Keystone and Arapahoe Basin are First NA Ski Resorts Open for 2025/26

Featured Image: Lucas Herbert, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

SKI SEASON. HAS. BEGUN! Winter 2025/26 is off to the races, as two Colorado ski areas officially started spinning lifts last weekend. The runs were limited, the snow was firm but the vibes were at an all-time high as hundreds of skiers took to the slopes.

Keystone Resort opened on Saturday, October 25, taking the crown as the first in North America to begin operations. On the following day, the neighboring Arapahoe Basin Ski Area sounded the alarm as well, bringing hordes of passionate skiers to The Legend for their first taste of winter.

Both days saw good conditions as the clouds parted, revealing blue skies and crisp fall weather. Keystone is currently running two lifts (River Run Gondola and Montezuma Express) and has two runs open (Endevour and Schoolmarm) with a solid mini-park set up consisting of a few pristine rails. A-Basin is offering one lift (Black Mountain Express) and one run (High Noon), with each resort continuing to make snow in hopes of opening more terrain as soon as possible.

Arapahoe Basin is open from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays, with the mountain opening at 8:30 AM on weekends and holidays. Keystone will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM daily. Early season conditions exist and could affect these hours, so be sure to check each resort's updates before heading out!

Fresh turns, egg sandwiches, cold beers, donuts, smiles and more - check out the full photo gallery below from an electric start to winter 2025/26!