The race to open is close. Our best guess: Arapahoe Basin and Keystone could be spinning lifts this weekend, and if next week's cold holds, Winter Park may not be far behind. Here's what we're seeing and why we're optimistic. Fair warning: this is all educated guesswork.
Our best guess · October 28, 2026
None of these resorts has announced an opening date yet. This is our read on the signs we're seeing, not an official announcement. We'll update this post as soon as the resorts make it official.
A-Basin and Keystone: snowcats are out
Over the last two days, snowcats have been out at both Arapahoe Basin and Keystone pushing snow around. That usually means crews are spreading man-made snow into a skiable surface, one of the last steps before opening. Neither resort has announced a date. As of Monday, both said they'd open as soon as possible. A-Basin also picked up about 3 inches of natural snow last weekend.
Our best guess is that one or both could open this weekend. Early-season openings are usually announced only a day or two ahead, so keep an eye on the resorts' websites and social media. Last season, Keystone opened on a Saturday and A-Basin the next morning, both with very little notice.
Heads up: Opening day at any resort means a run or two on man-made snow, often busy, with lines. It's about first turns and the excitement of a new season, not a full mountain.
Winter Park: the cold arrives next week
This week is still a bit mild at Winter Park, with overnight lows hovering right around freezing. That changes on Monday. OpenSnow's Winter Park forecast shows consistently cold temperatures all of next week, with highs only around 30°F and overnight lows in the low 20s. That's ideal for snowmaking around the clock, not just at night.
The forecast also shows a storm early next week, with roughly 11 inches of snow on the mountain between November 2 and 6. Storm timing has shifted a few times already (last week it looked like Halloween), so take the exact totals with a grain of salt.
Temperatures are for OpenSnow's forecast point at 11,020 feet, as of October 28.
| Dates | Highs / lows | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Oct 28 – Sun, Nov 1 | 39–44° / 28–31° | Mild. Snowmaking only on the colder nights. |
| Mon, Nov 2 – Fri, Nov 6 | 27–34° / 21–24° | Snow Consistently cold, plus a storm. Great snowmaking weather. |
| Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 | 30–31° / 23° | Still cold. Our hoped-for Winter Park opening weekend. |
Our take: If next week's cold and snow come through, we're hoping to be skiing at Winter Park by next weekend, November 7–8. Again, this is our hope, not an announcement. Winter Park hasn't set a date.
For more background, see our early-season snow forecast, how Winter Park's new snow guns help, and six seasons of past opening dates.
Planning a first-turns trip
- Stay flexibleOpenings are announced on short notice. Our homes come with a full refund if you cancel 30 or more days before check-in.
- Watch the snowOur live snow forecast and webcam is the easiest way to keep tabs on Winter Park.
- Base yourself in the Fraser ValleyWinter Park is a little over an hour from A-Basin and Keystone over Berthoud Pass and I-70, so you can chase early-season openings and be home by après.
- Pack for real winterNext week's lows in the low 20s mean warm layers, and possibly chains or snow tires for the passes.
Be here for opening weekend
Stay Vara manages homes and condos across Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash and Granby. Book direct for the best rates.
Browse our homesSources
- Aspen Times: Colorado ski resorts report fresh snow as snowmaking resumes (Oct 26, 2026)
- OpenSnow: Winter Park snow forecast (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- Denver Gazette: Colorado's 2025–26 ski season starts at Keystone and A-Basin
- Snowcat activity at A-Basin and Keystone: observed by the Stay Vara team, Oct 26–27, 2026
