Arizona, Colorado Resorts Start 2026-27 Snowmaking

Ski resorts in Arizona and Colorado have begun making snow for the 2026–27 season after cold temperatures created favorable conditions. Arizona Snowbowl started on October 13 and is targeting a November 20 opening, while Colorado’s Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Loveland have also started work as they vie to open first, potentially by late October or early November if weather allows. Loveland is building a base for its first run, and resorts say modern snowmaking systems and, in Keystone’s case, regulated water sources help manage resource use even amid dry conditions. Early snow and the possibility of a wetter El Niño winter have raised hopes for stronger ski tourism, though warmer weather could interrupt snowmaking.