Explore the Centennial State and participate in some of the best winter sports in the world.
It’s possible that when you think about Colorado, images of glistening ski slopes and gigantic terrain parks pop into your head. The state of Colorado is well-known for its world-class ski resorts, including the gorgeous Telluride as well as Steamboat Springs, which is considered to be the epitome of a ski town. You don’t even have to get out on the mountain to take advantage of everything a Colorado ski resort has to offer: Many ski slopes offer opulent lodging with ski-in/ski-out access, bars and restaurants that are ideal for an après-ski gathering, and exciting winter sports that are suitable for families, such as snowmobiling and dog sledding.
Before you can begin to make plans for your trip to a ski resort in Colorado, you will first need to evaluate your skiing ability so that you can decide which passes or tickets to purchase. There are several different pass choices available, such as the Ikon Pass, Epic Pass, and the Passport Ski Program. In the section below devoted to planning, you’ll find information about the pass prices, among other pertinent details.
(It is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact on some of the following places and ski resorts in Colorado. There is a possibility that new regulations will be implemented, such as mandates for mask use, restrictions on capacity, requirements for making reservations, and vaccination documentation requirements. Before you go, make sure you check in with the business you’ve picked as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
The Very Best Ski Resorts in Colorado for Novice Skiers
Steamboat Resort is often referred to as Steamboat Springs.
Steamboat Resort is situated around 160 miles to the north of Denver and boasts roughly 3,000 acres of authorized terrain, 17 lifts, and 170 named trails, of which 14% are considered to be beginner slopes and 42% are considered to be intermediate. The resort receives an average of 314 inches of snow per year, providing opportunities for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy powder on a regular basis. Skiers and snowboarders of varying levels of expertise can feel right at home at Steamboat thanks to the resort’s many amenities, including terrain parks, private and group ski and snowboard instruction, and adaptive programs for people with disabilities. A scholarship worth $2,500 is being offered by the resort to students of color who are majoring in resort administration, ski area operations, tourism, or hospitality. The grant is part of the resort’s efforts to promote diversity in the workplace.
Because it is a complete ski town, Steamboat is sometimes referred to as “Ski Town USA,” and it features a diverse selection of hotel options, restaurants, and activities. After a long day spent skiing or snowboarding, come unwind with an après-ski drink at Routtie’s Barbecue. Take a break from skiing and try out something new like snowmobile or a relaxing trip in a sleigh. Consider staying at the luxurious Steamboat Grand, which is well regarded by previous visitors for its extensive collection of amenities, which includes both hot tubs and a fitness center. Guests of the hotel also like the fact that the gondola is just a short distance away and can be reached on foot.
Steamboat Springs is the owner and operator of Howelson Hill, which is well recognized as being the ski area that has been in continuous operation the longest in North America. Even though this ski resort is on the smaller side, with only four lifts and 17 trails in the alpine terrain, it has a significant past: Howelson Hill is home to one of the largest natural ski jumping complexes in North America and has served as a training field for more than one hundred Olympians over the course of its history. It is now one of the ski resorts in Colorado that provides free skiing on Sundays, making it one of the most reasonably priced options.
Frisco, location of the Copper Mountain Resort
Copper Mountain is located less than 80 miles west of Denver and features around 2,500 skiable acres in addition to 24 chair lifts. Because 21% of Copper’s marked routes are at the novice level and 25% are at the intermediate level, this ski resort is an excellent option for skiers and snowboarders just starting out. In addition to this, the resort receives an average of 305 inches of snowfall per year. After you’ve had your fill of skiing, you can try out some of Copper Mountain Resort’s other winter activities, such as ice skating, snow tubing, and riding the alpine coaster.
Copper offers accomodation options in three different villages: East, Center, and West. If you want to spend a few days enjoying mountain activities, Copper is the place to go. Consider reserving a room in the West Village for convenient access to terrain suitable for beginners.
Eldora Mountain Resort: Nederland
Eldora is the ideal place for students at the University of Colorado Boulder who are interested in trying out a new activity to go skiing because it is only about 30 kilometers away from Boulder. In addition, students are eligible for a discount on admission prices and can utilize their free RTD bus pass to travel to the mountain. Skiers of all ages and levels of expertise are welcome to enjoy Eldora’s 680 skiable acres and 10 lifts, which include two magic carpets specifically designed for beginners. Visitors to the resort who are just starting out on skis or snowboards will have plenty of opportunities to get some valuable experience on the park’s green and blue runs, which make up more than 60 percent of the terrain. Skiers with more experience may still take advantage of a wide variety of challenging terrain, including a few courses rated as double black and eight terrain parks with a variety of features including boxes, rails, jumps, and more.
