10+ Top Colorado Ski Resorts Best Places to Visit – While you consider Colorado, glowing ski slopes and epic terrain parks may come to thoughts. The Centennial State is understood for its world-class ski resorts, from picturesque Telluride to the quintessential ski city of Steamboat Springs. You do not have to hit the slopes to take pleasure in all {that a} Colorado ski resort has to supply, both: Many ski resorts embrace luxurious ski-in/ski-out lodging choices, bars and eating places excellent for an après-ski, and enjoyable family-friendly actions like snowmobiling and dog-sledding.
Earlier than planning your subsequent Colorado ski journey, you may must establish your expertise stage and decide which passes or tickets to purchase.
(Be aware: A few of the following ski resorts and places could also be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New insurance policies could also be in place, together with necessities for proof of vaccination, capability restrictions, reservation necessities or masks mandates. Verify along with your chosen institution and the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention earlier than your go to.)
Top Colorado Ski Resorts Best Places to Visit
Expertise stage
The problem of a ski run is commonly classed by coloration: Inexperienced runs are broad and simple, blue runs are barely steeper and reasonably troublesome, black diamonds are steep and troublesome, and double black diamonds are very steep and really troublesome. If you happen to’re simply beginning to be taught, you may be spending most of your time on bunny hills – ski areas put aside for freshmen – and conveyer belts (usually known as “magic carpets”) earlier than progressing to greens and maybe a blue run or two.
Passes
There are a selection of go and ticket choices for each Colorado ski resort. Verify every resort’s web site for season passes; day, multiday or household tickets; and reductions or free day choices at accomplice resorts.
If you would like entry to a number of ski resorts throughout the state as nicely a number of different international locations (together with Canada, Australia, Switzerland and extra), think about buying both the Ikon Cross or the Epic Cross. And, you probably have a baby in grades three by six, remember to take a look at the Ski Passport Program.
- Ikon Cross: At $1,179 for grownup skiers and snowboarders of the 2022-23 season, the Ikon Cross consists of entry to greater than 50 ski locations, together with six Colorado resorts; Boyne Mountain, a top Michigan ski resort; Windham Mountain, a top New York ski resort; and even Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley within the beautiful French Alps. The go additionally consists of elevate ticket reductions for family and friends, lodging offers and extra. Verify the Ikon Pass website for go costs for youths and younger adults, and pay solely $839 for the Ikon go in the event you’re a university pupil, nurse or navy member.
- Epic Cross: The Epic Cross, $879 for adults within the 2022-23 season, grants entry to greater than 60 ski resorts throughout the state, nation and world, corresponding to Arlberg, Austria; Verbier 4 Vallées, Switzerland; and Hakuba Valley, Japan. The go additionally consists of reductions on meals, lodging, classes, leases and extra, in addition to discounted tickets to share with mates or household. Go to the Epic Pass website for the total record of go choices, together with the total Epic Cross, one- to seven-day passes, regional passes and youngster passes.
- Ski Passport Program: Accessible for third to sixth graders, the Ski Passport Program provides entry to twenty ski areas – with 4 days at every collaborating resort – for under $59. Verify the website for blackout dates and different useful data.
Be aware: Costs are topic to vary.
As soon as you’ve got established your expertise stage and bought the fitting go for you, it is time to hit the slopes.
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Situated about 160 miles northwest of Denver, Steamboat Resort boasts almost 3,000 acres of permitted terrain, 17 lifts and 170 named trails, of which 14% are newbie slopes and 42% intermediate. The resort has an annual snowfall of 314 inches, giving skiers and snowboarders loads of alternative for powder days. With terrain parks, personal and group ski and snowboard classes, and adaptive applications for these with disabilities, Steamboat makes skiers and snowboarders of all ability ranges really feel at house. The resort can be working to champion diversity by its Steamboat Ski Resort Scholarship, a $2,500 scholarship for individuals of coloration learning resort administration, ski space operations, tourism or hospitality.
