Aspen Snowmass Celebrates Opening Day of 2025-26 Ski Season with Discounts and Festivities

Published on November 28, 2025

Aspen Snowmass officially kicks off the 2025-26 ski season with Aspen Mountain and Snowmass now open for skiing, snowboarding, and Thanksgiving festivities. The opening day will feature a variety of exciting events, including a first chair celebration and a complimentary pancake breakfast. With a combination of natural snowfall and extensive snowmaking efforts, the resort is ready to welcome guests back to the slopes for what promises to be another incredible season of skiing and snowboarding in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado

Early Season Terrain and Lift Operations

Aspen Mountain will open select terrain on the upper mountain, including Dipsy Doodle and Silver Bell, which will be serviced by the Silver Queen Gondola and Ajax Express. Due to early-season conditions, top-to-bottom skiing will not be available, and all skiers and riders will need to download via the Silver Queen Gondola. The gondola will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, offering guests scenic rides, sightseeing access, and transportation up and down the mountain.

On the Snowmass side, the Meadows beginner terrain area will be open, serviced by the Elk Camp Gondola and Meadows Lift. The Elk Camp Gondola will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for uploading and downloading, with the last download scheduled at 4 p.m. The Snowmass Sky Cab will also be operating daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing transportation between Snowmass Village and Snowmass Mall.

Guests are advised that early season conditions exist, so they should ski carefully, stay alert, and follow all trail closures. Additional terrain and lifts will open as conditions allow, so visitors can stay updated by downloading the Aspen Snowmass app or visiting the official website for real-time updates.

Discounted Lift Tickets and Season Passes

To celebrate the start of the 2025-26 season, Aspen Mountain will offer discounted lift ticket pricing from November 27-30. Adult lift tickets will be priced at $119 (35% off regular in-season rates), while child, teen, and senior tickets will be available for $81 (37% off). Once top-to-bottom terrain becomes available on Aspen Mountain, pricing will transition to regular early-season rates.

Ski & Snowboard Rentals, Retail, and Dining

Ski and snowboard rentals will be available at Four Mountain Sports locations in Aspen and Snowmass starting November 26, offering full-service rentals, retail, and ski tuning from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Aspen Collection retail locations at Aspen Gondola Plaza and Snowmass Base Village will also be open, catering to all your ski needs.

Dining options on opening day will include:

• Aspen Mountain:
  • Sundeck open from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for food and drinks
  • Ajax Tavern will serve lunch starting at 11:30 a.m.
• Snowmass:
  • Elk Camp open from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ski Season Kickoff Events and Celebrations

To mark the official start of the 2025-26 ski season, Aspen Snowmass will host a series of events at both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass. On Friday, Nov. 28, the Snowmass Opening Party will take place from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Elk Camp restaurant, featuring a holiday sweater contest with prizes. On Saturday, Nov. 29, the Aspen Mountain Opening Party will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sundeck, offering more festive fun and live music.

The opening festivities will include music by DJ Ryan Golbus, festive food specials, and signature Aspen Vodka cocktails. Guests will also enjoy free foot-passenger gondola access beginning at 1 p.m. for both events.

Uphilling and Season Preparations

While early-season preparations continue, uphilling will remain closed until further notice. Once open, uphill passes will be required at all times, and guests are reminded to follow designated routes and check the Aspen Snowmass app for updates on uphill status and route information.

Conclusion: A Thrilling Start to the Ski Season at Aspen Snowmass

The 2025-26 ski season at Aspen Snowmass is off to an exciting start, promising a winter filled with adventure, stunning mountain views, and world-class experiences for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From early-season discounts on lift tickets to new terrain openings and the resort’s celebratory events, the resort is setting the stage for a memorable winter season. The combination of state-of-the-art snowmaking, improved guest amenities, and a rich calendar of festive activities ensures that Aspen Snowmass will continue to be a leading destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Whether you’re an avid skier looking to explore new runs, a first-time visitor experiencing the slopes, or a family looking to enjoy the mountain’s festive spirit, Aspen Snowmass caters to all kinds of visitors. The discounted lift tickets make it an affordable option for families, while the resort’s range of luxury services and exclusive events provides a top-tier experience for those seeking a more upscale getaway. Guests can also expect exceptional customer service, as the resort’s staff are committed to ensuring every visitor’s stay is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

As the season progresses, Aspen Snowmass will continue to offer new attractions and upgraded amenities, further enhancing its reputation as one of the best ski resorts in North America. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, there is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained, from skiing and snowboarding to fine dining, spas, and après-ski celebrations. As the snow continues to fall, Aspen Snowmass is sure to remain a premier winter destination that promises a memorable and exciting experience for all guests.