Colorado Ski Resorts Opening Dates for 2022/2023 Winter Season. Epic Pass Options
Colorado Ski Resorts Opening Dates for 2022/2023 Winter Season. Epic Pass Options
Get your skis and snowboards ready, everyone! The snow season will be in Colorado before we all know it. We have already had our first snow on the mountains; a dusting of the white stuff can be seen on Colorado’s high peaks. It all means one super-exciting thing: Ski season is coming.
Every winter the Colorado ski season kicks off with great anticipation, usually beginning sometime in October. The season opening and closing days for Colorado’s ski resorts are very important dates to remember when planning an early or late gateway to Colorado Mountains.
Vail Resorts already announced the opening dates of its 37 North American ski resorts. Please see the list below. While these are the currently planned opening dates (they are official and final), Vail Resorts states that all dates are condition and weather dependent, and subject to change.
When does 2022/23 Winter Season Start at Colorado Ski Resorts?
The action kicks off at Keystone this October, with the resort set to open as early as possible.
Keystone, Colorado Ski Resort is set to open on October 21, 2022
Vail, Colorado Ski Resort is set to open on November 11, 2022
Beaver Creek, Colorado Ski Resort is set to open on November 23, 2022
Breckenridge, Colorado Ski Resort is set to open on November 11, 2022
While all opening dates are definitely weather-dependent, Keystone is watching the skies for the earliest-possible opening. After the first ski areas open in mid-October, the bulk follow suit from early-November through mid-December, until mostly all are open. The list below includes Colorado’s most popular resorts
Colorado Ski Season Opening Dates for 2022-2023 Season:
Keystone – October 21, 2022
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area – October 22, 2022
Wolf Creek Ski Area – October 29, 2022
Loveland – October 29, 2022
Aspen Snowmass – November 10, 2022
Breckenridge – November 11, 2022
Vail – November 11, 2022
Winter Park – November 17, 2022
Eldora Mountain Resort – November 18, 2022
Purgatory – November 20, 2022
Copper Mountain – November 21, 2022
Beaver Creek – November 23, 2022
Crested Butte Mountain Resort– November 23, 2022
Telluride – November 24, 2022
Steamboat – November 26, 2022
Powderhorn– December 03, 2022
Ski Granby Ranch– December 09, 2022
Cooper – December 10, 2022
Monarch Mountain– December 10, 2022
Howelsen Hill – December 10, 2022
Echo Mountain – December 10, 2022
Sunlight Mountain Resort – December 17, 2022
Silverton Mountain – December 24, 2022
Vail, Colorado
Vail Mountain opens for the 2022-2023 winter season on Friday, November 11 2022. April 24 is an estimated closing date for the resort in 2023.
Vail is located about 34 miles away from Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE). Just 37 minutes away, this route does not involve mountain passes. Blue Sky Limo services Vail Eagle Airport by both private airport shuttle and luxury car service, operating 24/7.
Vail Resort is 121 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN). It takes about 2 hours and 4 minutes to get from Denver Airport to Vail. You can rent a car, take a shared or private shuttle, or book a private car service.
Please see a list of the Best Hotels in Vail and book your stay advance to ensure availability.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek Resort 2022-23 planned Winter Season Dates: November 23, 2022 – April 17, 2023.+
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is the closest airport to Beaver Creek Resort and is only 28 miles away. It takes about 36 minutes to get from Eagle Vail Airport to Beaver Creek. Denver International Airport (DEN) is 132 miles away from Beaver Creek, and it will take you at least 2 hours and 26 minutes to get from the Denver Airport to Beaver Creek in good weather and without traffic. For better prices and a greater range of itineraries, you can fly into Denver. It is a beautiful, two and a half hour drive whether you choose to rent a car, or take a shared or private shuttle from Denver to Beaver Creek.
