Colorado Ski Country USA Resorts Make Winter More Welcoming In 2025-26

Colorado Ski Country USA’s 20 member resorts are sliding into the 2025–26 season with upgrades that make skiing and riding easier to access and more memorable for every visitor. Resorts are offering expanded terrain, new lifts, and guest-friendly programs designed to help new and longtime skiers enjoy the sport and give families even more reason to make the mountains part of their winter.

“Colorado’s ski areas are focused on keeping skiing a tradition that families return to year after year,” said Melanie Mills, president and CEO of Colorado Ski Country USA. “The improvements happening this winter give families more chances to be on the mountain together, create better experiences for long-time guests, and invite new skiers into Colorado’s winter tradition.”

On-Mountain Improvements for All Guests

Resorts are investing in upgrades that every guest will notice, from high-speed lifts and expanded terrain to sustainability projects and on-mountain amenities. These improvements enhance flow on the mountain, shorten lift lines, and create a smoother, more enjoyable experience on the slopes.

• At Monarch Mountain, the long-awaited No Name Basin expansion adds 377 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain — a 50% increase in skiable acres. A new SkyTrac triple chair will serve the area, giving guests access to runs that now extend onto both sides of the Continental Divide.
• Aspen Snowmass debuts a high-speed six-pack replacing the Elk Camp quad, and upgrades the Cirque platter to a double-capacity T-bar, while work begins on rebuilding Snowmass’s mid-mountain Ullrhof restaurant, which will reopen in 2026–27 as the resort’s first all-electric on-mountain restaurant.
• At Copper Mountain, the resort hosts the Stifel Copper Cup World Cup races in November and continues its multi-year snowmaking modernization, installing new fan guns and semi-automatic hydrants to improve reliability and support early-season training for ski teams from around the world.
• Telluride advances a multi-year modernization project with upgrades to Lifts 5 and 12, and major snowmaking infrastructure improvements, ensuring great early-season coverage.
• Sunlight Mountain Resort completes the largest capital project in its history, debuting new Primo and Segundo chairlifts, while giving passholders 8:30 a.m. early access on powder days.
• Silverton Mountain expands its rugged, advanced-only experience with new Six Run Heli Days and enhanced private heli-skiing options, alongside its iconic lift-served high-alpine terrain 

Family & Community Experiences

Families and communities remain at the heart of Colorado’s ski culture. This season brings milestone anniversaries, new family-friendly dining, expanded transportation options, and events that celebrate skiing’s place in Colorado life.

• Winter Park Resort celebrates the 50th birthday of Mary Jane with a January 10 bash, and enjoys expanded Winter Park Express train service four days a week, whisking riders directly from Denver’s Union Station to the base of the resort.
• In Steamboat, Ski Town U.S.A. celebrates its Olympic legacy with two new offerings: Ski with an Olympian, a full day on the slopes alongside a Steamboat Olympian, and Dinner with an Olympian at the newly reimagined Crooked Antler restaurant. Travelers will also find expanded United Airlines service to Steamboat Springs, making it easier than ever to reach the resort this winter.
• At Granby Ranch, a new intermediate zone on West Mountain expands skiable terrain, while Granby Connect, a $2 shuttle linking the Amtrak station to the base lodge, makes it easier for visitors to arrive by train.
• Purgatory Resort marks its 60th anniversary with new snowmaking, expanded Wi-Fi, upgraded rental equipment, and refreshed dining, along with celebratory events throughout the winter.
• Getting New Skiers on the Slopes

Colorado resorts are making it easier than ever for people to discover skiing and riding. From beginner lifts and redesigned learning zones to passes and programs that stretch the ski dollar, these investments are all about lowering barriers and giving newcomers the confidence to enjoy the mountains.

The Legendary Learning Package returns to Arapahoe Basin this season, making it simple for new skiers and riders to get started, bundling lift access, equipment rentals, and lessons into one approachable offering.

• Loveland has replaced Lift 7 with a new fixed-grip triple chairlift and reshaped its learning area, creating smoother terrain flow, improved snow conditions, and a more welcoming experience for beginners and families.
• At Eldora, new Alpine Pass products — including a Family Unlimited option and a flexible 4-Pass — help households and beginners spend more time on snow.
• Ski Cooper simplifies tickets with one straightforward price online and at the window, with the best value available midweek outside peak holidays.
• Owned by the City of Steamboat Springs, Howelsen Hill keeps skiing within reach through Ski Free Sundays and affordable access to alpine, Nordic, fat biking, and tubing.
• Families heading to Purgatory can take advantage of the Power Kids program, offering unlimited free skiing for children 12 and under.
• Powderhorn continues its Mission Affordable promise with the flexible 4-Pack, four shareable lift tickets valid any day of the season.
• Just 36 miles from Denver, Echo Mountain offers an affordable season pass starting at $109, plus night skiing, tubing, rentals, and a lively base lodge scene 

Colorado Ski Country USA Passes Make It Easier for Families to Enjoy the Slopes

CSCUSA offers a suite of passes that make it simple for families and groups to spend time on the mountain together. These Colorado multi-mountain products are open to local skiers and visitors from across the country and around the world, providing flexible ways to enjoy winter in Colorado. 

NEWLY EXPANDED Ski Passport (grades K-6)

· 4 days each at 19 Colorado resorts (76 days total)

· $67 for kindergarten–2nd grade (new this season!)

· $72 for 3rd–6th grade

· 2 FREE junior ski or snowboard rentals compliments of Presenting Sponsor Christy Sports.

Gems Teen Pass (ages 12–17)

· 2 days each at 10 Gems resorts | 20 days on the slopes for $207

Gems Discount Card

· 2 uses each at 10 Gems resorts | 20 days of discounts for $49.99

· Additional purchase of adult lift ticket required.

Gold Pass Membership

· Fully transferable; no blackout dates | $4,600

· Reward employees, network with clients, or make it easy for multiple people to ski at 20 of Colorado’s amazing resorts with Colorado’s only FULLY TRANSFERABLE MULTI-MOUNTAIN PASS: the Colorado Ski Country USA Gold Pass membership. Membership requires application. 

Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing 20 ski and snowboard resorts in Colorado. CSCUSA is the global voice of the Colorado ski industry. The Association’s primary functions are concentrated in marketing, public policy, and public relations. Information about CSCUSA and its members can be found at www.ColoradoSki.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.