Summit County’s ski season is officially in full swing, and the race to the slopes is heating up as Keystone Resort gears up for a highly anticipated opening this Friday, Oct. 30. Coming on the heels of Arapahoe Basin’s successful start to the 2026-27 season earlier this week, the atmosphere across the county is electric for winter sports enthusiasts.
Arapahoe Basin secured the prestigious title of being the first ski area in both Colorado and the nation to open for the season, welcoming skiers and riders onto their lifts at 11 a.m. this past Wednesday, Oct. 28. Now, Keystone is set to follow suit, providing a major boost to the region’s early-season offerings.
For Friday’s kickoff, Keystone Resort has announced that guests will be treated to approximately two miles of skiable terrain. Operations will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the mountain providing access to the Silver Spoon and Schoolmarm trails. Both are designated as green, beginner-friendly runs, ensuring that early-season visitors can enjoy comfortable laps. In addition to the groomed trails, the resort is offering a hike-to terrain park for those looking for a bit more excitement.
Accessing the terrain will be a streamlined experience: guests will load the River Run Gondola to reach the summit of Dercum Mountain, where they can then take laps via the mid-mountain Montezuma Express lift. The excitement won’t end when the lifts stop spinning, however, as the resort has scheduled a live DJ performance to keep the celebratory energy high into the afternoon.
“We’re thrilled to kick off our ski season,” said Shannon Buhler, vice president and COO of Keystone Resort, in an official news release. “Opening in October is a huge testament to the tireless and innovative work of our team. Being one of the earliest resorts to open means so much to our employees and guests, and we can’t wait to share the first turns of the season with all of them.”
While the opening of these two resorts marks a significant milestone, officials remind the public that the season is still in its infancy. Keystone plans to expand its open terrain as conditions allow throughout the coming weeks. However, guests are advised that uphill access is strictly prohibited at this time; designated uphill routes will not be opened until later in the season.
With Arapahoe Basin leading the way and Keystone joining the fold this week, the rest of the county’s resorts are preparing for their own anticipated openings throughout November. As the snowmaking teams continue to work around the clock, excitement for the 2026-27 season is at an all-time high, signaling a promising start for skiers and riders across the high country.
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