Keystone Swoops In To Claim the First Chair of 2025–26 Season (Photos)
In a last-minute twist, Keystone Resort, Colorado, became the first North American ski resort to officially open for the 2025-26 season on Saturday afternoon, October 25, 2025.
The sequence of events started Saturday when, after a week of social media teases from Arapahoe Basin and Keystone Resort, Arapahoe Basin announced that it would start the season on Sunday, October 26. Keystone Resort, however, was conspicuously silent.
Then, shortly after Arapahoe Basin’s announcement, Keystone had this to say in a social media post: “Have we got a treat for you: WE ARE OPENING FOR THE SEASON IN AN HOUR AND A HALF.”
And just like that, Keystone Resort crept ahead of Arapahoe Basin. The resort opened at 3 p.m. on Saturday, offering lift access until 6 p.m. with two miles of terrain on the Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon trails. One Instagram commenter summed up the mood of the upset perfectly, writing, “TODAY IS MY SUPERBOWL THIS IS EPIC!”
It marked Keystone Resort’s first-ever afternoon season kickoff. Here’s a look at the day’s festivities.
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Keystone Opening Day, October 25, 2025:
Katie Young/Keystone Resort
Katie Young/Keystone Resort
Presumably, Keystone Resort’s team found some satisfaction in mirroring a similar move Arapahoe Basin made in 2019.
That year, after Keystone Resort had announced its October 12 opening date, Arapahoe Basin did them one better, sneaking ahead and opening the afternoon of October 11.
This October, Arapahoe Basin gracefully conceded Keystone Resort’s victory, writing in an Instagram comment, “I believe a congratulations is in order.”
“But for real, stoked for you all and stoked for the start of the ski season,” the resort added.
Plus, Arapahoe Basin opened less than 24 hours later, starting its season festivities on Sunday morning. As is early-season tradition, the ski resort ran the Black Mountain Express with access to High Noon, an intermediate trail.
Arapahoe Basin Opening Day, October 26, 2025
In short, it was one of the more memorable opening day battles in recent memory. Thanks for the show, Arapahoe Basin and Keystone! Now, let’s go skiing.
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