North America’s 25-26 Ski Season Underway

Colorado’s Keystone Resort has claimed the title of first ski resort to open in North America.

Unusually, the season started at 3pm on Saturday, Oct. 25, as Keystrone sought to be the first, with the resort opening it Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon trails for three hours to 6pm last night, finishing under the resort’s famous extensive floodlight system.

A second Colorado area, Arapahoe Basin, say they’ll start their season, usually North America’s second longest lasting around 8-9 months to late spring/early summer next year, today. Their Black Mountain Express will spin from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM servicing High Noon.

Keystone always aims to open with at least two miles of runs open, usually more than most early openers, and 2025 was no exception. Keystone's Opening Day also featured an early season hike-to terrain park under snowcat lights, a live DJ, and $5.50 beers and hot dogs to commemorate the Resort's 55th season.

The festivities will continue today, Sunday, with Keystone's first full day of operations from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. MT, featuring more music, free donuts and coffee.

"We're thrilled to kick off the season here at Keystone with over two miles of skiing and riding," said Keystone Resort Vice President and General Manager Shannon Buhler. "We know how much this moment means to our employees and community, and our team has poured their hearts into creating an incredible early opening celebration. We're just excited to be back on snow!"

Open terrain is accessed via the River Run Gondola, with skiing and riding laps off the Montezuma Express lift. At the end of the day, skiers can download the River Run Gondola back to the base of the resort.

Fropmn today the resort will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Night skiing will be available until 7 p.m. in a months time. It will operate on select Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays, starting on Thanksgiving.

Keystone say their snowmaking team will continue working around the clock to make snow whenever weather allows, expanding early season terrain as quickly as possible. During early season operations uphill access remains closed and once open, will be permitted only on designated routes before and after lift operating hours. More information is available via the resort's safety page.