Colorado is gearing up for a standout winter, and for UK skiers and snowboarders looking ahead to the 2026/27 season, there’s never been a better time to make the trip. Big‑mountain terrain, deep mid‑winter snow, high‑altitude reliability and some of the most atmospheric ski towns in North America all come together here, offering a winter experience that feels both iconic and endlessly varied.
What makes Colorado especially exciting for British skiers and boarders right now is the sheer number of ways to explore it. If you sign up for an Epic or Ikon pass you’ll be able to tap into a wide network of the state’s major destinations, while independent mountains continue to deliver uncrowded slopes, characterful local vibes, great value skiing and a glimpse of Colorado’s old‑school ski culture. Whether you’re chasing deep powder bowls, looking for family‑friendly terrain, or planning a multi‑resort road trip, the options keep expanding.
And this winter brings even more reasons to pay attention: new lifts, milestone anniversaries, refreshed terrain, evolving mountain towns and fresh ways to ski for less.
Here’s what to have on your radar for Colorado in 2026/27.
The Kingdom of Breck
One of Colorado’s most recognisable mountain towns, Breckenridge blends five peaks of ski terrain with a historic main street lined with colourful Victorian buildings, independent shops, lively restaurants, breweries and bars.
Winter 2026/27 marks the debut of Breckenridge’s new “Kingdom of Breck” identity, celebrating the town’s unique mix of big‑mountain skiing and vibrant, character‑packed culture. The season also welcomes the return of the Rockstar Energy Open, set to bring top‑tier snowboarders back to Breckenridge for a major competition.
For early‑season enthusiasts, the resort is currently aiming for a 6 November 2026 opening, conditions permitting. Breckenridge is accessible on the Epic Pass, making it easy to pair with other Colorado destinations throughout the season.
The Snowy Southwest
For a completely different flavour of Colorado, travel southwest to Crested Butte. Often described as one of the state’s last true ski towns, its colourful historic centre and independent character set the scene for some of Colorado’s most adventurous terrain.
The mountain is famous for its advanced and extreme skiing, yet there’s plenty to suit confident intermediates and those looking to push their skills. Off the slopes, the town is a major part of the experience: locally run restaurants, relaxed après spots and streets of brightly painted buildings all framed by dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery.
Like Breckenridge and a good many more Colorado ski areas, Crested Butte is available on the Epic Pass, making it an appealing addition for skiers planning a broader Colorado trip that includes some of the state’s larger destinations. It is currently aiming to open for winter on 25th November 2026, subject to conditions.
Aspen Snowmass Turns 80
Few places embody Colorado skiing quite like Aspen Snowmass, and this winter the world-famous resort marks a major milestone: 80 years of skiing, community and mountain culture.
What sets Aspen Snowmass apart for a longer holiday is the scale and variety. One destination spans four distinct mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, together offering more than 5,700 acres of terrain. From the steep, storied slopes rising above downtown Aspen to the wide‑open expanses of Snowmass, each mountain has its own clear identity.
January brings another landmark celebration as Aspen Gay Ski Week reaches its 50th anniversary, returning in 2027 for a Golden Jubilee edition of the longest‑running gay ski week in the world.
Ikon Pass access to Aspen Snowmass has also expanded for 2026/27. The full Ikon Pass now includes up to seven days across the resort’s slopes with no blackout dates, while the Ikon Base Pass offers five days at Snowmass, subject to blackout periods. It can also be combined with other Colorado destinations including Winter Park, Steamboat, Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin for a multi-stop ski adventure.
Or if you’re focused on Aspen Snowmass only, it’s worth knowing that the resort has introduced a new Flex Pass for Winter 2026/27, designed for skiers who want four to seven days on the mountain with maximum freedom. Flex Pass days can be used at any point throughout the season with no blackout dates, and don’t need to be consecutive. The product offers a notably lower per‑day cost than standard lift tickets, provided days are purchased in advance.
Arapahoe Basin Celebrates a Milestone
Another Colorado favourite celebrating its 80th anniversary this winter is Arapahoe Basin, better known to many as A‑Basin or simply The Legend. One of North America and the world’s highest altitude ski areas, located up on the Continental Divide, it’s long been famous for its extended seasons, high‑alpine terrain and unmistakably local vibe. Its high altitude normally ensures great snow quality all winter long and allows it to be one of the first in the US to open each season, usually as early as late October or early November.
