Exciting News: Vail Mountain’s Earliest Opening Since ’98! Gondolas Launch Friday, November 10

Vail Mountain is kicking things off earlier than it has in a long time – we’re talking since 1998!

Vail Mountain is set to open for its 62nd season on November 10, offering an expansive 55 acres of terrain to skiers and snowboarders ready to hit the slopes. This year’s opening for Vail Mountain is notably the earliest in 25 years, a feat made possible by Vail’s advanced snowmaking system.

Both gondolas starting operations on Friday, November the 10th. Skiers and snowboarders will have access to two runs from the Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola starting at 9 a.m.

Beginner skiers are invited to enjoy the slopes at Lionshead via the Little Eagle Chair #15, while intermediate-level enthusiasts are directed to the runs accessible from Gondola One in Vail Village.

Do not miss an Opening Day Après!

After you are done getting your first laps of the season, meet up with your friends at Express Lift for the first après of the season with 10th Mountain Whiskey.  Sampling will begin at 1PM, running all afternoon with more tunes courtesy of DJ Pippen. Stop by to try your favorite 10th Mountain Spirit, grab a warm pretzel and cold beverage.

Vail Mountain locals and tourists get excited! It is a big celebration! Do not miss it! Join the big party to kick off the 23/24 season with DJs spinning tunes at both Lionshead and Vail Village base areas as well as complementary strudel, coffee, cocoa, whiskey tasting and prizing for the early birds at Gondola One (#1).

Mid-Vail Look Ma Terrace will be offering home-smoked German sausages and ramen, among other delights. Buffalo’s, Rocky’s Road House Grill, and Eagle’s Nest Market Place will also welcome guests, and the Express Lift Bar will be open for the après-ski crowd​.

Vail will also open ski and snowboard shops and mountain restaurants in these areas, with further openings as more terrain becomes available.

The early start is part of a new trend since the snowmaking system upgrade, with openings earlier than traditional mid-November dates seen in previous years. Vail Mountain’s early openings in 2021 and 2022 also matched this year’s pre-season operation, demonstrating the snowmaking system’s impact on meeting early season demand and supporting beginner skiers throughout the season.

Vail has made significant improvements to its snowmaking capabilities following a massive overhaul in 2019. This upgrade takes advantage of higher elevation cold temperatures and includes permanent snow cannons along the runs of Swingsville and Ramshorn, directly connected to a buried water line. These enhancements, along with weather sensors and automation, help to reduce unnecessary energy use. The snowmaking system’s efficiency is not only good for the environment but also essential for meeting the early-season demand, especially from beginners or “never-ever skiers,” as Vail Mountain’s John Plack puts it. The early openings in recent years, including November 11 last year and November 10 this year, stand as a testament to the system’s success in extending the ski season.

So, let’s hit the slopes sooner and make the most of the winter wonderland in Rocky Mountains!

Do not feel like driving to the slopes? Not a problem! Blue Sky Limo has got you covered! Don’t forget to book your private car service to Vail with Blue Sky Limo. Epic pass holders get a discount! Click here to reserve your private car. Blue Sky Limo takes the safety and wellbeing of their clients extremely seriously. Every car is equipped with studded snow tires during the Winter months for traction on Colorado’s icy roads. All of their vehicles are meticulously maintained and undergo continuous safety inspection throughout the year.

Vail is not the first Colorado Ski Resort that opened up this winter 2023 season. The season opening and closing days for Colorado’s ski resorts are important dates to remember when planning an early or late season escapade.  The list below includes Colorado’s most popular resorts.

Colorado Ski Resorts Opening/Closing Dates

• Arapahoe Basin: Opened on October 29th, and they plan to stay open until June.
• Aspen Highlands: Opens on December 9 and closes on April 7.
• Aspen Mountain: Welcomes skiers starting November 23 and concludes the season on April 21.
• Beaver Creek: Kicks off the season on November 22; the closing date is still to be announced.
• Breckenridge: Begins early on November 10 with a closing date still pending, possibly in May.
• Buttermilk: Opens December 9 and wraps up on March 31.
• Ski Cooper: Opens its slopes on December 6 and closes on April 7.
• Copper Mountain: Starts on November 13 with the closing date to be confirmed.
• Crested Butte: Opens November 22, with the closing date to be decided.
• Echo Mountain: The opening and closing dates are yet to be determined, expected in December and April respectively.
• Eldora: Plans to open in November with a closing date in April, specifics are still pending.
• Granby Ranch: Will announce their opening and closing dates, likely in December and April.
• Hesperus: Aiming for a December opening with a closing date in March to be confirmed.
• Howelsen Hill: Scheduled to open on November 25 and close on March 24.
• Keystone: Opened November 1st with the closing date to be announced, extending possibly into April.
• Loveland: Opened on November 8th and may remain open until May, dates to be confirmed.
• Monarch: Will specify their opening and closing dates, likely in December and April.
• Powderhorn: Aiming for a November start with the closing date in April yet to be announced.
• Purgatory: Set to open on November 18, with the closing date to be determined.
• Silverton: Scheduled to open on December 28 and close on April 14.
• Snowmass: Starting on November 23 and ending on April 21.
• Steamboat: Opens on November 22, with the closing date to be announced.
• Sunlight: Will confirm their opening and closing dates, expected to be in December and April.
• Telluride: Begins on November 23 and concludes on April 7.
• Vail Mountain: Opens on November 10 and plans to close on April 21​​.

These dates are estimated and subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors. For the most current information, it’s best to check directly with the ski resorts as the season approaches.

No matter what time of year, it’s always a pleasure to get out and carve a few turns. Even if there are only a few open trails! So get out there and have some fun! Vail Mountain is waiting for you…

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