Ski Resort Opening Dates 2025/26 - The Snow is Falling!

With hints of a weak La Niña weather pattern (a climate pattern that results in cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean), which often means increased snowfall, we're super excited for what this season might have in store.

So, we've done the research and rounded up resort opening dates and where the snow is already falling across Norway, Sweden, Japan, Canada and the USA. Most resorts don't track snowfall until they open, but we've scoured the web for the best snowy photos, and it's safe to say winter has arrived with gusto!

Here's to a great season ahead - the initial signs are looking very promising!

If the snowfall has tempted you and you're ready to book your ski holiday, call our friendly and knowledgeable team on 01273 224060 or enquire online.

The snow generally falls quite early across Canada, and this year is no different. It's falling fast and hard - which is all the more exciting with reports and forecasts all indicating this winter could be seriously deep.

In fact, the lifts are already spinning in Banff and Lake Louise, with some heavy dumpings throughout the rest of the country, particularly in British Columbia. We're trying not to get too far ahead of ourselves... but even the pessimists in the office have their hopes set high for what looks to be an unforgettable Canadian ski season. We were skiing deep early-season snow in Whistler last year, and we can't wait to head back out there again soon.

Resorts in Canada tend to open around late November, but this can change. Some resorts will receive heaps of snow earlier than expected and open the gates for the locals to play in the pow!

OPEN! - Banff Sunshine Village (opened 02 Nov)

OPEN! - Lake Louise (opened 02 Nov)

08 Nov - Mt. Norquay

21 Nov - Whistler

22 Nov - Sun Peaks, Marmot Basin

27 Nov - Big White

28 Nov - Fernie, SilverStar, Tremblant

29 Nov - Revelstoke

05 Dec - Castle Mountain, Panorama

06 Dec - Whitewater, RED

12 Dec - Kicking Horse, Kimberley

Resorts in Norway tend to open in early December after November snowfall and snowmaking creates a solid base. We're already seeing plenty of snow dustings painting the mountains white, which is an excellent sign early on.

By mid to late December, when Brits start to travel, you can expect full snow coverage. Last year in December, we skied pockets of powder in Beito and carved Geilo's wide, empty groomers.

Once the snow has landed in Norway, it doesn’t shift for months - and of course, there's frequent top-ups and world-class snowmaking. In fact, the snow was still excellent on our end-of-season team ski trip to Narvik in late April - read Andy's trip report to see more.

22 Nov - Geilo

28 Nov - Myrkdalen

29 Nov - Beito, Gausta, Hafjell, Kvitfjell

06 Dec - Hemsedal, Norefjell, Trysil

13 Dec - Voss

19 Dec - Narvik

Japan is famed for its deep powder, known as 'Japow'. There will be plenty more this winter, with fresh snow already blessing the mountains.

The last weekend of November is the prime time for resorts to open - and you can expect the snow to start falling heavily from then onwards. We'll be keeping a keen eye on the snowfall in Japan, as we're heading out for 10 days in early December. We can't wait!

29 Nov - Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Nozawa Onsen

30 Nov - Furano 

01 Dec - Hakuba

The USA is no stranger to early snow, often seeing some of the highest totals and earliest openings in November. First tracks have already been made in Winter Park, where the base is already a solid 46cm.

Most resorts wait until late November to open, but that doesn't mean the snow isn't already falling. Jackson Hole's summit has already been smothered by 91cm.

OPEN! - Winter Park (opened 31 Oct)

07 Nov - Breckenridge

14 Nov - Mt Hood Meadows, Vail, Mammoth

21 Nov - Schweitzer, Palisades Tahoe, Heavenly, Park City

22 Nov - Steamboat

26 Nov - Beaver Creek, Crested Butte, Big Sky

28 Nov - Jackson Hole, Mt Bachelor, Aspen Snowmass

29 Nov - Alyeska, Snowbird, Snowbasin

01 Dec - Deer Valley

12 Dec - Powder Mountain

19 Dec - Mt Hood Ski Bowl

Sweden is a little different, as resorts tend to open a bit later. That's particularly true in the two off-piste havens, Riksgränsen and Björkliden, as they don't open until February 2026 due to the light and ensuring a safe and secure snow base in the backcountry.

This doesn't mean that the snow doesn't fall beforehand - Åre has already seen some dustings and will open in December. We're expecting the snow to ramp up in November as it prepares for opening day.

11 Dec - Åre, Stöten

20 Feb - Björkliden, Riksgränsen

All this talk of snowfall convinced you to head to the mountains? Wherever it is you're considering, we've skied there. We use our first-hand experience to help you choose the right resort for you.

Call us on 01273 224060 or enquire online to get the ball rolling. For all things snow and skiing, follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook. To stay up to date with our latest tips and offers, subscribe to our newsletter.