The 2022-23 Colorado Ski Country USA ski season is officially open. Skiers and snowboarders celebrated getting back on the slopes recently when Arapahoe Basin’s Black Mountain Express chairlift broke through a banner announcing the ski area was open for business.
Snowboarders break through the banner on the Black Mountain Express chairlift to mark opening day at Arapahoe Basin. PHOTO: Jack Dempsey/Colorado Ski Country USA
Arapahoe Basin, along with several other Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) ski areas, have been making snow for the last couple weeks. Mother Nature then assisted in the form of some great early-season snow.
“We all look forward to opening day every season and we’re glad to see folks getting out on the slopes at Arapahoe Basin,” said CSCUSA President and CEO Melanie Mills. “Skiers and riders can look forward to a fantastic ski season complete with new lifts, incredible dining options, and behind-the-scenes improvements that add up to an amazing experience in Colorado Ski Country USA.”
What’s New in Colorado Ski Country USA
Ski areas across Colorado Ski Country USA have been busy over the summer making improvements at all 21 CSCUSA member resorts. Several are celebrating big anniversaries: Copper’s 50th, Eldora’s 60th, Steamboat’s 60th, Sunlight’s 55th, and Telluride’s 50th.
At 107 years old this season, Steamboat’s Howelsen Hill is the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America. And CSCUSA itself celebrates 60 years of promoting and growing Colorado’s ski industry.
Although opening and closing dates are subject to change depending on conditions several of the Ski Country USA resorts not only open early, but often stay open later than some other countries. Here are some projected opening and closing dates:
‘Urbis’ skis his first run on opening day at Arapahoe Basin.
PHOTO: Jack Dempsey/Colorado Ski Country USA
RESORT OPEN CLOSE
Arapahoe Basin Open (Oct 23) Mid June
Aspen Highlands December 10 April 9
Aspen Mountain November 24 April 16
Buttermilk December 17 April 2
Cooper December 7 April 16
Copper Mountain November 14 April 23
Echo Mountain Nov/Dec April 16
Eldora November 18 April 16
Granby Ranch December 10 April 2
Hersperus December 17 March 19
Howelsen Hill November 25 March 26
Loveland Late October May 8
Monarch Late November April 9
Powderhorn November 25 April 2
Purgatory November 19 April 9 (then w/ends until April 23)
Silverton December 29 April 16
Snowmass November 24 April 16
Steamboat November 23 April 9
Sunlight December 9 April 2
Telluride November 24 April 2
Winter Park Open (Oct 31) Mid May
Arapahoe Basin became the first ski resort in Colorado to open for the season on Sunday, 23 October.
PHOTO: Jack Dempsey/Colorado Ski Country USA
Categories: America