• Ski Season Countdown

With snow in the forecast and dropping temperatures, winter has officially arrived in Summit County! Resorts are opening, and we are gearing up for a big season ahead. Get yourself ready for another season of shredding powder, cruising groomers, and spending quality time outdoors with friends and family. Here is our ski season kickoff countdown checklist: everything you’ll need for those first days on the slopes.

Get Excited

If you’re not excited yet, it’s time! The ski resorts are working hard to make snow for us to get those first turns in, and opening days are right around the corner. In the early season, the terrain will open as natural snow, snowmaking, and temperatures allow, so be sure to keep an eye on the lift and terrain status.

Opening Days: 

  • Arapahoe Basin: November 2
  • Keystone: November 2
  • Breckenridge: November 8
  • Copper Mountain: November 8
  • Vail Mountain: November 15
  • Beaver Creek: November 27
LIFT & TERRAIN STATUS

Get Your Gear Ready

Have your skis or board been sitting in the garage since April? Us too. Our little ski town has tons of options to choose from to get your board waxed, tuned, and ready to go for those first turns. Here are a few of our favorites:

Get Your Pass

If you haven’t bought your season pass yet, this is your sign! Prices will go up as we get closer to opening dates, so get yours before then. The full Epic pass will grant you unlimited access with no blackout dates, whereas the Epic Local will have unlimited access to Breckenridge, with restrictions at other resorts. If you are visiting for just a few days during the season, the Epic Day pass might be a better option! Check out the pass comparison tool to find the pass that works best for you.

PASS COMPARISON

Get In Ski Shape

Did you know you can burn up to 500 calories per hour while skiing?! While it’s recommended to begin conditioning for ski season 6-8 weeks in advance, it’s never too late to get your body prepared for the season and avoid injury. Here are a few ways you can physically prepare for ski season:

  1. Flexibility: Improve flexibility and avoid injury by incorporating stretching into your daily routine!
  2. Balance: Improve balance with yoga, balance boards, and other stabilization drills.
  3. Strength: It’s no surprise that skiing and snowboarding work your legs! Build up strength conditioning for better days on the hill.
  4. Cardio: Build up your endurance and stamina to stay out longer. You’ll be better prepared for the hike-to terrain!

Get To The Slopes

The time is finally almost here; now you just need to get yourself to the mountains! Check out our ski day checklist for a checklist of everything you’ll need to bring for your day on the mountain.

Driving in the winter presents its own set of challenges. Be sure to look at CO-Trip for road conditions, or take the Bustang for a greener alternative.

Now that ski season is upon us, Day Use reservations will be more popular. Owners can reserve their Day Use parking reservations starting at 7 a.m. MT, one week in advance. If parking is full, owners can still utilize Day Use by parking in town and riding the gondola or taking the shuttle!

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