Here’s when Colorado’s ski resorts are opening for the 2020-21 season
DENVER (KRDO) -- Several of Colorado's ski resorts are reopening this weekend, albeit with some increased precautions as COVID-19 cases rise.
Many of the state's ski areas and resorts will follow guidelines approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The state health department says masks will be required in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, but outdoor distanced activities like skiing and snowboarding can be exempt. Most of the resorts will also encourage social distancing and limit capacity for ski lifts and gondolas.
Many of the resorts will also require visitors to first make a reservation before arriving at the mountain. Skiers should check each resort's COVID-19 guidelines before arriving.
Below is a list of when popular ski areas and resorts in Colorado will be opening.
VAIL MOUNTAIN
Vail will be opening on Nov. 20. Pass holders will be able to make as many week-of-reservations as their pass type and availability allow.
BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT
Breckenridge is reopening Friday, Nov. 13 exclusively for pass holders through Dec. 7. Reservations will be required and can be booked starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
COPPER MOUNTAIN
Copper Mountain says it is opening on Nov. 30 to ensure that more areas are available for social distancing. Passholders and single-day visitors will need to reserve a parking space online.
ASPEN SKI AREA
Snowmass and Aspen Mountain will open earlier on Nov. 26. After that, the Aspen Highlands will open next on Dec. 12. The Buttermilk area is slated to open last on Dec. 18.
No reservation system is currently in place.
KEYSTONE RESORT
The ski resort opened Nov. 6 and is slowly expanding the areas that are available for riders. Reservations are required and have been filling up quickly.
ARAPAHOE BASIN
The slopes are already open at Arapahoe Basin. As of this article's writing, no reservations are required. However, only the High Noon and Banana Terrain Park areas are open. There's currently no beginner terrain.
MONARCH MOUNTAIN
Monarch is welcoming people to its slopes starting Friday, Nov. 20. Passholders for the upcoming season will have access to the lifts any day and no reservations are needed.
Editor's note: Cases are rising steadily throughout Colorado and each county or ski resort may adjust its guidelines. Check the resort's website often ahead of your planned visit.
