Winter Season Approaches at Vail Resorts
As the chill of winter approaches, adventure enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the 2025/26 ski season, and Vail Resorts has exciting plans in store. With more than 90 resorts available, skiers and snowboarders can look forward to another thrilling year on the slopes.
Anticipated Ski Resort Openings
With the onset of winter less than 75 days away, the Vail Resorts team is hard at work preparing for guests. Keystone is gearing up for an early opening, with plans to welcome skiers as early as October, depending on conditions and utilizing advanced snowmaking technologies. Following Keystone, Vail Resorts' prominent locations across the Americas and Europe aim to open shortly thereafter, ensuring a winter experience that extends beyond six months, continuing into May at notable sites including Breckenridge and Whistler Blackcomb.
Projected Opening Dates
The following target opening dates have been confirmed for select resorts:
- Mid-October (pending conditions): Keystone, CO
- November 7: Breckenridge, CO
- November 14: Vail Mountain, CO
- November 15: Gemsstock at Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Switzerland
- November 21: Heavenly, CA; Northstar, CA; Park City Mountain, UT; Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
- November 26: Beaver Creek, CO; Crested Butte, CO
- November 29: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
- December 5: Kirkwood, CA; Stevens Pass, WA
*All dates are subject to change due to weather conditions.
Details about opening day targets for Eastern resorts will be announced as winter draws closer, maintaining consistency with previous seasonal patterns.
Enhancements for the Upcoming Season
Guests can expect a host of new offerings designed to enhance their experience this winter. At Whistler Blackcomb, guests will celebrate a remarkable milestone as the resort marks its 60th anniversary, accompanied by fresh attractions such as the Wonder Routes to discover all the mountain’s breathtaking features. Special trails, interactive experiences, and the vibrant villages invite guests to immerse themselves fully in the winter wonderland.
Expanding Park City Mountain
Park City Mountain plans to unveil a new Sunrise Gondola this season, providing an upgraded experience for guests moving from Canyons Village to the Red Pine Lodge area. This enhancement will also include improvements to beginner terrain and the popular Ski and Ride School, creating an inviting atmosphere for all skill levels. Additionally, returning this season is a complimentary treat for visitors at Canyons Village, ensuring that their day concludes on a delicious note.
In Colorado, Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek Resort, Keystone, and Breckenridge will introduce advanced features in the My Epic app, making lessons more engaging and interactive, providing parents and students with real-time updates and progress tracking potentials.
Special Celebrations and Events
Throughout the upcoming season, select Vail Resorts will host unique celebrations in honor of notable anniversaries. In addition to the impressive 60th of Whistler, Heavenly will celebrate 70 years of skiing while Okemo in Vermont marks its 70th anniversaries, fostering a sense of community and nostalgia among their guests.
New Developments Across the Axis
In Switzerland, future guests at Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis can anticipate the addition of two new six-seater chairlifts, enhancing connections across the resort. Moreover, Crans-Montana is focused on improving snow quality with upgraded snowmaking technologies, ensuring optimal skiing conditions this season.
Epic Friend Tickets Introduced
Vail Resorts has recently announced a new initiative to boost accessibility for friends of Epic Pass holders through Epic Friend Tickets, enabling significant savings on lift tickets for invited guests. This innovative offer allows Season Pass Holders to share their love of skiing, with discounted tickets available at the 37 North American resorts.
Those purchasing their Epic Pass early will enjoy up to 10 Epic Friend Tickets enabling their friends to accompany them at discounted rates, and it’s all manageable within the user-friendly My Epic app for streamlined access to the slopes.
Choosing Your Epic Pass
The Epic Pass offers various purchasing options to suit every skier's needs, presently available at a special fall rate. With no advance reservations required this season at Telluride Resort, guests can ski on their own terms and without hassle.
Pass Options
Guests can choose from several pass types including the Epic Pass, which offers unlimited access to Vail Resorts’ 42 owned destinations, and the Epic Local Pass for a curated experience at a more affordable price. Special deals with savings on single-day passes are also available through advance purchases.
Exclusive Perks and Benefits
With all Epic Passes, guests gain access to numerous perks, including significant discounts on dining, lodging, and ski lessons right on the mountain. The My Epic app continues to serve as a valuable resource enhancing the skiing experience through accessible mountain information and instant updates.
Additionally, the My Epic Gear program stands apart as a top choice, merging convenience with value, providing guests access to the latest gear without the hassle of ownership.
About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts is a leading portfolio of premier ski areas globally, including iconic destinations like Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, and Whistler Blackcomb, among others, delivering unparalleled winter sports experiences. The company is devoted to sustainability and committed to zero net operating footprint by 2030, promoting engagement with outdoor activities and enhancing the enjoyment of their mountain venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the target opening dates for Vail Resorts this winter?
The target opening dates vary by location, with mid-October for Keystone and several others following in November.
What new developments can we expect this season?
New developments include the Sunrise Gondola at Park City Mountain and upgraded amenities at various resorts to enhance guest experiences.
How can I get Epic Friend Tickets?
Epic Pass Holders can obtain Epic Friend Tickets through the My Epic app, offering discounted rates for their friends.
What is the My Epic app?
The My Epic app is an invaluable resource for guests, providing access to real-time updates, ski lessons, and interactive maps.
How many resorts does the Epic Pass cover?
The Epic Pass grants access to over 90 resorts across the globe, making it a robust option for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