Please check out a list of the Best Hotels and Beaver Creek and Best Hotels in Bachelor Gulch, and reserve your lodging in advance to ensure availability.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge ski resort winter 2022-2023 operating date will be November 11, 2022. Closing date is set for May 30, 2023.
Breckenridge is 106 miles west of Denver International Airport. It is perennially one of the most visited ski resorts in the western hemisphere. It takes about 2 hours and 3 minutes to travel from the Denver Airport to Breckenridge.
The closest airport to Breckenridge is Eagle Vail Airport. Breckenridge is located about 73 miles away from Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE). It takes 1 hour and 27 minutes to travel from Eagle Airport to Breckenridge.
Keystone, Colorado
Keystone Ski Resort opens for the 2022-2023 winter season on Friday, October 21 2022. Keystone is the first resort set to open in Colorado this winter. April 17 is an estimated closing date for the resort in 2023.
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is the closest airport to Keystone Resort and is only 74 miles away. Denver International Airport (DEN) is 100 miles away from Keystone. It takes 1 hour and 28 minutes to travel from Eagle Airport to Keystone. Expect at least a 2-hour drive on the way from Denver Airport to Keystone.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen Snowmass Winter Season Dates:
- Open: November 24, 2022.
- Close: April 16, 2023.
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is just 3 miles from the town of Aspen and 6 miles from Snowmass Village. Denver International Airport (DEN) is located about 220 miles from Aspen Ski Resort, and it will take you at least 3 hours and 40 minutes to get from the Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen in good weather and without traffic.
Aspen is 1 hour and 28 minutes and 68 miles away from Eagle County Regional Airport. If you are traveling to Aspen from the east along Interstate 70 during winter months, it is recommended (and sometimes required) that your vehicle has appropriate snow tires, four-wheel drive, and/or chains. The route requires driving over several passes, which are known to have dangerous winter conditions.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Mountain in Steamboat Springs opens for the 2022-2023 winter season on Saturday, November 26, 2022. April 9 is an estimated closing date for the resort in 2023.
Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) is just 23 miles from Steamboat Springs and only 27 minutes away. Eagle County Regional Airport is a short 1-hour and 50-minute drive, while Denver International Airport is about 3 hours and 10 minutes away by car. Most visitors fly into Yampa Airport (HDN). If you fly into Denver Airport, you might think about renting a car, but you should be warned that the 179+ mile trip from Denver takes you over two mountain passes at elevations of 11,000 and 10,600 feet. The safest way to get from Denver Airport to Steamboat Springs is to take a private airport shuttle service that employs professional drivers that are familiar with the drive and road conditions.
Exciting Updates for 2022/2023 Season
No More Face-Masks and Vaccinations Required
Vail Resorts will not require face coverings, vaccines or dining reservations this coming season across its resorts, and “guests can expect more normal indoor operations this season,” according to the release.
Lift Tickets will be limited this winter
It may only be October, but as you begin to make skiing and snowboarding plans for this winter, please be aware that Vail Resorts will be limiting lift tickets throughout the 2022/23 season to improve guest experience. You are strongly encouraged to purchase your lift access in advance – whether it is a lift ticket, Epic Day Pass, or season pass.
Lift tickets will be limited every day, across every resort, during the 2022/23 season. If tickets are sold out online, guests will not be able to purchase them at ticket windows. Passes and Pass Holder benefit tickets will not be impacted, and there is no impact to guests who enroll in ski and ride school lessons that include lift access.
Hands-Free, Digital Access Coming up Soon
Vail Resorts recently announced its plans for a future without physical lift tickets and passes with new technology that will allow guests to store their pass or lift ticket directly on their phone.
The new feature will be tested during the upcoming North American winter season, and is expected to roll out to guests in the 2023-24 season.
The innovation, Vail Resorts said in a news release, will eliminate the need to carry a plastic card, visit the ticket window, or wait to receive a pass or lift ticket in the mail. Guests will be able to buy their pass or lift ticket online, activate it on their phone, put their phone in their pocket, and get scanned, hands-free, using Bluetooth Low Energy technology.
