There is a particular energy in the valley the week before opening day. The snowmaking guns are running through the night, the shops are stocked with new gear, and everyone from lifelong locals to first-time visitors is watching the forecast and counting down to first chair. Opening day at Aspen Snowmass is a genuine tradition, and it lands right around Thanksgiving, which makes it one of the best long weekends on the mountain calendar.
For the 2026-27 season, Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are scheduled to open Thursday, November 26, 2026, with Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk following on December 12. As always, dates are weather dependent and can shift with conditions, so treat them as the plan rather than a guarantee. Here is how the locals do opening day, and how you can make the most of it.
When Aspen Snowmass Opens for 2026-27
Aspen Snowmass is not one mountain, it is four, and they do not all open at once. Here is the scheduled lineup for the coming season:
- Aspen Mountain (Ajax): November 26, 2026 through April 18, 2027
- Snowmass: November 26, 2026 through April 11, 2027
- Aspen Highlands: December 12, 2026 through April 11, 2027
- Buttermilk: December 12, 2026 through April 4, 2027
Opening Aspen Mountain and Snowmass on the Thursday of Thanksgiving week is a longtime tradition here. Locals like to get a few steep turns in before loosening the bibs and sitting down to turkey and pie, and it is one of the reasons the holiday weekend feels so festive in town. For more on planning that specific weekend, our Thanksgiving in Aspen Snowmass guide covers dining, activities, and what to expect.
What Actually Opens on Opening Day
This is the part first-timers most often get wrong. On opening day, you are not skiing the whole mountain. Early-season terrain is limited to what snowmaking and early snowfall can support, so expect a handful of top-to-bottom runs rather than the full trail map.
At Snowmass in recent seasons, opening day has started with the beginner-friendly Meadows area near Elk Camp, served by the Elk Camp Gondola and Meadows Lift. Aspen Mountain typically opens with limited terrain off the top, with the Sundeck and Ajax Tavern open for food and drinks. The takeaway: opening day is about the experience and the vibe as much as the vertical. If you want big terrain, the mountains fill in through December.
If you are newer to the area or skiing with mixed abilities, it is worth knowing which mountain suits whom before you go. Our beginner skiers’ guide to Aspen Snowmass and the more detailed beginner skier’s guide to Snowmass break down the learning zones, and Snowmass and Buttermilk are the friendliest places to start.
The Opening Day Festivities
Opening day is a celebration, not just a lift-served activity. In recent years Aspen Snowmass has marked the kickoff with festivities at both open mountains, and past seasons have featured things like a first-chair celebration, a complimentary pancake breakfast, live music, festive food and drink specials, and an early-season opening party up at the Elk Camp Restaurant, complete with a holiday sweater contest.
The exact schedule, times, and any giveaways change year to year and are usually announced close to the date, so check the official Aspen Snowmass site and the Go Snowmass events calendar as opening day approaches. If you want to be part of the first-chair scene, plan to arrive early, because that is where the energy is.
Lift Ticket and Pass Tips for Early Season
Early season is often the best value of the winter. In past opening weekends, Aspen Snowmass has discounted single-day lift tickets significantly while terrain is still limited, then transitioned back to early-season rates once top-to-bottom skiing is available. Expect a similar structure, though the exact numbers are set closer to the date.
A few things worth locking in now:
- Season passes. Aspen Snowmass typically has early-purchase pass deadlines in September, with prices rising after. For the 2026-27 season the lineup was expanded to include a new Flex Pass (four to seven days, no blackout dates, use them any time) alongside the Premier, Weekday, and Alpine 2-Day options. If you are skiing more than a few days, running the math on a pass versus daily tickets almost always pays off.
- Buy tickets in advance. Single-day lift tickets are cheapest online and ahead of time, and they are valid only on the date you select at purchase.
- Know before you go. Our Aspen Snowmass lift ticket information page is a handy reference for current options.
Because pricing and deadlines shift each season, confirm the latest on the official tickets and passes page before you buy.
What to Pack for Early-Season Turns
Opening day conditions can swing from bluebird and sunny to cold and snowy in the same afternoon, and early-season snow tends to be firmer and thinner in spots. Dress in layers, bring goggles for both bright and flat light, and do not skip sun protection, since the November sun at altitude is stronger than it looks.
If you are traveling in and do not want to haul gear, renting is the easy move. Our Aspen Snowmass ski and snowboard rental guide covers where to rent, delivery options, and how to get a good boot fit. And for the full checklist, our ski packing list for an Aspen Snowmass vacation makes sure nothing gets left behind.
Beyond the Slopes on Opening Weekend
One of the best parts of opening day is that the mountains are not the only thing happening. Because terrain is limited early, it is the perfect time to mix in the other experiences the valley is known for.
- The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. This mile-plus elevated track winds through the forest mid-mountain at Snowmass, adjacent to the Elk Camp Restaurant, at speeds up to 28 mph. It usually runs on opening weekend, then shifts to a weekends-only schedule before going daily around the holidays. It is a hit with families and a fun break from the slopes.
