Copper Mountain Fires Up Snow Guns as Ski Season Approaches
It may still feel like summer in Denver, but high in the Rockies, winter is already making its first appearance. Copper Mountain announced that as of October 1, its snow guns are officially running, marking the unofficial start of Colorado’s 2025–26 ski season. The resort, which plans to open on November 7, is already laying down the first layers of man-made snow while many other ski areas remain quiet about their snowmaking efforts.
For now, many Coloradans are still chasing fall colors, with leaf-peepers crowding mountain towns to catch the last of the golden aspens. In Denver, temperatures are holding in the mid-80s—near record-breaking warmth for early October. But a cooldown is on the way, with highs expected to dip into the 60s by the weekend, bringing a more seasonal feel. The mountains have already seen the first dustings of natural snow, teasing what’s to come.
Snowmaking is a science as much as it is an art, requiring the perfect “wet bulb temperature”—a mix of cold air and low humidity. When those conditions align, snowmakers blast water into the air, letting it crystallize into snow before it hits the ground. Crews then move equipment around the slopes to ensure a smooth, skiable surface.
This season, Copper isn’t just focused on snowmaking. Back in March, the resort announced major upgrades, including six new lifts and expanded terrain access, all aimed at making the skier and snowboarder experience smoother and faster.
So while the Front Range still feels like late summer, at Copper Mountain, winter is already in full swing.