Although Eldora does not have any hotels on-site, the nearby city of Boulder has a wide selection of luxurious places to stay. Recent visitors to the Hotel Boulderado have praised its extensive history, praised the variety of its restaurants and bars, and praised its location in close proximity to the various points of interest in downtown Boulder.
Beaver Creek Resort: Beaver Creek
Visitors will find 167 trails spread out across more than 2,000 skiable acres, 24 lifts, and an average annual snowfall of 325 inches at the Beaver Creek Resort, which is located little over 10 miles away from Vail. If you have never been skiing before, the ski resort’s ski school offers both group and private instruction that you can sign up for. Or, you could spend the day at Haymeadow Park, where in addition to a beginner gondola and lift, they have magic carpets that you can ride, and you could celebrate your newfound knowledge by going to The Parlour for some ice cream. After you have mastered the fundamentals, you should go to McCoy Park and ride its 17 runs, the majority of which are rated as green. The BEAVO Development Program is a multiday youth ski and snowboard program that provides an inclusive learning environment for the development of skills. You should think about enrolling the kids in the program.
When visitors are done spending the day on the slopes, they have the opportunity to explore the stores and restaurants located in the village of Beaver Creek. Make your reservation at The Osprey to enjoy the resort’s outdoor pool and hot tub, ski valet service, easy access to the village, and other amenities. Consider reserving Trapper’s Cabin, which is located at an altitude of 9,500 feet and is surrounded by aspens for a stay that is more secluded.
The Mesa at the Powderhorn Mountain Resort
At Powderhorn, skiers and snowboarders have access to 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, 70% of which is categorized as either beginner or intermediate. Due to the fact that Powderhorn stands on the northern tip of the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the resort is also home to two terrain parks and offers world-class Nordic skiing. Powderhorn provides both private and group ski and snowboard instruction, in addition to children’s multiweek programs, for those who are just starting out on the mountain. Visitors to resorts who have never skied or snowboarded before may be eligible for the Bob Beverly Program, which offers free lessons to people who want to learn how to ski or snowboard.
To reach Powderhorn from Denver, the drive will be around 230 miles to the west, or you can fly into the Grand Junction Regional Airport. You have the option of staying in Mesa, Palisade, or Grand Junction, which are all close by, or in one of the Powderhorn Tiny Homes, which are available for rent. Guests rave about how handy the hotel is to the ski lift, although they caution that the Wi-Fi isn’t very reliable.
The Best Ski Resorts in Colorado for Intermediate and Advanced Skiers
Telluride Ski Resort: Telluride
Telluride, Colorado, is a beautiful ski town and one of the best places to visit in the state; therefore, it is the ideal location for a romantic weekend in the state of Colorado. More than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and 19 lifts in total are available at the Telluride Ski Resort, of which half are high-speed. 41% of the 148 trails are designated for intermediate and advanced skiers. At Telluride Ski Resort, visitors will find a wide variety of challenging activities to partake in, including terrain parks, peaks to ascend and ski down, and Nordic paths. Snowshoeing, dog sledding, helicopter skiing, ice skating, ice climbing, and a variety of other winter sports and activities are among those that can be experienced in Telluride during the winter season. Telluride Gay Ski Week is a celebration that welcomes people who identify as belonging to the LGBTQ community, so make sure you get your tickets before the end of February.
After you’ve worked up a sweat skiing or snowboarding, head to Mountain Village or the lower part of Telluride for some après-ski. At Allred’s Restaurant or Bon Vivant, skiers can choose to dine on American or French cuisine while they are up on the mountain. Pizza may be had at the town establishment known as Brown Dog Pizza. The Peaks Resort & Spa is a fantastic option for lodging, and visitors frequently comment on how much they enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the kind staff there.
Keystone Resort: Keystone
Keystone is unquestionably the best ski resort in Colorado for skiers and snowboarders who are looking for more challenging terrain, as 49% of its 130 routes are rated as advanced or expert, while only 12% are rated as novice. The average annual snowfall at Keystone Resort is 235 inches, and the resort’s 20 lifts provide access to more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. Explore three peaks and terrain that requires hiking to for an additional exercise. Keystone Ski Resort continues to provide both children and adults with the opportunity to participate in ski and snowboard lessons, as well as multiweek programs for those interested. The ski resort also has a partnership with the Keystone Adaptive Center, which enables it to offer skiing and snowboarding lessons to people with various impairments.
You can choose to stay at the Lone Eagle Lodge, which has ski-in/ski-out access, or you can choose to stay at the Keystone Lodge & Spa, which offers spa treatments, in-room dining, private ski shuttle transportation, and other amenities. Recent visitors to the Keystone Lodge & Spa had positive things to say about the property’s wide range of services; however, some cautioned that the building itself is a little bit old.