As a full ski city – the truth is, it is nicknamed “Ski City USA” – Steamboat provides quite a lot of eating places, actions and lodging. After a day spent hitting the slopes, chill out at Routtie’s Barbecue for an après-ski. While you’re in want of a ski break, take up snowmobiling or a comfortable sleigh journey. If you happen to’re staying on the town, think about the elegant Steamboat Grand, the place company reward the plethora of facilities together with sizzling tubs and a fitness center. Lodgers additionally respect that the gondola is just a brief stroll away from the resort.
Howelson Hill, referred to as the oldest working ski space in North America, can be owned and operated by Steamboat Springs. Although this ski vacation spot is small, with solely 4 lifts and 17 alpine trails, its historical past is highly effective: Howelson Hill has offered coaching grounds for greater than 100 Olympians and is house to one of many largest pure ski leaping complexes in North America. At the moment, it is one of the vital reasonably priced ski resorts in Colorado, and it even provides free snowboarding on Sundays.
Passes: Ikon, Ski Passport Program
Handle: 2305 Mount Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Copper Mountain Resort: Frisco
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Lower than 80 miles west of Denver, Copper Mountain is house to about 2,500 skiable acres and 24 chair lifts. Of the 140 marked trails at Copper, 21% are on the newbie stage and 25% are intermediate, making this ski resort an excellent selection for freshmen. The resort additionally sees a mean annual snowfall of 305 inches. When you’re completed snowboarding, you may take pleasure in different winter actions like ice skating, snow tubing and driving Copper’s alpine coaster.
If you happen to’re seeking to take pleasure in a couple of days of mountain adventures, Copper consists of three villages – East, Middle and West – for lodging. Contemplate reserving a keep within the West Village for simple entry to newbie terrain.
Passes: Ikon, Ski Passport Program
Handle: 209 Ten Mile Circle, Frisco, CO 80443
Eldora Mountain Resort: Nederland
(COURTESY OF ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT)
Situated round 20 miles from Boulder, Eldora is the right ski vacation spot for University of Colorado Boulder college students seeking to be taught a brand new sport. College students may even obtain a reduction on tickets, in addition to use their free RTD bus go to get to the mountain. Eldora is house to 10 lifts – together with two magic carpets for freshmen – and 680 skiable acres for all ages and ability ranges to take pleasure in. With inexperienced and blue runs accounting for greater than 60% of the park, resortgoers studying find out how to ski or snowboard will discover loads of alternative to soundly observe. Extra superior skiers can nonetheless take pleasure in quite a lot of troublesome terrain, corresponding to plenty of double black runs and eight terrain parks that includes field, rails, jumps and extra.
Eldora doesn’t have on-site lodging, however close by Boulder is house to plenty of spectacular hotels. Current company of Hotel Boulderado admire its wealthy historical past and luxuriate in its eating places and bar choices, in addition to its proximity to the attractions of downtown Boulder.
Passes: Ikon, Ski Passport Program
Handle: 2861 Eldora Ski Road, Nederland, CO 80466
Beaver Creek Resort: Beaver Creek
(COURTESY OF VAIL RESORTS)
At Beaver Creek Resort – simply over 10 miles from Vail – guests will expertise 167 trails over greater than 2,000 skiable acres, 24 lifts and 325 inches of common annual snowfall. If you happen to’ve by no means skied earlier than, join group or personal classes by the resort’s ski faculty. Or, spend the day at Haymeadow Park, the place you may have entry to magic carpets in addition to a newbie gondola and elevate; you may also rejoice your studying with an ice cream cease at The Parlour. As soon as you’ve got discovered the fundamentals, head to McCoy Park and sort out its 17 runs – most of that are inexperienced. Contemplate enrolling the children within the BEAVO Improvement Program, a multiday youth ski and snowboard program that fosters an inclusive studying surroundings for ability growth.
