Winter Park & Monarch. Earliest Ever Openings

Mother Nature has gifted Colorado an early winter, and Winter Park has seen over 40” of snowfall throughout October. With excellent natural conditions and amplified snowmaking systems, thanks to $4 million in recent upgrades, Winter Park will open for the season on Saturday, November 2, 2019, the earliest the resort has opened for skiing and riding.

The first chair will run at 8:30am at the Arrow Lift for the traditional banner break, giveaways, and access to Parkside favorites Parkway, Lower Village Way, and Sorenson Park. Plus, stop by Derailer for $1 Coors Light specials.

“Mother Nature brought the snow to Winter Park especially early this year, so we are taking advantage of the conditions and are excited to open the mountain more than a week earlier than expected,” said Liz Agostin, Marketing Director, Winter Park Resort. “We invite skiers and riders to head up and start their ski season with us on November 2.”

Meanwhile Monarch Mountain will be opening Friday through Sunday starting November 1, as conditions allow, making this its earliest opening since 1969. 

Monarch is one of the few remaining Colorado ski areas that does not have any snowmaking operations. With a base elevation of 10,790 ft, they see an abundance of all-natural snow throughout the ski season.

“How cool is Mother Nature?  We are super excited to get a little bit open this early.  Even if it is a run or two, there’s nothing better than strapping on those boards and going downhill.  Let the fun begin.” says Randy Stroud, GM and COO.

Lift operating hours will be from 9am-4pm. Lifts running will include Caterpillar, Tumbelina and Pioneer. The Rental Shop, Sidewinder Saloon, Java Stop and Elation Sports will all be open. Ski and Ride School will be offering beginner group and limited private lessons. Children’s Center and Kaleidoscope Tubing Park will not be open. Adult lift tickets will be $57.