The Colorado skiing sector anchors the state's multi-billion-dollar winter tourism and outdoor recreation economy, serving millions of regional, national, and international visitors annually. Dominated by consolidated multi-resort pass products like the Epic and Ikon passes, the space is navigating structural headwinds including weather volatility, climate pressures, and regulatory scrutiny.
NOAA's updated winter outlook provides precipitation and temperature forecasts for the upcoming 2026-2027 ski season across the United States. The forecast notes that Colorado and portions of the Southwest sit closer to equal-chance temperature signals heading into winter.
Winter Park Resort announced that it will open an hour earlier at 8 a.m. on weekends for the 2026-27 ski season. The change provides roughly 36 extra hours of skiing and riding across the winter months.
The Old Farmer's Almanac released its winter weather outlook, splitting Colorado down the middle. Western Colorado anticipates a mild and snowy winter, while the eastern half could see a drier and milder trend.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort is upgrading its avalanche mitigation systems by installing new remote-controlled hydrogen gas exploders. This installation represents one of the largest single investments in avalanche safety in the resort's history.
Colorado ski areas are sharing target opening dates for the upcoming 2026/2027 winter season. Resorts like Breckenridge and Copper Mountain have marked early November schedules, while others aim for late October depending on weather.
A developing historic El Niño pattern is forecasted to bring above-normal snowfall to parts of Colorado for the upcoming 2026-27 ski season. Early forecasts are boosting optimism across western mountain destinations following a lower-snow winter last year.
Bargain hunters briefly scored 1946-priced $3.75 lift tickets for Aspen Snowmass on December 14, 2026, before the resort temporarily paused the promotion. Officials indicated they need to review the overwhelming response to ensure proper mountain capacity management.
A potentially historic El Niño is taking shape ahead of the 2026-27 ski season, favoring above-normal snowfall across parts of Colorado and the Western US. Major ski destinations are responding by unveiling expanded terrain, new pass access, and hotel offerings.
An analysis details the six ski resorts in Colorado with the highest average annual snowfall for the 2025/2026 winter season. This helps skiers choose destinations with the best probabilities for powder conditions.
Copper Mountain concluded its summer hike park operations, successfully marking a rare milestone of 12 consecutive months of skiing and riding. The resort utilized preserved snow from its winter halfpipe to sustain summer runs despite a warm previous ski season.
As autumn approaches, major North American mountains are positioning themselves for the traditional race to open first. Colorado's Arapahoe Basin stands as an early favorite with a projected late-October opening target, weather permitting.
Colorado's Copper Mountain is wrapping up its summer hike park operations, marking a rare milestone of 12 consecutive months of skiing. The resort now sets its sights on its scheduled November opening day and upcoming World Cup events.
The Farmers' Almanac released its winter outlook for Colorado, predicting active southern storm tracks and favorable snow totals for southern mountain ski regions. The report points to changeable, brisk weather patterns for the upcoming months.
Colorado Ski Country USA announced the return of its popular Ski Passport program for its 30th year. The initiative allows elementary students in grades kindergarten through sixth to access four days of skiing at 19 participating Colorado mountains.
The Old Farmer's Almanac published its full Winter 26/27 forecast, offering an optimistic outlook for heavy snowfall across Colorado, Utah, and other parts of the Intermountain West. The prediction provides a welcome sign of hope following a below-average previous season.
As an approaching strong El Niño fuels high expectations for record-breaking snowfall, ski industry analysts urge caution regarding early-season weather hype. Resorts across Colorado and the West are leaning heavily into the optimistic forecasts to drive pre-season pass and lodging sales following a slow prior year.
Forecasters are closely tracking a strengthening El Niño pattern for the upcoming 2026-27 winter season. The resulting supercharged southern jet stream could significantly impact precipitation and snowfall distributions across western ski regions.
Ski forecaster Chris Tomer released initial snow predictions for the upcoming 2026-27 winter season driven by a robust El Niño pattern. The forecasts project varying precipitation impacts across western ski destinations, splitting Utah and Colorado roughly in half regarding storm tracks.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort is upgrading its West End lift to a modern Leitner-Poma high-speed quad named The Wild West Express. The multi-phase project aims to significantly cut ride times for its 60th anniversary season opening in December 2026.
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