After a day on the mountain, guests can discover the village of Beaver Creek’s retailers and eating places. E book a keep at The Osprey for an outside pool and sizzling tub, ski valet, fast entry to the village and extra. For a extra personal keep, think about Trapper’s Cabin, which sits amongst aspens at 9,500 ft of elevation.
Passes: Epic
Handle: 210 Beaver Creek Plaza, Beaver Creek, CO 81620
Powderhorn Mountain Resort: Mesa
Skiers and snowboarders can discover 1,600 acres of skiable terrain – 70% of which is newbie or intermediate – at Powderhorn. The resort can be house to 2 terrain parks and world-class Nordic snowboarding, because the Grand Mesa (the northern fringe of which Powderhorn sits) is the world’s largest flat-top mountain. If you happen to’re new to the slopes, Powderhorn provides personal and group ski and snowboard classes, in addition to kids’s multiweek applications. Resortgoers who’ve by no means skied or snowboarded earlier than are eligible for the Bob Beverly Program, the place contributors can be taught to ski free of charge.
To get to Powderhorn, anticipate a 230-mile drive west from Denver or fly in to the Grand Junction Regional Airport. You’ll be able to lodge within the close by cities of Mesa, Palisade or Grand Junction, or keep within the rental Tiny Houses at Powderhorn. Friends love the placement near the ski elevate however warn that the Wi-Fi is not as much as par.
Passes: Ski Passport Program
Handle: 48338 Powderhorn Road, Mesa, CO 81643
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Telluride, a shocking ski city and certainly one of the state’s best places to visit, is the right vacation spot for a romantic getaway in Colorado. Telluride Ski Resort boasts greater than 2,000 skiable acres and 19 complete lifts, half of that are high-speed. Of the 148 trails, 41% are for superior and skilled skiers. With terrain parks, peaks to climb up and ski down, and Nordic trails, vacationers will discover loads of challenges at Telluride Ski Resort. You can even attempt your hand at plenty of different winter actions in Telluride together with snowshoeing, dog-sledding, helicopter snowboarding, ice skating, mountaineering and extra. E book your tickets for the tip of February to take pleasure in Telluride Homosexual Ski Week, an inclusive celebration for LGBTQ skiers and snowboarders.
After you’ve got labored up a sweat on the slopes, seize an après-ski both in Mountain Village or down within the city of Telluride. On the mountain, skiers can take pleasure in American or French delicacies at Allred’s Restaurant or Bon Vivant. Head into city for pizza at Brown Canine Pizza. One prime lodging possibility is The Peaks Resort & Spa, the place company love the beautiful views and respect the wonderful service.
Passes: Epic (restricted to seven days), Ski Passport Program
Handle: 565 Mountain Village Blvd., Telluride, CO 81435
Keystone Resort: Keystone
(COURTESY OF VAIL RESORTS)
With 49% of its 130 trails being classed as superior or skilled and solely 12% as newbie, Keystone is unquestionably the Colorado ski resort for these looking for harder terrain. Keystone Resort options 20 lifts, greater than 3,000 skiable acres and 235 inches of annual snowfall on common. Discover three peaks and hike-to terrain for an additional exercise. If you happen to’re a newbie, don’t fret: Keystone nonetheless provides youngster and grownup ski and snowboard classes, in addition to multiweek applications. The ski resort additionally companions with Keystone Adaptive Middle to supply instruction for skiers and snowboarders with disabilities.
Keep on the Lone Eagle for ski-in/ski-out availability or on the Keystone Lodge & Spa for spa therapies, in-room eating, personal ski shuttle transportation and extra. Current company on the Keystone Lodge & Spa appreciated the various facilities, however some warn that the property is a bit outdated.