- Snowmass tubing. Lift-served tubing lanes carved into the Meadows at Elk Camp are another family-friendly option once the season is underway.
- Nordic skiing. If you want to avoid lift lines entirely and get a great workout, the valley’s cross-country trails and the Aspen Nordic Center are excellent early-season alternatives, conditions permitting.
- Après and dining. Our ultimate winter après-ski and nightlife guide points you to the best of it.
- Riders, take note. If you are on a board rather than skis, our snowboarding in Aspen Snowmass guide covers the best terrain and parks across the four mountains.
The Season Kicks Off Fast
One of the best reasons to plan around opening day is that it flows straight into the marquee events of early winter. If you can stretch your trip a few extra days, or come back in December, there is a lot waiting right behind first chair:
- Thanksjibbing. A freestyle ski and snowboard competition that has historically taken place the Friday after Snowmass opening day at Low Down Park, a fun, high-energy way to cap the holiday weekend.
- Wintersköl. Aspen’s original “toast to winter,” a tradition dating back to 1951, featuring a torchlight descent down Aspen Mountain, bonfire, fireworks, the Soupsköl soup contest, and a craft beer fest. It has traditionally landed in January, though it moved to December in 2025, so confirm the current dates as the season approaches.
- Ullr Nights. A nighttime celebration mid-mountain at Elk Camp on Snowmass, named for the Norse god of snow. Ride the gondola up for night tubing, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, a bonfire, live music, and dinner. These run on select evenings starting in late December.
- Tree lightings. Early December brings festive tree lighting ceremonies around town, including The Little Nell and the towering Sardy House spruce, complete with carolers, cocoa, and a visit from Santa.
For a fuller rundown of what happens through December and the holidays, see our holiday events in Aspen Snowmass guide.
Getting There and Getting Around
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) sits just minutes from both Aspen and Snowmass and is often called the closest slopeside airport in America. Once you are here, you rarely need a car. The free RFTA buses, the winter Four Mountain Connector between all four ski areas, and the Snowmass Village Shuttle can get you to first chair without dealing with parking. Our full guide to getting around Aspen Snowmass without a car walks through every option, which is especially useful on a busy holiday weekend.
A Few Local Tips for a Great Opening Day
- Arrive early. First chair is the whole point on opening day. The lines and the energy both peak in the morning.
- Manage expectations on terrain. Limited runs are normal. Come for the vibe, the fresh legs, and the celebration.
- Watch the conditions. Early-season snow can be variable. Check the daily report and grooming on the Aspen Snowmass app before you head up.
- Book lodging early. Thanksgiving week is a popular window, and the best ski-in, ski-out homes go fast.
- Layer up and protect your skin. Sun and cold at altitude are both stronger than they seem in November.
Make Alpine Property Your Basecamp for Opening Weekend
Opening day is one of the most memorable days of the winter, and the easiest way to enjoy it is to have the right home waiting for you. Alpine Property manages luxury vacation rentals throughout Aspen and Snowmass, many of them ski-in, ski-out or steps from a shuttle stop, so you can roll out of bed and be on the mountain for first chair.
Our concierge team can help with everything from airport transfers to ski rentals to dinner reservations, so all you have to think about is your first turns of the season. Reach out through our Alpine Experience concierge or call us at 1-800-543-0839 to plan your opening weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Aspen Snowmass open for the 2026-27 season?
Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are scheduled to open Thursday, November 26, 2026, with Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk opening December 12, 2026. Dates are weather dependent and can change with conditions.
When does the Aspen Snowmass season end?
For 2026-27, closing dates are scheduled for April 4, 2027 at Buttermilk, April 11 at Aspen Highlands and Snowmass, and April 18 at Aspen Mountain, as conditions allow.
How much terrain is open on opening day?
Expect limited, early-season terrain rather than the full mountain. Snowmass has typically opened with the beginner-friendly Meadows area near Elk Camp, and Aspen Mountain with limited runs off the top. The mountains fill in through December as snowmaking and snowfall allow.
Are lift tickets cheaper on opening day?
Early season is often the best value of the winter, and Aspen Snowmass has discounted single-day tickets during past opening weekends while terrain is limited. Exact pricing is set closer to the date, so check the official tickets page.
Which mountain is best for beginners on opening day?
Snowmass and Buttermilk are the most beginner-friendly, though Buttermilk does not open until December 12. On opening day, Snowmass’s Meadows area is the place for new skiers and riders.
Do I need a car for opening weekend?
No. Free RFTA buses, the winter Four Mountain Connector, and the Snowmass Village Shuttle can get you between town and all four mountains without parking, which is a real advantage on a busy holiday weekend.
What should I pack for opening day?
Layers, goggles for varied light, and sun protection are essential, since early-season weather swings and the high-altitude sun is strong. See our ski packing list for the full checklist.
