Utah Ski Resorts Opening Dates 2025–26 (What’s New This Year)

Winter's coming to Utah, and I did the homework so you don't have to: opening dates and what's new across the state's resorts, plus the local events that make October and November bearable while we wait. Consider this your season-prep briefing.

The openings, in the order that matters

The pattern holds every year: the Cottonwoods lead — Solitude and Brighton race for first chair in early-to-mid November, with Alta and Snowbird right behind and Snowbird typically riding latest into spring. The Park City side follows: Park City Mountain and Deer Valley traditionally target the week before Thanksgiving, with Deer Valley's opening now doubling as the East Village showcase as new terrain phases in each season. The Ogden-area hills (Snowbasin, Powder Mountain) and the southern resorts (Brian Head often surprises as one of the earliest in the state) fill out the calendar, with all sixteen Utah resorts typically spinning by mid-December. Exact dates shift with storms — they always do — so treat announced dates as intentions and pray for October snow.

What's new this season

The through-line for 2025–26 is that Utah's resorts kept spending: Deer Valley's expansion continues adding lifts and acreage on its march toward 5,700+ acres, Park City Mountain continues upgrading the Canyons side, and around the state it's the usual arms race of lift replacements, snowmaking expansion, and base-area projects. Season-pass strategy note: the Epic/Ikon split defines Utah — PCMR rides Epic, Deer Valley anchors Ikon's luxury wing, and the Cottonwoods split between them — so pick the pass that matches where you'll actually park.

Stoke season, locally

Before the lifts turn: the annual ski swaps (the best gear deals of the year — go early, bring cash) and the fall ski-film premiere circuit through town. These events are also, not coincidentally, where half of Park City runs into the other half after a summer apart.

The property angle

Opening dates are the deadline I use with ski-home buyers: close before the lifts spin and the property earns — in use or income — from day one. As of this posting, that window's still open. Barely.

Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Park City? Reach out anytime — call or text (801) 837-4445.