Passes: Epic
Handle: 100 Dercum Square, Keystone, CO 80435
Winter Park Resort: Winter Park
Opened in 1940, Winter Park Resort is the longest regularly operated ski resort in Colorado. The resort receives a mean of 345 inches of snow yearly for epic powder days; it options 166 trails and 23 lifts over greater than 3,000 skiable acres. Solely 8% of the terrain is beginner-friendly, with one other 18% intermediate, 19% superior, 52% most troublesome and even 3% “skilled solely.” However don’t fret in the event you’re not prepared for the more difficult runs: Winter Park contains seven territories, and the Winter Park Territory provides entry to the Ski + Trip Faculty. Different territories embrace Parsenn Bowl, the place you may see the highest of Longs Peak; Terrain Park, which options an 18-foot superpipe; and Mary Jane, the right place for training mogul runs.
Different Winter Park actions embrace snowshoe excursions, snowcat excursions, ski bike excursions and tubing. There are greater than 20 lodges out there within the Base Village and the city of Winter Park, certainly one of which is the extremely rated Iron Horse Resort. Lodgers commend the ski-in/ski-out availability, although some warning that freshmen might not be capable to deal with the snowboarding wanted to get again to the lodge.
Passes: Ikon, Ski Passport Program
Handle: 85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park, CO 80482
Arapahoe Basin Ski Space: Dillon
(IAN ZINNER/COURTESY OF ARAPAHOE BASIN SKI AREA)
Arapahoe Resort is probably finest recognized for the size of its ski and journey season, which is the longest in Colorado. In reality, A-Basin (or A-Bay) usually stays open from October by June. The resort was even open for snowboarding on the Fourth of July seven instances, the newest of which was in 2019. The newest it has ever stayed open was Aug. 10 in 1995.
Arapahoe Basin consists of almost 150 trails over greater than 1,400 skiable acres, with 49% black diamond runs and 24% double black diamonds. Solely 7% of runs are beginner-friendly, so this ski resort is not for the faint of coronary heart. If the snowboarding and snowboarding is a bit too difficult, think about taking a snowshoe tour as a substitute. When visiting in the summertime, remember to aim North America’s highest by way of ferrata, a guided-only climb that reaches 13,000 ft. A-Basin doesn’t provide onsite lodging, however Breckenridge resorts are solely 20 miles away.
Passes: Ikon (restricted to seven days), Ski Passport Program
Handle: 28194 U.S. Route 6, Dillon, CO 80435
(JEFF ANDREW/COURTESY OF VAIL RESORTS)
With greater than 5,300 skiable acres, Vail Mountain Resort is likely one of the largest ski resorts in Colorado. Over half the terrain is designed for superior and skilled skiers, so you may have loads of entry to difficult terrain parks, bowls, basins and peaks. If you happen to’re a newbie, reap the benefits of ski and snowboarding classes out there; the Vail Nordic Faculty provides snowshoe, cross-country ski and backcountry ski classes for all ability ranges if you need a change of tempo.
Vail Mountain Resort can be host to the 2023 Nationwide Brotherhood of Skiers Summit, the place 1000’s of individuals of coloration from throughout the nation collect to take pleasure in snowboarding collectively. NBS works to help athletes of coloration in winter sports activities.
Within the city of Vail, discover quite a lot of purchasing and dining. Lodge at The Arrabelle at Vail Square, one of many ski resort’s signature properties, for luxurious lodging and facilities. Current guests respect the pleasant workers and wonderful service, in addition to the placement (solely a brief stroll from the village).
Passes: Epic
Handle: Vail, CO 81657
Silverton Mountain: Silverton
(COURTESY OF SILVERTON MOUNTAIN)
Silverton Mountain provides a novel ski expertise, in that there’s just one chairlift however almost 27,000 acres of skiable terrain. This ski vacation spot is really for superior and skilled skiers and snowboarders; the truth is, 0% of the terrain is classed as beginner- or intermediate-friendly. Silverton Mountain is the steepest ski space in North America with the best run at a 35-degree slope. The resort boasts greater than 400 inches of annual snowfall on common and caps the variety of unguided skiers at 475 a day, which means you may have loads of entry to recent powder. In reality, the mountain often sees lower than 80 skiers per day.