Even after the feature is launched, Vail Resorts will continue to make plastic cards available to any guests who cannot or do not want to use their phone as their pass or lift ticket.
2022/2023 Ski Lifts ENHANCEMENTS TO YOUR EXPERIENCE
Exciting things are coming when you hit the slopes this winter! You will not believe it, but nine new high-speed chairlifts, a new high-speed gondola and eight new fixed-grip chairlifts, plus an upgraded restaurant – all designed to help you make the most out of every minute on the mountain. With projects planned at a dozen resorts coast to coast, this is Vail Resorts’ biggest single-year investment into the ski and snowboard experience. The projects within Epic Lift Upgrade will reduce lift line wait times; giving you more time to learn new skills, explore new terrain, and discover new peaks.
Lift additions and Improvements for Vail, Colorado
Lift additions and Improvements for Vail, ColoradoSun Down Lift (No. 17)
The installation of a new high-speed 4-person chair in the Sun Down Bowl from the base of Chair 5 (High Noon Express) to the Wildwood restaurant will materially reduce wait times on peak days at Chair 5 and create the opportunity for skiers and riders to much more conveniently access the trails in Sun Down Bowl.
Game Creek Bowl
The replacement of the current 4-person chair with a new high-speed 6-person lift will increase capacity by nearly 50% and improve reliability in this popular bowl.
Lift additions for Breckenridge, Colorado
Rip’s Ride Lift
The beginner/ski school experience will be enhanced at the highly utilized Peak 8 base area by replacing the current fixed-grip double with a high-speed 4-person chair, increasing uphill capacity by nearly 70% and making it easier for guests to move out of the base area.
Freedom SuperChair
Located on the north side of Peak 7, this new high-speed 4-person that opened during the 2021-22 season provides additional – and faster – access to guests coming from Peak 6 to get to Peaks 7 and 8, greatly enhancing the on-mountain experience for guests, and providing relief to the Independence SuperChair and the base of Peak 7.
Lift Upgrades and a New Restaurant for Keystone, Colorado
Peru Express Lift
The existing Peru Express Lift at the Mountain House base area was upgraded to a new high-speed 6-person chairlift ahead of the 2022-23 season, greatly enhancing the on-mountain guest experience by improving skier and rider circulation and providing quicker and more efficient access to the mountain.
Outpost Restaurant
An approximately 6,000 square feet expansion of the existing Outpost restaurant will add 300 more indoor seats and 75 more outdoor seats for guests.
Lift Improvements for Beaver Creek, Colorado
McCoy Park
Beaver Creek Resort added 250 acres of lift-served, welcoming terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers and riders to connect and elevate their mountain experience. McCoy Park has two 4-person lifts, one high-speed and one fixed-grip, and offers 17 trails of natural, groomable glades while maintaining snowshoe and cross-country areas.
Do not forget to buy your Epic Ski Pass before October 9th, 2022!
Ski passes 2022/23 for Colorado ski resorts are still on sale, 2022, so you only have of days to get a deal on your ski pass purchase this year. Do not miss your chance! Many resorts give you an option to get a discount if you buy a ski pass and book your accommodation in advance, before the start of the winter season.
Vail Resorts also announced that prices for the Epic Pass will go up after October 9th, 2022. The Epic Pass unlocks access to resorts across the Northeast, Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest, including Whistler Blackcomb, which is now open to fully vaccinated Americans.
Remember, October 9th is the last chance to buy passes at the lowest prices this year; Epic Pass is currently available for $879.
2022-2023 Epic Pass prices
The EPIC Pass is a multi-resort multi-day and season pass – the number of days access and blackout dates depends on which pass you purchase. The EPIC Pass options are only available in limited quantities and once the sales quota is reached each season, they will no longer be available to purchase – until the following season.
