Here’s what Colorado ski resorts are planning terrain expansions, lift upgrades, and other improvements for the 2025-26 season

Snow has started to fall in Colorado’s mountains, and with the winter season just around the corner, ski resorts are putting the final touches on new projects.

Monarch Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, Aspen-Snowmass, Copper Mountain, and Keystone Resort are among the ski resorts that have made capital improvements this summer that are expected to open for the 2025-26 season.

Here’s a look at what new improvements skiers and riders can expect this winter at Colorado ski resorts:

Monarch Mountain

Monarch Mountain plans to open a 377-acre expansion with 10-12 new named runs during the 2025-26 season, according to the ski area’s website.

The terrain will feature 1,000 vertical feet with a variety of options, including intermediate and advanced trails with groomed, bump, and gladed sections accessed by a three-person fixed-grip lift, its website states. Additionally, the expansion will include a warming hut for guest and vault toilets.

Loveland Ski Area

Loveland Ski Area has two projects launching this season: a new lift in Loveland Valley and the enhancement of a beginner trail and family ski zone.

In Loveland Valley, a brand-new Lift 7 will debut this winter, Loveland Ski Area Director of Marketing Lloryn Roberson said. The new chair has been upgraded from a 42-year-old double chair to a fixed-grip triple chair. 

The new triple chair is wider than a standard triple, offering more space and comfort for beginners as they learn to load and ride, Roberson said. The upgrade will improve the flow of the ski area’s Ski & Ride School and beginner terrain access, he said.

The ski area has also enhanced its Zig Zag Trail located in Loveland Valley, making it “an ideal beginner and family-friendly ski zone,” she said. Through some tree removal and subtle trail regrading, the trail will offer wider turns, a smoother grade, and create an improved learning zone for families, beginners, and Ski & Ride School guests, he said.

Snowmass

At Snowmass, a new chairlift and a new T-Bar lift are expected to open for the 2025-26 winter season.

The Elk Camp Chairlift at Snowmass is being upgraded to a high-speed six-pack, Aspen Skiing Company Senior Manager of Brand Communications Janelle Sohner said in an email; the new lift “will significantly reduce wait times at one of Snowmass’ most popular chairlifts.” It will also increase bike-carrying capacity during summer months.

The Elk Camp Restaurant at Snowmass will also open a new 120-seat deck on its east side. The expansion faces the Elk Camp Chair, offering mountain views and an “innovative umbrella and glass wall system” that provides climate control in varying weather conditions.

Snowmass is also replacing the Cirque platter lift with a new T-bar lift. The Cirque is one of the highest lifts in North America and accesses “some of Snowmass’ best extreme high-Alpine terrain,” Sohner said. The lift replacement will reduce wait times by effectively doubling the capacity, she said.

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain this summer kicked off a multi-year snowmaking modernization project.

Copper Mountain Communications Manager Olivia Butrymovich said the snowmaking improvements this summer were focused on the east and center sides of the resort. Nine trails have received some level of snowmaking improvements, with the bulk of the improvements focused on the Fairplay, Main Vein and Rosi’s Run trails, she added.

The work involves installing new fan guns and modernization of towers and hydrants with more efficient semi-automatic systems, she said. These enhancements will support terrain used for the Stifel Copper Cup World Cup races, early-season race training, Central Park, and the Superpipe, while also improving early-season access and snow quality for the public, she said.

Keystone Resort

Keystone Resort plans to open Kindred Resort — a luxury development with ski-in, ski-out residences, a hotel, and other amenities — this season, according to Keystone Resort Senior Communications Manager Max Winter.

Kindred Resort, located just steps from the River Run Gondola, will also include a year-round heated pool with a patio cocktail service, four new dining options, valet parking, valet ski and bike storage, and a high-end full-service spa, Winter said.

The new development will also become Keystone Ski & Ride School’s new home base, with resort retail and rental shops where guests can pick up gear, he said.