VAIL, Colo. — November 13, 2026 — Vail Mountain today kicked off the 2026/27 winter season, welcoming skiers and riders back for another winter of unforgettable experiences that make Vail like no place on earth. Guests enjoyed free pastries, gear giveaways and music throughout the morning, with DJ Pippen bringing the energy for the first day of Vail’s winter season.
“Opening Day is always an exciting moment for our mountain and our community,” said Shaydar Edelmann, COO of Vail Mountain. “It’s an important milestone for the local businesses, employees and community members who spend months preparing to welcome guests back to the mountain. We’re extremely proud of the tremendous efforts our teams have put in to open and get the season underway.”
Starting today, Vail Mountain begins daily winter operations, with intermediate skiing and riding available on Ramshorn, accessible via Gondola One and Mountaintop Express. Gondola One will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For Opening Day, a hike-to terrain park is also available at the top of Mountaintop Express. Snowmaking and mountain preparations will continue, and the resort will open beginner terrain as soon as conditions allow.
“We’re just getting started, and there’s so much to look forward to this winter,” said Edelmann. “As temperatures continue to drop in the coming days, we’re eager to take advantage of every snowmaking opportunity and continue opening terrain as conditions allow.
Opening Day is just the beginning of what’s in store at Vail, with an exciting lineup of events, live music, returning traditions and new experiences still to come this winter. Here are just a few events and activities guests can look forward to:
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Kris Kringle Market (Dec. 10–13): Four days of holiday cheer come to Vail Village and Lionshead Village, with festive shopping, live Austrian musical entertainment, visits with Santa Claus and après festivities with Skier Santa. The market takes place along Willow Bridge Road in Vail Village and from the bus stop to the playground in Lionshead Village, with hours varying by day. It’s an opportunity to explore both villages, discover unique gifts and celebrate the holiday season.
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Après All Day (Dec. 11 – Apr. 11): Après All Day returns to Express Lift at the base of Gondola One, nearly doubling in size from last season with more than 50 performing artists throughout the winter. In collaboration with Vail Mountain partner Outer Range Brewing, live DJs take over Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., bringing even more energy to Vail’s legendary après-ski scene.
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ILLENIUM at Dobson Arena (Dec. 11): GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum artist ILLENIUM headlines a marquee performance at the newly transformed Dobson Arena, kicking off Vail’s biggest music season yet. Dobson Arena pairs more than 56,000 square feet of space and state-of-the-art production capabilities with unmistakable alpine character, creating a concert experience unlike any other in the Rockies.
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Dine with the Dogs (Dec. 20 – Mar. 28): Meet Vail’s four-legged mountain employees at Dine with the Dogs at Henry’s Hut, held every Sunday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Guests can spend time with Vail’s avalanche dogs and their handlers while learning about the important role these hardworking team members play in mountain safety.
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Seven Mountaintop Pop-Ups (throughout the season): Following the success of last season’s first-ever sunrise concert beneath the Legendary Back Bowls sign, Vail is continuing to push the boundaries of what an alpine music experience can be. This winter, guests can look forward to more surprise performances than ever, new venues and mountain activations featuring globally recognized artists in unexpected locations.
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Vail Ice Bar (throughout the season): A beloved Vail tradition returns. Located next to the Legendary Back Bowls Gate, the reimagined Vail Ice Bar blends alpine nostalgia with a lively outdoor gathering space for drinks, music and après in the heart of Vail Mountain.
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Après Unlimited (throughout the season): This roaming DJ series brings the party to a different spot on Vail Mountain throughout the season. From sunny patio afternoons to tucked-away mountain decks, each location will be selected based on conditions and what’s happening around the mountain. Wherever it lands, expect live DJs, mountain views and a featured LALO Tequila cocktail.
Additional events and experiences will be announced throughout the season. Follow @VailMtn for the latest announcements.
Get Your Epic Pass Before Prices Go Up after Nov. 15
Following Vail Mountain's opening, skiers and riders now have three Colorado resorts on the Epic Pass to choose from, with more to follow. Epic Passes are available now, but only for a limited time, and prices go up after Nov. 15. Young Adults get 20% off Epic Passes. Visit EpicPass.com for more information and to purchase.
Media Contacts:
Lee Nielsen, lee.v.nielsen@vailresorts.com
Margaret Fenniman, margaret.a.fenniman@vailresorts.com
Opening Day Images and Video Approved for Media Use Available HERE
About Vail Mountain
Vail Mountain spans more than 5,300 acres of terrain, including the Legendary Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. Founded in 1962, Vail is one of the world's premier mountain destinations and a part of the Vail Resorts network connected by the Epic Pass. For more information, visit Vail.com