Keystone Resort Announces Friday, October 30, as Opening Day for the 2026/27 Ski Season

• Keystone to open as one of the earliest resorts in North America, with more than 2 miles of terrain, a hike-to terrain park and live DJ music

• Kindred Resort, Keystone's first luxury hotel, welcomes guests for its first winter

• 2026/27 Epic Passes are on sale now and adults 18-30 save 20%

Media Photos/Broll: Assets approved for media use are available HERE and will be updated throughout the afternoon.

KEYSTONE, Colo. - October 28, 2026 - Keystone Resort today announced Friday, October 30, as its Opening Day. From 9 AM to 4 PM MT, the resort will welcome skiers and riders on more than 2 miles of freshly groomed terrain on the Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon trails. Guests will reach open terrain and a hike-to terrain park via the River Run Gondola, with laps off the Montezuma Express chairlift. At the end of the day, guests will download the River Run Gondola to the base of the resort, where the celebration continues with a live DJ performance. Keystone Resort offers the largest night skiing operation in the state available on select Fridays, Saturdays and holidays from Thanksgiving onward. The best way to join in on the fun is with an Epic Pass. Pass prices increase after November 15.

"We're thrilled to kick off our ski season," said Shannon Buhler, Vice President and COO of Keystone Resort. "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."

From opening day and first turns to first lessons and first-time adventures, Keystone Resort invites guests to experience a Lifetime of Firsts™ all season long. As the go-to destination for families and an easy drive west of Denver along I-70, Keystone offers free parking in the River Run Gondola Lot and at Mountain House, plus convenient touches including wagons to carry gear and carpooling lots for those ready to hit the slopes with friends.

Beginning this season, Keystone Resort is raising the bar on food, upgrading rental options and rolling out other improvements designed to further improve the overall guest experience - all part of Vail Resorts' Epic Experience initiative. Alongside these investments, the best way to experience the resort this winter is at Kindred Resort, Keystone's first luxury hotel and accommodation. This alpine escape is the perfect basecamp for everything Keystone, just steps from the River Run Gondola and anchored by its signature "campfire luxury" programming.

Keystone Resort will continue to open more terrain as conditions allow. During the early season, uphill access remains closed and, once open, will be permitted only on designated routes before and after lift operating hours. More information is available on the resort's safety page.

"Key" Need-to-Knows About Keystone Resort This Winter

Kindred Resort's Inaugural Winter

A new chapter of hospitality has arrived at Keystone with the first winter of Kindred Resort, the resort's first luxury hotel and residences and the newest property in the RockResorts® collection. Located at the base of the River Run Gondola, the ski-in/ski-out property offers sophisticated accommodations, curated dining, restorative wellness amenities and unparalleled slope-side access.

New and Returning Events

Guests can expect a full calendar of events from opening to closing day. Last winter's favorites, including Keystone After Dark, Women in Powder, and Pride, will return, while new events such as Turkey Tracks, a Thanksgiving race, and a St. Patrick's Day Gold Hunt will debut. Keystone's events webpage and social media channels are the best places to keep up with everything happening around the resort.

Wagons and Dog Kat Are Back

Two guest favorites return this winter. Free wagons will be stationed in corrals at the River Run Gondola parking lot for any group that needs help with hauling gear. On the slopes, the famous Dog Kat will make appearances around the mountain, serving hot dogs to guests who never have to click out of their skis.

Epic Passes Available for a Limited Time

2026/27 Epic Passes are on sale for a limited time and Pass prices increase after November 15. Lock in the best value in skiing and riding by choosing the pass that fits your family. From the Epic Day Pass (one to seven days) to the Keystone Plus Pass to the full Epic Pass, there's an option for every guest, from the snow-curious to the die-hard expert. Epic Passes also include Epic Friend Tickets, giving friends and family 50% off lift tickets for more turns together, plus the option to apply what they pay toward an Epic Pass for next season. Visit epicpass.com for more information and to purchase.

Follow Keystone Resort on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and visit keystoneresort.com.

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Media Contacts:
Jake Marquardt, [email protected]
Emily Kowalenko, [email protected]
Sarah McLear, [email protected]

About Keystone Resort
Founded in 1970, Keystone Resort spans three peaks in Colorado's Summit County, offering more than 3,000 acres of terrain for skiers and riders of all abilities. The largest ski area in Summit County, Keystone is home to the longest ski day in Colorado with night skiing under the lights. Keystone Resort is part of the Vail Resorts network connected by the Epic Pass. For more information, visit keystoneresort.com.