Colorado Ski Update 2025/2026
Colorado turns 150 in 2026, and the Centennial State is celebrating in true mountain style. This winter kicks off a season of excitement, with skiers and snowboarders treated to fresh upgrades across all 28 of Colorado’s ski areas and resorts, from new terrain and high-speed lifts to luxury accommodation and an elevated après scene. It’s the perfect year to carve new lines, raise a toast and experience why Colorado remains the heart and soul of American skiing.
- For a Touch of the Wild West, Visit Steamboat. Originally a ranching town, Steamboat is one of Colorado’s largest resorts with over 3,700 acres of skiable terrain. The resort celebrates its deep-rooted Western heritage with its legendary annual ‘Cowboy Downhill’ event in January, where over 100 professional cowboys and cowgirls trade their boots for skis in a wild, one-of-a-kind race. When not exploring the resort’s remarkable history, don’t miss the exciting new additions, especially the Wild Blue Gondola - now the longest and fastest 10-person gondola in North America - providing easy access to the slopes.
- New White Elephant in Aspen to Open for New Season. White Elephant Aspen is scheduled to open ahead of the 25/26 ski season in downtown Aspen this autumn, marking the expansion of the celebrated Nantucket-based White Elephant Resorts into the Rocky Mountains. This new 54-room hotel will bring refined style and hospitality. Guests can relax in the year-round heated outdoor pool, and there will be a carefully curated art collection layered throughout the design with original works inspired by the local environment and scenery. Guests can enjoy complimentary BMW courtesy cars around town, on-site ski lockers and a shuttle to and from the ski lifts. Rates to be confirmed.
- Keystone Gets New Ski-in Ski-Out Luxury. Opening this winter, Kindred Resort brings a new level of mountain luxury to Keystone. Located steps from the River Run Gondola, this ski-in/ski-out retreat features stylish rooms and residences, inventive dining, a full-service spa, and a lively kids club. With cosy firepits, valet service and effortless access to 3,100 acres of terrain, Kindred transforms the base of River Run into a vibrant hub of connection and comfort — redefining how to stay and play in Keystone.
- Two New Lifts and Major Upgrades at Snowmass. This winter marks a major milestone for Snowmass with the debut of two new lifts, the first time in nearly 20 years that multiple lifts open in a single season. The new Elk Camp Six-Pack, a high-speed six-passenger lift replacing the former quad, will dramatically reduce wait times and boost uphill capacity. Meanwhile, the upgraded Cirque T-Bar replaces the existing platter lift, doubling capacity and enhancing access to Snowmass’s premier expert terrain. Together, these improvements promise a smoother, faster, and more dynamic mountain experience for skiers and riders alike.
- Purgatory Resort Announces Next Phase of Capital Improvements Ahead of 60th Anniversary. As Purgatory Resort approaches its 60th anniversary in December 2025, the Southwest Colorado destination is investing more than $6 million in capital improvements ahead of the upcoming ski season. Upgrades include expanded snowmaking on key backside terrain, a new snowcat, glading and more for the resort known as Colorado’s most family-friendly snow destination.
- Monarch Mountain Expands and Joins ‘United’s 7-Hub Club’. Monarch Mountain will unveil a major expansion into the No Name Basin. The development will add 377 acres of skiable terrain on the west side of the Continental Divide in winter 25/26. Eagle County joins United’s ‘7-Hub Club’, meaning the airport hosts direct flights from seven of United’s major hubs around the country: Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington.
- New Denver to Granby Ski Train. Mountain Rail will launch a year-round service between Denver and Granby beginning in late 2026, alongside Colorado’s expanded Winter Park Express Ski Train service operating between Denver and Winter Park in the wintertime. The convenient new connection will make it easier than ever for Colorado skiers to reach the mountains without the hassle of driving.
- Historic Alpine World Cup Event Debuts at Copper Mountain for First Time.World Cup alpine racing will be hosted at Colorado’s Athlete’s Mountain at Copper Mountain for the first time, featuring both women’s and men’s events from 27-30 November 2025. The Stifel Copper Cup, an Audi FIS Ski World Cup, will showcase women’s giant slalom and slalom events alongside the men’s super-G and giant slalom races. Hosting both the women’s and men’s competitions is a unique opportunity for ski racing fans to witness the world’s top athletes competing at the same location over one weekend.
- Winter Park’s Mary Jane Mountain Celebrates its 50th Anniversary. This winter, Mary Jane celebrates its 50th season at Winter Park Resort, a milestone for one of Colorado’s most beloved mountains. Since joining Winter Park in 1975, Mary Jane has earned a reputation for legendary moguls, thrilling tree runs and a laid-back local vibe. Accessible via US Highway 40, the Mary Jane base has everything you need for a perfect ski day, from rentals and dining to lift tickets valid with any Winter Park or Ikon Pass. Whether you’re perfecting your bump technique, taking a lesson or exploring hidden stashes with a guide, you’ll see why locals proudly say, “No pain, no Jane"
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine and 28 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, 26 scenic and historic byways and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com
