When Does Ski Season Start?
For most resorts in the US and Canada, ski season starts in November — with a handful of cold-weather outliers spinning lifts in October. Exact opening dates shift every year with the weather, so here's what to expect region by region.
The short answer
Most North American ski resorts open between mid-November and early December, targeting Thanksgiving weekend. A few high-elevation resorts with heavy snowmaking (A-Basin and Keystone in Colorado, Killington in Vermont) often open in October. Always check your resort's official site — opening dates move with the forecast.
Typical opening windows by region
These are typical windows based on recent seasons — not guarantees. Early-season openings are usually limited terrain with man-made snow, so set expectations accordingly.
Colorado
Mid-October to late NovemberArapahoe Basin and Keystone usually race to open first — often in October with man-made snow on a run or two. Most major resorts (Breckenridge, Vail, Copper, Steamboat) target mid-to-late November, aiming to be open for Thanksgiving.
Utah
Mid-November to early DecemberThe Cottonwood Canyon resorts (Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude) typically open in mid-to-late November. Park City and Deer Valley usually follow around Thanksgiving. Big early storms can pull dates forward, but November openings rely heavily on snowmaking.
Lake Tahoe (California & Nevada)
Mid-November to early DecemberPalisades Tahoe, Heavenly, and Northstar generally aim for the week of Thanksgiving. Tahoe is famously feast-or-famine — some seasons start with a bang in early November, others limp into December. Watch the forecast, not the calendar.
Vermont & the East
Mid-November to early DecemberKillington is the Eastern early bird, often spinning lifts in November and sometimes October on snowmaking. Stowe, Jay Peak, and most New Hampshire and Maine resorts target late November to early December.
Whistler & the Pacific Northwest
Mid to late NovemberWhistler Blackcomb typically opens around Thanksgiving, and it's known for deep early-season bases when the storms line up. Washington's resorts (Stevens Pass, Crystal) follow a similar late-November window, weather permitting.
When does ski season end?
Most resorts close in early to mid-April. High-elevation and northern resorts often stretch into May, and a few (like Arapahoe Basin and Mammoth) have made it to June or even July in big snow years. Spring skiing is its own reward — softer snow, smaller crowds, and better deals on gear as shops clear inventory.
Get your gear sorted before opening day
Early season is the worst time to discover your boots hurt or your skis are wrong for you. Shops are slammed in November, and the best deals land before the first chair spins. Sort your setup in the fall and you'll spend opening day skiing, not shopping.