The First Ski Resorts to Open for the 2025 Season—And You Can Hit the Slopes Sooner Than You Think
The wait for ski season always feels long, especially when the temperatures start to dip and the first snow hits the peaks, but some mountains don’t make you wait very long at all. Across the U.S., a handful of resorts are gearing up to spin their lifts weeks before the rest, giving skiers and snowboarders a head start on winter.
These are the first to open ski resorts for the 2025 season, where early-season snowmaking, high elevations, and cold temps combine to make these 12 resorts set to open first. If you’re itching to break in new gear, beat the crowds, and sneak in a few runs before most mountains even think about opening, these are the places to watch.
Note: The dates listed are not official or final; resort opening dates are estimates and may change.
1. Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado
- Opening Date: October 24, 2025
Wolf Creek gets bragging rights for often having the most snowfall in Colorado, and often leads the pack in early openings. With 1,600 acres, it’s not the biggest, but it has a reputation for powder, powder, and more powder.
Runs like Bonanza and Navajo are there for tree-skiing fun, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it feel like a hidden gem. There’s no fancy base village here, but you come to Wolf Creek for the snow, not the glitz. That said, early opening usually means limited terrain. Don’t expect every chair to be running.
2. Keystone, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: October 31, 2025
With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, Keystone is optimistic about mid to end October starts, but as of now the opening date hasn’t been solidified. Vail Resorts has flagged Keystone as one of its earliest openings, relying heavily on snowmaking to bring terrain online fast.
Keystone also tends to have good lodging infrastructure: base villages, condos, and on-mountain hotels make it easier to stay right in the action. If you book early, you’ll have a shot at lower rates before the holiday rush.
3. Loveland Ski Area
- Projected Opening Date: October 31, 2025
Loveland is frequently among the first Colorado resorts to open, and their 2025-26 improvement plans include a new lift upgrade at the valley.
Because Loveland is close to Denver, it’s a convenient early-season option for front-range skiers.
Lodging near Loveland tends to be smaller, think motels or small lodges in nearby towns.
4. Timberline Lodge, Oregon
- Projected Opening Date: November 1, 2025
Timberline Lodge’s Oregon location gives it a different snow and weather pattern compared to many Colorado resorts, so early-season conditions may vary.
Lodging at or near Timberline is often limited, so advanced booking is wise if you’re visiting early season.
Because early openers often limit terrain, check lift and trail maps once the opening is announced.
Be flexible in your trip planning—last-minute weather shifts are common at that time of year.
5. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: November 02, 2025
A-Basin is known for pushing the season start earlier and earlier every year, so November is practically late for these guys. With 1,428 acres, there’s a solid variety of terrain for everyone, from cruisers on the lower mountain to some gnarly runs up top like Pallavicini.
A-Basin is also one of the highest ski areas in North America, with a summit over 13,000 feet, which means it holds snow long after others shut down. It’s also known for its no-frills, skier-first vibe. You’re here to ski, not to sit in fancy lodges.
6. Arizona Snowbowl, Arizona
- Projected Opening Date: November 07, 2025
Because it’s in the Southwest, its snow patterns differ from the Rockies; it often relies more on snowmaking early on.
Lodging near Flagstaff and in forested mountain lodges gives you access to both skiing and other local activities (hiking, scenic drives).
Early season skiing in Arizona can give you contrast: mornings of snow, afternoons of sunshine. Keep in mind early in the season, coverage may be limited to core runs.
7. Breckenridge, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: November 07, 2025
Breck’s one of the most popular ski resorts in the country and one of the most expensive. With one of the highest lift-served summits in the country at 12,840 feet, you can ski down 2,908 acres of terrain.
Peak 8 is where you’ll find the bulk of the action, or head up the Imperial Bowl if you want to test yourself. Breck also has a killer town scene with tons of shops, bars, and restaurants right at the base.
8. Brian Head Ski Resort, Utah
- Projected Opening Date: November 07, 2025
Brian Head Ski Resort in southern Utah, is known for its high elevation and great snow. With a base elevation of 9,600 feet, it has some of the best powder in the region while not being overly crowded.
The resort spans two connected mountains, Navajo and Giant Steps for terrain for every level. It’s just a few hours from Las Vegas, making it a popular winter getaway for desert dwellers.
9. Copper Mountain, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: November 07, 2025
Copper Mountain is part of the larger Colorado group that typically opens in early November.
Its terrain is naturally divided by ability, making it super user-friendly. Beginners can stick to the western side while experts head east to take on the steep runs. The early opening means you can carve up those well-groomed runs before the holiday rush kicks in.
Nearby, the Woodward Copper is an indoor action sports center that’s a fun option when you want a break from the slopes. The village area is laid-back but has just enough going on to keep you entertained after a day in the snow.
10. Eldora Mountain Resort, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: November 07, 2025
Eldora is closer to the Front Range, making it a favorite for locals wanting early turns without a long drive.
Lodging choices near Eldora are thinner; many visitors stay in Boulder, Nederland, or nearby mountain towns. Because it has less vertical than major resorts, early opening may only cover main terrain.
Still, if you’re starting your ski season early and live nearby, Eldora is a practical pick.
11. Winter Park, Colorado
- Projected Opening Date: November 08, 2025
Winter Park is one of those spots where you can get a lot of variety without driving too far from Denver. It’s spread out over seven distinct territories over 3,000 acres of terrain. Opening early means you can beat the crowds and claim your first tracks of the season.
For cruisers, the Vasquez Ridge area will keep you grinning all day, while Mary Jane is where the leg-burning moguls live. If the snow gods bless the season early, you might even sample some fresh powder at Eagle Wind.
4. Lee Canyon, Nevada
- Projected Opening Date: November 08, 2025
Located in Nevada, its weather and snow patterns differ from the Rockies, so early coverage can be unpredictable.
Lodging is often local lodges and cabins; fewer big-resort hotels, so book early.
Early in the season, expect limited runs and watch the resort’s lift announcements. If you’re road-tripping through the West, Lee Canyon can be a good stop to grab snow at a lower elevation.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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