Winter on the Horizon: Your Guide to 2025-26 Ski Resort Opening Dates

The countdown to winter is officially on, and if you’re anything like us, your mind is already on the mountains. That undeniable pull to feel the chill in the air and the slide of your skis on snow is getting stronger with every passing day. The good news? The 2025-26 ski season is less than 100 days away, and resorts across North America are getting the snowguns dialed and the chairs spinning.

Every year, an annual brawl for bragging rights goes down as resorts hustle to claim the title of "first to open." In the past 15 seasons, the heavy hitters in Colorado, Arapahoe Basin, Wolf Creek, and Loveland, have battled it out, consistently dropping ropes in late October or early November. But don't count out the underdogs. Wild Mountain in Minnesota, Killington in Vermont, and Sunday River in Maine have all thrown down and claimed the honor. The question remains: who will take the first turns of the 2025-26 season? The race is officially on.

While the crown for "first to open" is still up for grabs, here’s a look at the resorts that have already dropped their official opening dates for the upcoming season.

With over 250 unique and gnarly ski areas, our neighbors to the north have no shortage of incredible terrain.

With 487 ski resorts across the United States, according to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), there are plenty of places to get your turns in this winter.

As countdown clocks tick toward winter, we’re all eyeing the calendar and watching the weather. Whether the honor of first to open goes to a familiar contender or a surprise challenger, those early turns will soon be a reality. The race for fresh tracks is officially on.