If you happen to’re not an skilled however you are within the space, don’t fret; the city of Silverton will not allow you to down. Attempt your hand at guided rock, ice or alpine climbing, or you may contact up your security abilities with an avalanche course. Vacationers can take pleasure in tasty breakfast burritos, artisan pizzas and native craft beer at quite a lot of eateries and breweries. Contemplate reserving a keep on the extremely rated Villa Dallavalle Historic Inn, the place latest guests praised the do-it-yourself breakfast and sizzling tubs.
Passes: None listed on this article are relevant.
Handle: 6226 state Highway 110, Silverton, CO 81433
Aspen Snowmass: Aspen, Snowmass Village
(COURTESY OF ASPEN SNOWMASS)
Discover 4 mountains – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass – and two ski cities in your Aspen Snowmass ski journey. With roughly 5,500 skiable acres in complete, Aspen Snowmass has one thing for everybody within the household to take pleasure in. Apart from snowboarding and snowboarding, different family-friendly actions embrace tubing, snow biking, snowshoeing and driving the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which may attain as much as 28 mph. Whereas the children are taking ski or snowboarding classes, adults can at all times take pleasure in a small romantic getaway by taking a snowcat up Aspen Highlands for dinner on the Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro or Lynn Britt Cabin.
Aspen Snowmass works to incorporate and help quite a lot of causes throughout the group, together with racial justice, sustainability and help for LGBTQ communities by the annual Homosexual Ski Week. One other well-known Aspen occasion is the X Video games, the place the world’s prime athletes compete in 14 disciplines together with Snowboard SuperPipe and Massive Air. The occasion is free to attend.
Discover condominiums, ski-in/ski-out choices, pet-friendly properties and trip houses on the Aspen Snowmass lodging website. Prime-rated resorts embrace Aspen’s The Little Nell – the place company rave concerning the delicacies and repair – and Viceroy Snowmass, which latest lodgers suggest for these looking for a quieter and extra laid-back surroundings than downtown Aspen.
Passes: Ikon (restricted to seven days), Ski Passport Program
Handle: 601 E. Dean St., Aspen, CO 81611 (Aspen Mountain); 120 Lower Carriage Way, Snowmass Village, CO 81615 (Snowmass)
Crested Butte Mountain Resort: Crested Butte
(COURTESY OF VAIL RESORTS)
Although Crested Butte lies about 200 miles southwest of Denver, the drive (or flight to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport) is nicely value it. The ski city and resort provides a shocking mountain escape excellent for a family vacation. On the mountain, guests will discover 236 inches of common annual snowfall, two terrain parks and 121 trails – 14% newbie, about 50% intermediate or superior, and 37% skilled – over greater than 1,500 skiable acres. Crested Butte Mountain Resort provides a choice of youngster, teen, grownup and personal classes so everybody within the household can really feel their finest on the slopes.
Crested Butte is really a ski city, with no visitors lights, chain shops or high-rise buildings. Partake in quite a lot of eating and purchasing choices while you’ve completed snowboarding for the day, or discover the 1.7 million acres of the encompassing nationwide forest by mountain climbing, snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding. Vacationers can keep on the Grand Lodge Resort and Suites for spacious suites and outsized resort rooms (a few of that are pet-friendly) or lodge at The Plaza in a novel condominium setting.
Passes: Epic
Handle: 12 Snowmass Road, Crested Butte, CO 81225
(BRENT CLARK/COURTESY OF BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT)
Head to this vacation spot in Colorado for not solely top-notch snowboarding but additionally eating places, breweries and different winter actions. Discover 187 trails and slightly below 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, half of which consists of groomed trails. Of the 35 lifts, 11 are magic carpets for freshmen. Contemplate collaborating in one of many signature applications at Breckenridge Ski Resort, corresponding to Girls’s Camp or Breck Belles, that are designed by ladies for ladies; seasonal youth applications for kids of all ages; and adaptive applications for people with disabilities.
