Beaver Creek Opening Day 2026: Wednesday, November 25

Skiers riding a chairlift through snowy pines (stock photo, not Beaver Creek) · Photo: Yevgen Buzuk via Pexels

• When: Wednesday, November 25, 2026 (planned, subject to weather and conditions); Cookie Competition 1 to 5 pm
• Where: Beaver Creek Village, Beaver Creek, CO 81620
• Cost: Free hot chocolate, cookies and music; a lift ticket or Epic Pass is needed to ski or ride
• Organizer: Beaver Creek Resort (Vail Resorts)

Official Event Page

Beaver Creek plans to open for the 2026-27 ski season on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, the day before Thanksgiving. The resort is marking it with a Chair 6 banner break at the top of Centennial Lift, free hot chocolate and Beaver Creek cookies, swag for early arrivals and live music from DJ Pippen. Like every opening date, it depends on weather and conditions.

When does Beaver Creek open for the 2026-27 season?

Opening day is Wednesday, November 25, 2026, according to Beaver Creek's signature events page and Vail Resorts' winter 2026/27 Beaver Creek guide. That is twelve days after Vail Mountain opening day on November 13. How much terrain is open on day one depends on natural snow and snowmaking, so check the resort's lift and terrain report that morning. Our Vail opening and closing dates guide has the bigger picture for the season.

What happens at Beaver Creek on opening day?

Vail Resorts lists these opening day touches for 2026:

• A Chair 6 banner break at the top of Centennial Lift
• Free hot chocolate and Beaver Creek cookies
• Swag for early arrivals
• Live music from DJ Pippen
• Surprise treats tucked into gondola cars

How does the Beaver Creek Cookie Competition work?

From 1 to 5 pm on opening day, five finalists compete for the best chocolate chip cookie. Guests can check in to become official judges, taste the finalists and vote. Kids can sign on as Judges in Training. Judge spots are limited, so arrive early if you want one.

Do you need a lift ticket on opening day?

Yes, if you want to ski or ride. You need a lift ticket or an Epic Pass. DJ Pippen plays at the base, so friends who are not skiing can still join the party.

What else is on during opening week?

Beaver Creek runs opening week celebrations through the Thanksgiving weekend, including a Holiday Market on November 27 and 28 and a Retro Skate Party on the village ice rink on Saturday, November 28. The resort's tree lighting is also planned for that weekend; check the signature events page for the final date. If you are based in Vail, see how far Beaver Creek is from Vail and how to get between Beaver Creek and Vail. For a side-by-side look at the two resorts, read how Beaver Creek compares to Vail.

Where to stay for Beaver Creek opening day

Compare Beaver Creek hotels for November 24 to 26 on Expedia, or base yourself in Vail with Vail hotels for the same nights. Our Beaver Creek lodging guide covers the main areas to stay. For more ideas that month, see what to do in Vail in November.

Details checked against Beaver Creek's signature events page and Vail Resorts' Complete Guide to Beaver Creek: Winter 2026/27 on November 2, 2026. Dates and times can change; confirm with the organizer before you go.