Take advantage, and do not miss the ongoing Ski Pass Sale for the upcoming ski season. Having an Epic Pass comes with a few additional perks this season.
Some of the most popular 2022/2023 Epic Pass options include:
- Epic Pass ($841 vs. $783 last season) provides unlimited, unrestricted access to 40 resorts – including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe, Stevens Pass and more. With additional partner resorts like Telluride, the Epic Pass unlocks access to more than 80 resorts.
- Epic Local Pass ($626 vs. $583 last season) provides unlimited, unrestricted access to 29 resorts coast to coast – including Breckenridge and Keystone, as well as holiday-restricted access to resorts like Park City, Heavenly and Stowe, and 10 days total to use at Vail, Beaver Creek and Whistler Blackcomb.
- Northeast Value Pass ($514 vs. $479 last season) provides access to 21 resorts across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including Stowe, Hunter, Mount Snow, Okemo, Wildcat as well as the newest additions to Vail Resorts’ network, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain in Pennsylvania.
- Epic Day Pass is the best option for anyone who plans to hit the slopes only one to seven days this season. With Epic Day Pass, skiers and riders can build their own pass, choosing from one to seven days and whether or not to include holiday access. New for the 22/23 season, guests can now also pick from three levels of resort access. For those who only want access to local resorts like Seven Springs, Mount Sunapee and Afton Alps, prices start as low as $44 for an Epic 1-Day Pass.
Offered ahead of the season, Epic Day Passes offer savings up to 65% compared to lift ticket prices. Examples: (The price ranges are based on resort access) - Epic 2-Day Pass from $86 to $183
- Epic 3-Day Pass from $126 to $267
- Epic 4-Day Pass from $162 to $347
- Epic Military Pass provides unlimited, unrestricted access to 40 resorts – including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, and Whistler Blackcomb – for $145 for Active and Retired Military and their dependents. Veterans and their dependents can purchase an Epic Military Pass for $480.
In addition to reducing the cost of accessing the mountains, Epic Pass products provide significant savings on the rest of the mountain experience.
Epic Passes provides additional benefits and exclusive discounts
- Buddy Tickets: Pass Holders who purchase early will receive 10 Buddy Tickets and six Ski with a Friend tickets to bring friends and family to join the ski and ride experience at a significant discount.
- Epic Mountain Rewards: Pass Holders receive 20 percent off on-mountain food and beverage, lodging, group ski and ride school lessons, equipment rentals and more. Pass Holders also receive summer benefits at eligible resorts, including Summer Scenic Gondola rides, 20 percent off summer food, lodging, bike rentals and golf.
- NEW – Epic FlexPay: Pass Holders now have access to easy monthly installments with Epic FlexPay, powered by Uplift. New for the 2022/23 season, the deferred payment option includes zero down payment, zero interest, and if purchased early, zero payments until September.
- Epic Coverage: Passes are non-refundable except through Epic Coverage, which provides refunds for certain resort closures and personal events such as job loss, injury or illness. Epic Coverage is provided at no additional cost and Pass Holders should review the Epic Coverage Terms and Conditions. Lift tickets are fully refundable but do not provide the value or flexibility of passes.
Do not forget to book you private airport shuttle to Vail, Beaver Creek or Breckenridge Ski Resorts early! Busy dates sell out fast. Visit the website and book your private car service online at https://blueskylimovail.com/.
Tired of skiing in Vail or Beaver Creek?
Is that even possible?
With so many ski resorts choices around you might want to go skiing in Copper Mountain, Keystone, Breckenridge or even Steamboat Springs or Aspen and Snowmass.
Blue Sky Limo offers door to door shuttle service from Vail to Copper Mountain, Aspen, Breckenridge and any other ski resort in Colorado you can think of. Their spacious vehicles can easily fit the whole family into a luxury roomy SUV and get you from Vail to Copper Mountain in comfort and luxury.
