9 Major Ski Resorts Are Opening This Weekend, Here's Where to Be

Although it’s later than anyone wanted, and there might not be much terrain open, a chunk of ski resorts, particularly in the Western US, are finally opening for the season this coming weekend.

Several resorts have started spinning lifts over the last week, including Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, and Big Sky, and there are more on the way to join them this weekend.

A storm cycle is in the process of dropping up to two feet of snow on parts of Wyoming and Colorado this weekend and over the next week, which certainly helps with opening ski areas and more terrain. Many resorts in the Pacific Northwest still have their opening days on hold, but if we’re being optimistic, the next two weeks could turn things around.

In the meantime, here are a few of the major ski areas opening Friday through Sunday this weekend.

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Utah

1. Alta Ski Area

Alta is opening for the season on Sunday, December 7, 2025. This season marks Alta’s historic 88th Anniversary Season. The resort plans to open Sunnyside lift and possibly Collins lift, conditions dependent. Parking reservations are not required for opening weekend.

2. Snowbird

Snowbird will open for the ski season on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Gadzoom and Chickadee lifts will be running and provide access to Gad Valley and Chickadee terrain.

3. Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain Resort opens for the season on Friday, December 5, 2025. The ski area’s brand new Sunrise Gondola will make its debut on opening day along with Cabriolet, Red Pine Gondola, High Meadow, and Saddleback lifts on the Canyons side. On the Mountain Village side, Payday, First Time, and the Tommyknocker Conveyor will all open.

4. Deer Valley

Deer Valley Resort opens on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Passholders will get exclusive early access to skiing on Friday, December 5, 2025. Deer Valley has undergone a massive terrain expansion over the last few years, and this season will debut a large portion of that expanded terrain. For opening day, Deer Valley plans to run Carpenter Express, Sterling Express, and Homestake Express lifts.

5. Snowbasin

Snowbasin opens for the 2025/26 season on Friday, December 5, 2025. Opening day kicks off Snowbasin’s 85th season in operation. 8″ of snow over the past week, another 16″ expected throughout the week, and 2+ feet of snow in the forecast have provided the necessary conditions after a slow start to Snowbasin’s season.

California

6. Northstar

Northstar California Resort will open for the season on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Starting at 8:30 a.m., the Big Springs Gondola will start spinning, with Vista following shortly at 9 a.m. Skid Trail, Lumberjack, and Lower Main Street will all be open for skiing. Village Run will not be open, so guests need to be prepared to download the Big Springs Gondola to return to the base.

7. Kirkwood

Kirkwood opens on Friday, December 5, 2025 for the ski season. The mountain is working to build out new terrain parks and move snow to fill in groomers ahead of opening day. Chair 5 and the rope tow will spin from 9am-4pm on opening day and the rope tow by Chair 1 will serve the pop-up park.

Colorado

8. Telluride

Telluride Ski Resort opens for the season on Saturday, December 6, 2025. For opening day, Chondola 1 will open to provide transportation between Mountain Village and Meadows. Lift 4 will open for ski access along with hike-to access from San Sophia Station to Village Bypass.

Wyoming

9. Grand Targhee

Grand Targhee opens for the 2025/26 season on Friday, December 5, 2025. Shoshone and Huckleberry lifts will both be open on Friday, and Targhee reminds folks that early season conditions still exist. Henry Pepin and the Moguls will be playing at the Trap Bar for après on Friday and Saturday. Targhee also has more than two feet of snow in the forecast over the next 5 days, so the season should be off to a great start.

Related: An American Skier Just Podiumed at Beaver Creek, Colorado for the First Time In Years