The opening dates for the 2026-27 ski season are set. Whether you are planning first turns, a Thanksgiving week in the mountains or a quiet December escape, here is what to know about opening day at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley, and what is new on each mountain this winter.
The Early Season at a Glance
Nov. 20Park City Mountain opening day
Nov. 27Canyons Village tree lighting
Dec. 5Deer Valley opening day
Dec. 20Santa rides down Town Lift
Dec. 24Canyons Village torchlight parade
Jan. 21 to 23The Snow League at Park City Mountain
Opening dates are targets, conditions permitting. Sources: Vail Resorts, Park Record.
What Is New at Park City Mountain
The biggest change is at Canyons Village. The new Canyons Village Skyway, a 10-person gondola, replaces the open-air Cabriolet and carries skiers from the new covered parking structure to the Canyons Village Forum, as described by the Deseret News. The rebuilt 22-foot Eagle Superpipe will host Shaun White’s The Snow League in January, then stay open to the public, per TownLift.
A note on parking: reservations are required before noon at the Mountain Village base, and the Canyons Village garage is $29 a day before noon. Carpools of four or more park free, and parking is free after noon at both. The easiest answer is a home within walking distance of the lifts, or a ride arranged by our concierge.
What Is New at Deer Valley
Deer Valley’s expansion continues. The new Hail Peak Express opens in the East Village area, adding 200 skiable acres and seven new runs, and bringing the resort to 32 lifts and roughly 4,500 acres, according to KPCW. A new 10-million-gallon reservoir supports expanded snowmaking, which helps early season terrain. The Park Peak and East Village lodges are still under construction and are slated to open for the 2027-28 season.
Epic or Ikon?
Park City Mountain
Epic Pass
Unlimited access on the full Epic Pass. The Epic Local Pass includes Park City with some holiday blackout dates.
Deer Valley
Ikon Pass
Seven days on the full Ikon Pass, with lift reservations required. The Ikon Base Pass does not include Deer Valley.
Source: Ski Utah. Buying daily tickets instead? Buy online, in advance.
Is Early Season Worth It?
Early season has its own charm: a calmer Main Street, the first holiday lights and the pleasure of being among the first on the mountain. The trade off is terrain, since opening day usually means a limited number of groomed runs on machine-made snow, with more opening as storms arrive. Forecasters are discussing a strong El Niño this winter, but the Salt Lake Tribune notes its heaviest moisture is not expected in Utah until January.
Our favorite windows are Thanksgiving week, for a few relaxed ski days, a holiday meal at home and the tree lighting the next evening, and early to mid December, after Deer Valley opens and before the holiday rush.
In early season, where you stay matters most. The best days are the ones where you can slip out for a few runs and be home for lunch.
Where to Stay for the Start of Winter
Deer Valley, Empire Pass. Empire Summit at The Grand Lodge and Maison Moose at Arrowleaf are both ski-in/ski-out. At The Grand Lodge you walk out the double doors and onto the slopes. See the Deer Valley collection.
Canyons Village, Westgate. In the heart of the village, close to the new Skyway and the holiday events, and a natural base for Park City Mountain.
Park City Mountain base. Homes at the Lodge at Mountain Village and Silver Star put you close to the lifts.
Tollgate Canyon and Morgan. Space, quiet and wide views beyond town. In winter, Tollgate Canyon requires an AWD or 4WD vehicle with snow tires, and snow chains are required.
Every slopeside home is on our ski-in/ski-out page.
Nestique Concierge
Arrive to a house that is ready for you.
Ski rentals delivered to the door, a stocked kitchen, a private chef for a holiday dinner and transportation from Salt Lake City, arranged before you land.