The resort’s anniversary programme will run throughout the winter, featuring special events, an 80th‑birthday Moonlight Dinner, ice bars, themed après, live music and a new on‑mountain history exhibit.
Access is also improving for Ikon Pass holders. For 2026/27, the Ikon Base Pass now includes unlimited skiing at Arapahoe Basin, replacing the previous five‑day limit, a notable upgrade for anyone planning a multi‑resort Colorado itinerary.
If you’ve never skied before you’ll find new entry‑level options too, with beginner lesson packages priced under $100 and $80 Wednesday lift tickets, making it easier to sample A‑Basin’s atmosphere without needing to commit to a full week on snow.
Steamboat: Ski Colorado’s Cowboy Country
For skiers looking for a winter with a distinctly Western feel, Steamboat Springs offers something uniquely its own. The northwestern Colorado town has deep ranching heritage; it’s one of the few places where cowboy hats and ski boots genuinely share the same streets, while Steamboat Ski Resort is renowned for its trademarked Champagne Powder® and exceptional tree skiing. Together, they give the destination a personality that stands apart from other Colorado mountain towns.
Beyond the downhill terrain, Steamboat’s wider winter experience is a major part of its appeal. Visitors can unwind in natural hot springs, explore snowy trails, or spend time downtown among the town’s restaurants, shops and Western‑influenced culture.
Steamboat is part of the Ikon Pass network, along with resorts including Aspen Snowmass and Arapahoe Basin offering unlimited access for full Ikon Pass holders and up to five days on the Ikon Base Pass, subject to blackout dates, a flexible option for anyone building a multi‑mountain Colorado itinerary.
Winter Park By Rail
Winter Park, another ski area on the Ikon pass, is one of Colorado’s most versatile ski areas, offering seven distinct territories ranging from groomers and family zones to steeps, bumps and backcountry‑style terrain. Its reliable snowfall and easy mountain‑town atmosphere make it a favourite for both destination visitors and Denver locals.
A major draw is the Winter Park Express, the dedicated ski train linking Denver Union Station directly to the resort base. The journey takes roughly 2 hours, running through the spectacular scenery of the Front Range and through the historic Moffat Tunnel before arriving steps from the ski lifts. The train includes panoramic windows, café service, ski and snowboard storage, and schedules designed to deliver a full day on the mountain. It remains one of the most seamless car‑free access options in North America.
Beyond the Big Names: New Lifts, Milestones and Affordable Skiing
Although Colorado is home to some of the best-known ski resorts in the world, there are also dozens of ‘hidden gem’ smaller, independently operated ski areas with bags of character that you’ll really love.
At these centres too, there are plenty of exciting winter developments for the upcoming 26-27 season, with independent and smaller ski areas offering plenty of reasons to venture beyond the famous names.
In southwest Colorado, Purgatory Resort has been building the new Colorado Couloir triple chairlift ahead of the 2026/27 season. The lift will open access to five new advanced and expert trails plus two connectors, significantly expanding the resort’s high‑level terrain and creating an additional lift‑served route to the upper mountain.
Over on the Grand Mesa, Powderhorn Mountain Resort marks its 60th anniversary with the introduction of the Wild West Express, a new high‑speed quad designed to improve uphill capacity and modernise the guest experience.
Powderhorn is also continuing its long‑running Mission Affordable programme, offering a range of cost‑saving options including free beginner ski and snowboard lessons, Mission Affordable lift-ticket 4‑Packs and value‑focused meal deals, all aimed at keeping skiing attainable for all.
At Monarch Mountain, beginner lessons will start from just $49 this winter, making it easier for newcomers to try skiing or snowboarding without a major upfront cost. The resort is also continuing to build on its recent expansion into No Name Basin, adding more uncrowded, natural‑snow terrain for guests who prefer a quieter, more traditional mountain experience.
Family‑run Ski Cooper just north of Leadville, is once again holding prices flat, keeping both season passes and day tickets among the most affordable in Colorado. The resort offers 480 acres of all‑natural snow and is well known for its relaxed, no‑rush atmosphere and minimal lift queues.
Further south, Wolf Creek Ski Area is investing more than $2 million in logging and forest‑management work designed to improve terrain quality and enhance skiability during lower‑snow seasons.
Together, these independent mountains highlight that a Colorado ski trip doesn’t need to revolve solely around the big‑name destinations, or a single pass product.
