November In Colorado Ski Count...

Your November 2026 guide to events, activities, and a little early-season fun

November is here, and Colorado's ski season is officially underway. Arapahoe Basin got things started in late October, and more resorts are preparing to open throughout the month. There's a lot happening in the meantime, including ski movies, Thanksgiving traditions, and the return of World Cup racing to Copper Mountain.

The Season Picks Up Steam

Arapahoe Basin welcomed skiers and riders for Colorado's 2026-27 season on October 28, and more Colorado Ski Country USA resorts are preparing to follow (including Loveland Ski Area, set to open Nov 7!).

Steamboat is targeting November 21, with its traditional Champagne Powder® Snow Bell ringing, morning treats, and giveaways for early arrivals. Granby Ranch is planning to open November 25, followed by Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Telluride on Thanksgiving Day. Howelsen Hill, which has been operating since 1915, plans to begin its 111th season November 28.

Aspen Snowmass is keeping the opening weekend festivities going on November 28, with afternoon après parties at the Sundeck on Aspen Mountain and Elk Camp on Snowmass. There will be live music, DJs, and food and drink specials to mark the start of another season.

As always, opening dates depend on weather and conditions. Check the CSCUSA Snow Report for the latest updates.

Some Reasons to Gather

Before there were weather forecasts in our pockets and powder-day group chats, there were ski films to get everyone thinking about winter. That tradition is alive and well in Colorado.

Warren Miller's 77th annual ski film, Days Off, is making several stops this month. Monarch Mountain is hosting a screening at the SteamPlant Theater in Salida on November 7. That same evening, Sunlight Mountain Resort is showing the film at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue, with proceeds supporting the Sunlight Winter Sports Club. Cooper joins the fun November 20 with a screening at the Cooper Lodge.

Monarch is also hosting a History & Snow Dance Party at Salida's Victoria Tavern on November 20. There's a presentation on the mountain's history, music, drink specials, and prizes for vintage ski outfits. Whether the snow dance works remains to be seen, but we're certainly willing to give it a try.

And in Grand Junction, Powderhorn is bringing skiers and riders together for its Amped to Open! movie night at Colorado Mesa University on November 11.

The World's Fastest Skiers Return to Copper

The Stifel Copper Cup takes place November 27-29, bringing men's FIS Alpine Ski World Cup racing back to Copper 50 years after the resort first hosted the competition in 1976.

The world's top racers will take on Super-G on November 28 and giant slalom on November 29. Spectating is free, and Copper has planned a weekend of music, fireworks, and festivities around the races, including Saturday evening performances by Jon Foreman and O.A.R.

Those hoping to do a little competing themselves have options, too.

Winter Park's Send'er November returns with three Saturdays of early-season antics: a Poker Run on November 14, Duck Day on November 21, and Mini Mary Jane Moguls Freeride on November 28. Yes, Duck Day involves skiing in duck costumes.

At Arapahoe Basin, uphill enthusiasts can get their hearts pumping at the Rise N' Shine Rando Series on November 10 and 24, or opt for a more leisurely morning at the Uphill & Chill Breakfast on November 13. Loveland is also hosting a Bishop Telemark Demo Day on November 24, giving freeheel skiers an opportunity to try out some new equipment.

Thanksgiving at Altitude

Thanksgiving is November 26, which means there's a good chance some Colorado skiers will arrive at dinner still wearing their base layers.

Arapahoe Basin is bringing back its Thanksgiving morning Uphill Turkey Trot, inviting participants to skin or hike to Black Mountain Lodge before heading home for the holiday.

If you're planning to spend Thanksgiving in the mountains, several resorts are taking dinner reservations. Granby Ranch will host its third annual Thanksgiving buffet at Bluebird Bistro. Purgatory is serving dinner at Purgy's, while Winter Park has a Thanksgiving buffet planned at Sunspot, reached by gondola.

Winter Park's holiday celebrations also get underway November 28 with Deck the Slopes, bringing lights, music, family activities, and planned drone shows to the resort.

More on the November Calendar

Powderhorn is participating in the National Ski Patrol Ski Swap at the Mesa County Fairgrounds November 6-7, a chance to find some new-to-you gear while supporting ski patrol.

Loveland is visiting several Front Range gear shops and winter kickoff events throughout the month, including PowderPalooza at Après Govnr's Park in Denver on November 14. Its final pass sale event is November 20-22 at Larson's Ski & Sport in Wheat Ridge.

And at Howelsen Hill, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club's annual Turkey Jam returns November 20. The free rail jam is open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities, with music and prizes throughout the evening.

Don't Put Off Your Winter Plans

If your season pass or lift tickets are still on the to-do list, November is a good time to cross them off.

Many resorts have already moved through their earliest sales periods, but more price increases and purchase deadlines are approaching. Telluride's winter season-pass sale ends November 15, and Loveland's unrestricted 4-Paks are available through November 22.

Planning ahead can also help with lift tickets, rentals, and lessons, particularly if you've got a holiday trip or a few family ski days in mind.

Check resort websites and social media channels for the latest pricing, offers, and deadline announcements, as these vary by mountain and can change throughout the season.

The first turns of winter are already behind us… here's to many, many more!