As winter draws near and the first storms threaten the peaks of the Wasatch and beyond, skiers and riders across Utah are preparing for the 2025-26 season. With the moniker “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” Utah’s ski resorts do more than just open lifts — they signal the arrival of a full winter lifestyle. In this post, we’ll summarize the projected opening dates for many of Utah’s major ski resorts, discuss influencing factors (weather, snowmaking, elevation), and share tips on how to stay flexible in the face of Mother Nature. These dates are projected and subject to change; always check the resort’s official website closer to the season.

Projected Opening Dates – At a Glance

Below is a table of selected Utah resorts and their anticipated opening dates for the 2025-26 season.

What’s Driving These Dates?

1. Weather & Snowmaking
Despite Utah’s reputation for abundant snow, the actual opening of lifts is a blend of natural snowfall and snowmaking infrastructure. Many resorts begin prepping by making snow on early terrain when temperatures drop and humidity cooperates. But warm spells can delay the rollout. Recent warm conditions in early November have already pushed some resorts to adjust their target opening weeks.

2. Base and Elevation
Resorts with higher base elevations and existing snowmaking capacity can open earlier. For instance, Solitude’s earlier date reflects its ability to better leverage early cold and snowmaking windows.

3. Operational readiness
Besides the snow, ski resorts must ensure lifts, staffing, access roads, lodging, and guest services are ready — all of which can influence when the “green light” is given.

4. Market strategy
Opening earlier helps resorts capture early season visits and revenue, but there’s risk if conditions are marginal (thin cover, icy spots). Some resorts opt to wait a bit longer for more stable terrain and full services.

Planning Tips for Skiers and Riders

• Book early, but stay flexible. Season-passes and lodging deals often go live months ahead of opening — lock your spot early, but be ready for date changes.

• Monitor resort & weather updates. As the season approaches, keep an eye on the resort’s social channels and webcams. Delays tend to happen if warm weather has dominated.

• Consider early season vs. peak season trade-offs. Opening weeks may mean fewer lifts or terrain open — but also fewer crowds. If your priority is early turns, aim for resorts with earlier projected dates (Solitude, Alta, Brian Head, Park City).

• Location matters. If you’re in the Ogden Valley area, nearby resorts like Snowbasin provide a convenient option — their November 28 projected date could fit well.

• Gear prep now. Use the time before opening to tune skis/boards, check boots, and ensure you’re ready to hit the mountain as soon as the lifts spin.

Final Thoughts

The projected opening dates for Utah’s 2025-26 ski season show a spread from mid-November through mid-December, with the earliest play-opens (Solitude) and some resorts still to firm up their dates. As always, conditions are king — the snow, cold, and mountain-team readiness will set the final “go” date. If you’re planning a trip, staying ahead of the curve means booking early, staying flexible, and having your gear ready.