Call Blue Sky Limo private shuttle service today to make your point to point transportation reservation. Alternatively, you can book your car service online at https://blueskylimovail.com/make-a-reservation/.
Bottom line
The most cost-effective way to ski at major mountains has certainly, for years, been with a pass. But even with that, skiing has been a sport that has been out-of-budget for many. Ski passes, such as the Epic Pass, generally only get more expensive as we get closer to next season. Then, eventually, passes usually go off-sale for the season completely around December based on historical trends.
For more info on Epic Pass Purchase for the upcoming 2021/2022 Winter season, please check out these resources:
https://www.onthesnow.com/colorado/projected-openings
https://www.visit-plus.com/node/7151https://www.uncovercolorado.com/colorado-ski-resorts-season-opening-closing-dates/
When can you start skiing in Colorado?
Ski season in Colorado usually starts towards the end of October and by end of November, almost all of the Colorado ski resorts are open and operating. Ski season in Colorado usually goes through April, although sometimes the ski season can last into May or June, depending on the weather and snow levels.
What Colorado Ski Resort Opens first in 2022/2023?
Keystone
Keystone is planning to open in October (October 21, 2022), the earliest of all Colorado Ski Resorts. While this opening date is definitely weather-dependent, Keystone is watching the skies for the earliest-possible opening.
How is Skiing in Colorado in November?
Very weather-dependent and limited
This early into the ski season, snowfall is sporadic and despite a resort’s snow-making capabilities, your ski opportunities are usually fairly limited in November. No doubt, November is a great month for a pre-Christmas getaway, and you will get some of the best prices for hotels and resorts because it is still the very beginning of the winter season. May ski runs may still be closed.
Is Thanksgiving too early for skiing in Colorado?
Less crowded for sure! Here are a few secrets about skiing and riding during the Thanksgiving holiday: Turkey day tends to be light on crowds at many ski resorts. November and the first half of December are considered very early season, certainly not peak season, so you will manage to skip long lines and spend more time on the Mountain.
What is the best month to ski in Colorado?
Usually, February is the best time to ski in Colorado. The base depth of snow on the mountains is at its deepest, and there is plenty of powder still pouring in! By February, the mountains are all fully open, so there is a ton of terrain to cover and many options to explore.
Which month gets the most snow in Colorado?
March
The snowiest month in Colorado depends on location, as every town varies. However, March typically gets the most snow in the mountains. April ranks second snowy month.
What is the best time to go to Colorado to see snow?
January through March. These are the best winter months to take advantage of Colorado’s snow. Resorts are open, and February and March have great conditions and awesome powder. There’s a reason Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge are known around the world as some of the best ski resorts.
Which ski resort stays open the longest in Colorado?
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area — can stay open well into June or even the Fourth of July as conditions allow. Occasionally, good ski conditions continue on in Colorado until May. At some of the highest-elevation resorts, snowing can continue even into May and June.
Is Vail or Aspen better for beginner skiers?
Both Vail and Aspen come with beginner, intermediate, and expert trails. Vail is usually a lot more crowded, and Aspen might be your top choice if you want to experience the best and less crowded skiing opportunities.
Is Aspen or Breckenridge better?
Breckenridge and Aspen are both walkable, with downtown shopping, galleries and museums when you need a break from the slopes. Aspen is a favorite ski destination among celebrities, so it has a more upscale, posh feel. Breckenridge is more laid-back, but still well-maintained and charming.
What is the hardest ski resort in Colorado?
Ten Colorado’s Hardest Ski Runs
Rambo, Crested Butte
Dihedral Zone, Telluride
The Six Senses, Breckenridge
The Steep Gullies, Arapahoe Basin
Prima Cornice, Vail
Body Bag Glades, Crested Butte
Wild Child , Loveland
Senior’s, Telluride
The Heathen, Sunlight Mountain
High Life, Crested Butte
