Colorado is known for its beautiful landscapes, breathtaking mountain views and excellent ski resorts. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, Colorado has something for everyone. With so many ski resorts to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best ski resorts in Colorado, what makes them special, and what you can expect when you visit.
Aspen Snowmass
Aspen is perhaps the best-known ski resort in Colorado and for a good reason- there’s something here for everyone. With over 5,500 acres of varied terrain, including four different mountains- Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands, this resort offers some of the best skiing experiences in the state. Aspen Snowmass is best known for its challenging and diverse ski terrain, but there are also plenty of options for beginners. The resort has excellent accommodations, excellent dining options, and luxurious spas.
Vail
Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States, with more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain. It features seven bowls, 31 chairlifts, and three distinct villages- Vail, Lionshead and Golden Peak. Vail is an excellent destination for intermediate to advanced skiers. If you are looking for a challenging experience, check out the Blue Sky Basin area of the resort. Vail has some of the world’s best ski instructors and excellent accommodations that range from affordable to luxurious.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s best ski resorts for a reason. It’s the perfect place for families, beginners, and advanced skiers alike. With over 2,900 acres of terrain, the resort offers 34 lifts and more than 180 trails. Breckenridge is well known for its family-friendly skiing, but it also has excellent terrain parks and challenging runs. You can stay in a wide variety of accommodations ranging from inexpensive motels to luxurious mountain villas.
Keystone
Keystone is another excellent ski resort that has something to offer everyone. It’s located about 90 minutes west of Denver and features over 3,100 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains: Dercum Mountain, the Outback, and North Peak. Keystone is known for its excellent family-friendly environment, with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, such as Kidtopia- a snow fort, ice skating, and a tubing hill. But there’s also excellent ski terrain and vast night skiing options.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is a premier luxury ski resort in Colorado. It offers more than 1,800 acres of skiable terrain, seven high-speed chairlifts, and 150 trails, making it an excellent destination for intermediate to advanced skiers. Beaver Creek is one of the most beautiful resorts, with exceptional service, fine dining, and diverse accommodations to fit any budget.
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain is a reasonably priced and family-friendly resort located in Summit County, west of Denver. It has 2,450 skiable acres across three mountains, with diverse terrain suitable for all levels of skiing experience. The resort has excellent amenities, including an ice-skating rink, tube hills, free snowcat skiing, and one of the best parks in Colorado.
Telluride
Telluride Ski Resort is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, offering over 2,000 skiable acres, 18 lifts, and 148 ski trails. Its terrain is diverse, with challenging slopes for experts and long groomed runs for beginners. If you need a break from skiing, take the picturesque gondola into downtown Telluride. Telluride is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Colorado, features excellent lodging, dining, and makes for an excellent destination for couples or a romantic getaway.
Steamboat
If you are looking for a ski resort that’s known for its powder, consider Steamboat. Steamboat is located in the Yampa Valley and offers over 2,900 skiable acres across six peaks. Steamboat is best known for its famous Champagne Powder, which is lightweight and fluffy, making for excellent skiing conditions. The resort has plenty of lodging, family-friendly activities, and excellent dining options.
Winter Park
Winter Park is an affordable family-friendly resort located near Denver. It offers over 3,000 skiable acres, two distinct mountains- Winter Park and Mary Jane, and over 150 trails. The resort is best for intermediate to advanced skiers, with a bounty of black diamond and mogul runs. Winter Park is an excellent place for families, with plenty of activities such as ice-skating, tubing, and many more.
Conclusion
Colorado’s ski resorts offer something unique to everyone, from family-friendly fun to challenging skiing terrain, and luxurious amenities. With so many resorts to choose from, there’s no reason not to plan your next ski vacation in Colorado. Whether you are an experienced skier or just learning, Colorado’s ski resorts are waiting for you.