Endless Variety In Colorado With Top Resorts In The Alps Too, All On One Pass
As outlined above, Colorado offers remarkable variety for skiers, from expansive mountain destinations to smaller, independently run ski areas. Multi‑mountain passes make it easy to explore that breadth: Epic Pass holders can ski across a wide selection of Colorado terrain, while Ikon provides access to another extensive network throughout the state.
For UK travellers, both passes can deliver even greater value thanks to their international reach. Depending on the pass type, Epic includes major European destinations such as Les 3 Vallées, Verbier and Andermatt‑Sedrun‑Disentis, while Ikon offers access to Chamonix, Dolomiti Superski, Kitzbühel, St. Moritz and Zermatt. In practice, one pass can cover a Colorado trip and additional days closer to home within the same winter for the price of one pass.
At the same time, there’s strong appeal in looking beyond the major passes, adding an independent mountain to an itinerary or building a road trip around some of Colorado’s lesser‑known ski areas.
The result is a winter that can be shaped entirely around how you want to ski: tackling high‑alpine challenges, seeking out quieter local hills, combining multiple areas in one journey, or settling into a distinctive mountain town and exploring from there.
Main Image © Winter Park
Colorado Skiing 2026/27: Your Questions Answered
When do Colorado ski resorts open for the 2026/27 season?
Breckenridge is aiming to open on 6 November 2026 and Crested Butte on 25 November 2026, both subject to conditions. Arapahoe Basin is usually one of the first ski areas in the US to open, often in late October or early November.
Which Colorado ski resorts are on the Epic Pass and which are on the Ikon Pass?
Breckenridge and Crested Butte are on the Epic Pass. Aspen Snowmass, Arapahoe Basin, Steamboat, Winter Park and Copper Mountain are on the Ikon Pass, which makes it easy to combine several Colorado resorts in one trip.
What is new for Ikon Pass holders in Colorado for 2026/27?
The full Ikon Pass now includes up to seven days at Aspen Snowmass with no blackout dates, while the Ikon Base Pass offers five days at Snowmass, subject to blackouts. The Ikon Base Pass also now includes unlimited skiing at Arapahoe Basin, replacing the previous five-day limit.
Can you get to a Colorado ski resort by train?
Yes. The Winter Park Express runs from Denver Union Station directly to the base of Winter Park Resort in roughly two hours, passing through the Front Range and the historic Moffat Tunnel.
Where can you ski in Colorado on a budget?
Colorado’s independent ski areas are the place to look. Monarch Mountain has beginner lessons from $49, Arapahoe Basin offers beginner lesson packages under $100 and $80 Wednesday lift tickets, Powderhorn runs its Mission Affordable programme with free beginner lessons, and Ski Cooper is holding its season pass and day ticket prices flat.
Can you use an Epic or Ikon Pass in Europe as well as Colorado?
Yes, depending on the pass type. Epic includes Les 3 Vallées, Verbier and Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, while Ikon includes Chamonix, Dolomiti Superski, Kitzbühel, St. Moritz and Zermatt, so one pass can cover a Colorado trip and extra days in the Alps in the same winter.
Where can I meet Colorado at the London Snow Show?
Colorado Tourism Office is at Stand D62 at the London Snow Show on 17 and 18 October 2026, with advice on Colorado’s ski resorts and the chance to win Salomon skis or a Salomon snowboard.
Plan Your Colorado Ski Trip With InTheSnow
- Skiing in Colorado: our guide to every Colorado ski area
- Aspen Snowmass resort guide
- Arapahoe Basin Ski Area resort guide
- Steamboat ski resort guide
- Winter Park Resort guide
- Copper Mountain resort guide
- Telluride ski resort guide
- Purgatory Resort guide
- Powderhorn Mountain Resort guide
- Monarch Mountain guide
- Ski Cooper guide
- Colorado Ski Area Adding Lift and 7 New Runs for 26/27
- Ikon Pass 2026/27: Where To Book For Every Type Of Skier
- Epic Pass cuts prices 20% for 13 to 30s for 26/27
- Choosing the Right Lift Pass
- Best Ski Resorts in the USA and Canada
- Plan Your USA and Canada Ski Trip
- Travel and Entry Requirements for the USA and Canada
- Best Family Ski Resorts in North America
- The Best Snow Sure Ski Resorts
- The Ultimate 2026/27 Ski Season Planner
- InTheSnow: Official Media Partner for the London Snow Show 2026