Arapahoe Basin announced an October 28 start to its 2026–27 ski season, with Black Mountain Express scheduled to begin carrying skiers and snowboarders at 11 a.m. Mountain time.
Initial access is limited to High Noon, an intermediate run. The opening announcement does not mean the resort’s full terrain is available. The ski area said snowmaking would continue and additional terrain would open as conditions permit.
The Denver Gazette reported that Black Mountain Express would operate until 4 p.m. daily. Ikon Pass owner Alterra Mountain Company said Arapahoe Basin planned seven-day operations for the remainder of the season.
The opening also marks the ski area’s 80th winter. Alterra’s announcement said both full Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders have unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin this season.
Parking reservations are not required during the early season, according to the resort announcement reported by Powder. Its stated reservation period covers Saturdays and Sundays from January 2 through May 2, 2027.
These are the operating arrangements announced for the opening. Expanded terrain remains dependent on mountain conditions, rather than a fixed opening schedule for every run.
Sources Denver Gazette: https://www.denvergazette.com/outtherecolorado/2026/10/28/colorados-ski-season-opens-today-at-arapahoe-basin/ Alterra Mountain Company release through Business Wire, carried by Yahoo Finance: https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/happening-ikon-pass-winter-26-143000829.html Powder: https://www.powder.com/news/arapahoe-basin-colorado-opening-day-ski-2026