longer need the reservation system at certain resorts,” Katz wrote. “However, with so many uncertainties, we believe it is only prudent to have this system in place now.”
Single-day lift tickets will go on sale Dec. 8, leaving the early season to passholders, according to the release. Walk-up tickets will no longer be available for purchase at the window, but day-of guests can purchase tickets from their mobile devices and pick them up at the window.
Estimated opening and closing dates for Vail Resorts ski areas in Colorado:
- Keystone Resort: Nov. 6, 2020, to April 4, 2021
- Breckenridge Ski Resort: Nov. 13, 2020, to May 31, 2021
- Vail Mountain: Nov. 20, 2020, to April 11, 2021
- Beaver Creek Resort: Nov. 25, 2020, to April 4, 2021
- Crested Butte Mountain Resort: Nov. 25, 2020, to April 4, 2021
Source: Vail Resorts
At a Breckenridge Town Council work session Tuesday, Aug. 25, Breckenridge Mayor Eric Mamula shared details from a meeting he took part in with Vail Resorts leaders, including Katz. Mamula noted that the company seemed to be concerned the state would place capacity limits on all resorts without taking their differences into consideration. Mamula drew a comparison to when indoor restaurant spaces were capped at 50 people, which felt overly restrictive to larger restaurants. The state later amended its capacity limits for restaurants with more than 7,200 square feet.
The state has not publicly issued guidance for ski areas.
When asked whether the plan was developed with guidance from the state, Breckenridge Ski Resort spokesperson Sara Lococo explained via email that the plan was designed to comply with, and in some areas exceed, “all known applicable laws.”
That includes requiring face coverings and implementing physical distancing protocols.
Face coverings will be required to access the mountain and must remain on in “all parts of resort operations,” including when loading and riding chairlifts and gondolas, when inside buildings and during ski and snowboard lessons, according to the release. On chairlifts and gondolas, related groups can ride together or people from different groups can ride together while maintaining the required distance. That means two single skiers or riders can ride on opposite sides of a four-person or larger chairlift or in large gondola cabins. On a six-person lift, two doubles can ride on opposite sides of the seat.
Lessons and on-mountain dining also will be available with some changes. Full-service, sit-down restaurants will operate with reduced seating according to existing state guidelines. Quick-service restaurants will have a cafeteria-style approach, with guests moving through a single-file line and selecting ready-to-go hot and cold food options before moving to the cashier.
For ski and snowboard lessons, instructors will undergo health screenings, and participants are required to confirm an online self-health screening prior to their lesson. Class sizes will be limited to six people, and lessons must be purchased in advance, according to the release.
In preparation for the season, Lococo said the resorts are actively hiring for seasonal and year-round positions. The federal suspension of foreign-worker visas through the end of the year prevents the resorts from hiring international employees using J-1 or H-2B visas, but Lococo said the resorts have a base of seasonal employees and have “additional strategies in place to help staff our resorts appropriately for winter.” Lococo added that employee housing will be offered with safety protocols in place.
The company’s traditional Labor Day Epic Pass deadline, including the deadline to use credits from last season, has been extended to Sept. 17.
The Vail Daily’s John LaConte contributed to this report.
Keystone’s Octoberfest
Keystone’s Octoberfest
Keystone Oktoberfest is for the entire family! Kids will love Kinderfest, their very own kids Oktoberfest with free face painting, The Frosted Flamingo mobile arts studio, dance performances and lessons from the Bavarian Schuhplattlers, as well as a Root Beer Stein Hoisting contest. Parents will love the Colorado craft beers from New Belgium Brewery that draw from German roots. Track down some lederhosen and train up for the Das Bier Burner 5K that kicks off the day at 12pm. The trophy for crossing the finish line is a pint of delicious craft bier. As an added bonus the River Run Village stores and shops are getting in the spirit and having an Oktoberfest Tent Sale that day so treat yourself to an end of summer goodie from one of the many unique shops.
WE’LL PROST TO THAT.
Saturday, September 5th, 2020
| TIME | EVENT | LOCATION | COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00am-6:00pm | River Run Merchant Tent Sale | River Run Village | Varies |
| 12:00pm | Summitcove.com Das Bier Burner 5K | River Run Village | $15 – $40 |
| 1:00pm – 6:00pm |
Keystone’s Oktoberfest Beer Tents Open: Your favorite fall craft beers flowing. Purchase a commemorative stein and included are three New Belgium beers of your choice from the beer garden! |
River Run Village | Buy Tickets |
| 1:00pm -6:00pm | Kinderfest – Free Kids Activities | River Run Village – Buffalo Courtyard | FREE |
| 1:00pm -2:00pm | Concert: Summit Concert Band | River Run Village | FREE |
| 2:00pm-3:00pm | Concert: Those Austrian Guys | River Run Village | FREE |
| 2:00pm – 2:45pm | Bavarian Schuhplattlers – Kids Polka Instruction | Kinderfest – Buffalo Courtyard | FREE |
| 3:00pm-3:30pm | Bavarian Schuhplattlers Performance | River Run Village | FREE |
| 3:30pm-4:30pm | Concert: Those Austrian Guys | River Run Village | FREE |
| 3:45pm – 4:15pm | Bavarian Schuhplattlers – Kids Polka Instruction | Kinderfest – Buffalo Courtyard | FREE |
| 4:30pm-5:00pm | Bavarian Schuhplattlers Performance | River Run Village | FREE |
| 5:00pm – 5:45pm |
Stein Hoisting Contests Kids Root Beer Hoisting Contest Women’s Stein Hoisting Contest Men’s Stein Hoisting Contest |
River Run Village Main Stage | FREE – 10 Contestants Per Category Sign Up at Day Of Sales & Will Call |
| 5:15pm – 5:45pm | Bavarian Schuhplattlers – Kids Polka Instruction | Kinderfest – Buffalo Courtyard | FREE |
| 5:45pm-6:00pm | Concert: Those Austrian Guys | River Run Village | FREE |
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