The city of Breckenridge provides a plethora of dining, purchasing and spa choices. Winter actions for the entire household embrace snowshoeing, snowmobiling and dog-sledding, and remember to purchase your tickets for the Worldwide Snow Sculpture Championships. For an in a single day keep, vacationers may think about reserving a room at The Lodge at Breckenridge. Current guests praised the spacious rooms and appreciated that pets have been welcome.
Passes: Epic
Handle: 1599 Ski Hill Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Cooper Hill Ski Space: Leadville
To not be confused with Copper, Cooper is positioned close to Leadville – the very best included metropolis in North America – about 100 miles from Denver. Cooper is likely one of the smaller ski resorts in Colorado, with lower than 500 skiable acres, 5 lifts and 64 trails, however do not let its measurement deter you: The resort is ideal for a family weekend getaway. Cooper Hill Ski Space boasts few elevate traces and loads of powder days, with 260 inches of annual snowfall on common and a novel philosophy of not over-grooming terrain. Plus, if you need extra to discover, Cooper provides snowcat snowboarding excursions on Chicago Ridge, providing you with 2,600 extra acres for chilly climate adventures.
If you happen to’re a newbie, Cooper’s Ski Faculty hosts personal and semiprivate ski and snowboard classes for all ages. Households may even take classes collectively at a reduced charge. Much more, Cooper boasts the longest magic carpet in Colorado. There aren’t any lodging choices on the resort itself, however Leadville provides loads of resorts, inns, bed-and-breakfasts and extra. For a novel expertise, e book a keep at Tiny Home Leadville. Current lodgers love the consolation and coziness of a tiny home, however some warn about poor Wi-Fi.
Passes: Ski Passport Program
Handle: 232 County Road 29, Leadville, CO 80461
Loveland Ski Space: Dillon
(COURTESY OF LOVELAND SKI AREA)
Household-owned and -operated Loveland Ski Space, positioned about 55 miles west of Denver, options 1,800 skiable acres, 9 lifts and free snowcat snowboarding alongside the Continental Divide. You will be handled to loads of powder days because the resort receives a yearly common of 422 inches of snowfall, probably the most of any Entrance Vary or Summit County resort. What’s extra, Loveland is the primary ski space on the Interstate 70 hall – so you will not have to take a seat within the visitors so long as with different ski resorts.
The resort contains two ski areas: Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley. Loveland Basin is the principle space, that includes terrain for all ages and ability ranges as nicely quite a lot of family-friendly occasions. At Loveland Valley, a separate space only for freshmen, you will not have to fret about operating into extra superior skiers and snowboarders. Loveland Valley can be house to Loveland’s Ski & Trip Faculty. Although on-site lodging shouldn’t be out there at Loveland, close by Georgetown, Silver Plume and Idaho Springs provide loads of choices.
Passes: Ski Passport Program
Handle: I-70, Dillon, CO 80435
Wolf Creek Ski Space: Pagosa Springs
Situated in Pagosa Springs about 230 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, Wolf Creek Ski Space boasts probably the most snow in Colorado with 430 inches of annual snowfall. The resort’s 1,600 skiable acres and pretty even distribution of problem – 20% newbie, 35% intermediate, 25% superior and 20% skilled – imply Wolf Creek’s slopes might be loved by each ability stage. Elementary, center and highschool college students can ski for $20 as part of Wolf Creek’s Faculty Program, and members of the family of those college students can obtain a elevate ticket, two-hour group lesson and free ski rental for under $15 on Household Day.
E book an in a single day keep at The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs for your loved ones getaway. Current company suggest soaking within the springs after a protracted day snowboarding and reward the pleasant workers.
Passes: None listed on this article are relevant.
Handle: E. Highway 160 E., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
“10+ Top Colorado Ski Resorts Best Places to Visit”
