The Best Photos From Copper Mountain's 26/27 Opening Day

A Dry November in Colorado?

While Colorado has already seen some storms this season, the state is, for now, locked in a dry pattern with relatively mild weather and clear skies. Alongside Copper, Breckenridge delayed its opening and hasn’t yet started spinning its lifts (although snowmaking is underway). 

Forecasters, though, are keeping their eyes on a prospective pattern change towards the end of this week. While the details aren’t ironed out yet, that could mean widespread snow for the West, including Colorado, which would be a boon for resorts and eager skiers. 

To address the elephant in the room: yes, this November is a bit more nerve-wracking than usual given how last winter panned out for Colorado and other Western states. Even a hint of dry, sustained weather is enough to give many die-hard skiers the willies. 

If that’s you (it’s also us), we have some advice: keep reminding yourself, as often as you can, that it’s only November. There are days, weeks, and months to go before the 2026-27 season wraps up. We’re only getting started, and the bulk of resorts tend to open around the end of November.

In the meantime, a few other early season contenders are gradually coming online.

Arapahoe Basin and Keystone got the party started late last month—no surprise there—while Mammoth Mountain, California, and Mt. Rose, Nevada, began spinning their lifts more recently. Go take advantage if you’re in the neighborhood.

The 2026/27 print issue of POWDER Magazine is here. Click here to have a copy shipped to your front door. Copies can also be found on newsstands at major retailers like Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and more.