Winter Park Resort: Winter Park
The Winter Park Resort is the longest continuously running ski resort in Colorado. It first opened its doors in 1940. The ski resort offers 166 routes and 23 lifts spread across more than 3,000 skiable acres, and it receives an annual average of 345 inches of snowfall. Epic powder days can be found at the resort. Only 8% of the terrain is suitable for beginners, compared to 18% for intermediate riders, 19% for advanced riders, 52% for those seeking a challenge, and even 3% for “experts only.” However, there is no need to fear if you are not yet prepared for the more difficult runs because Winter Park is divided into seven territories, and entrance to the Ski + Ride School is provided by the Winter Park Territory. Other areas include Parsenn Bowl, which provides a view of the summit of Longs Peak, Terrain Park, which is home to an 18-foot superpipe, and Mary Jane, which is an excellent location for practicing mogul runs.
In addition to tubing and ski bike trips, snowshoe tours, snowcat tours, and ski bike tours are also available at Winter Park. There are over 20 different lodges to choose from in both the Base Village and the town of Winter Park, including the five-star Iron Horse Resort, which is only one of the options. Users of the lodge have positive things to say about the ski-in/ski-out access, but some of them warn that novice skiers may not be able to manage the amount of skiing that is required to get back to the lodge.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area: Dillon
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Arapahoe Resort is the fact that it has the longest ski and ride season of any resort in the state of Colorado. In point of fact, A-Basin, often known as A-Bay, typically remains open from October until June. Even on the holiday of Independence Day, skiers were able to hit the slopes at this resort seven times, the most recent of which was in 2019. The 10th of August in 1995 was the latest it had ever kept open for business.
There are almost 150 trails spread out over more than 1,400 skiable acres at Arapahoe Basin, with 49% of them being classified as “black diamond” runs and 24% as “double black diamond” routes. This ski resort is not for those who are new to the sport because just 7% of the runs are suitable for beginners. If you find that skiing and snowboarding are too difficult for you, you might want to think about going on a snowshoe hike instead. When you go, don’t forget to try climbing North America’s highest via ferrata, which is a climb that must be led by an experienced guide and reaches an altitude of 13,000 feet. There are no hotels located on the A-Basin property, but the closest hotels are located in Breckenridge, which is only 20 miles away.
The Vail Mountain Resort is located in Vail.
Vail Mountain Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Colorado and the United States, with more than 5,300 acres of skiable terrain. You will have enough of access to hard terrain parks, bowls, basins, and peaks because more than half of the terrain is designated for experienced and expert skiers. Take advantage of the offered ski and snowboarding classes if you are a beginner; the Vail Nordic School offers snowshoe, cross-country ski, and backcountry ski instruction for all skill levels if you are looking for something else to do on the slopes.
The National Brotherhood of Skiers Summit will take place at Vail Mountain Resort in 2023. This event brings together tens of thousands of people of color from all around the United States to share their love of skiing with one another. NBS is actively working to provide support for athletes of color competing in winter sports.
You can indulge in a wide selection of shopping and dining experiences inside the town of Vail. Stay at The Arrabelle at Vail Square, one of the iconic properties of the ski resort, to take advantage of the opulent accommodations and facilities it provides. Recent guests have praised the helpful and courteous employees, as well as the good service, and the convenient location (only a short walk from the village).
Silverton Mountain: Silverton
Skiing at Silverton Mountain is an experience like no other due to the fact that there is just a single chairlift serving the roughly 27,000 acres of skiable terrain. This ski resort is reserved only for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders; in fact, none of the terrain is considered to be appropriate for beginners or intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The ski slopes at Silverton Mountain have an average gradient of 35 degrees, making it the most difficult mountain in North America. The resort receives an average of more than 400 inches of snowfall each year, and the number of unguided skiers is limited to 475 every day; as a result, you will have plenty of opportunities to ski on powder thanks to these factors. In point of fact, the mountain often has less than eighty people skiing on it each day.
Do not be concerned if you are not an expert but are in the neighborhood; the town of Silverton will not disappoint you in any way. You can brush up on your safety knowledge by taking an avalanche course, or you can try your hand at rock climbing, ice climbing, or alpine climbing with a guide. A wide selection of restaurants and breweries offer great breakfast burritos, handmade pizzas, and local craft beer for tourists to enjoy throughout their time in the area. Think about reserving a room at the highly rated Villa Dallavalle Historic Inn, where recent guests lauded the inn’s handmade breakfast and hot tubs as highlights of their stay.
The Top Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in the State of Colorado
Aspen Snowmass consists of the towns of Aspen and Snowmass Village.
During your ski vacation in Aspen and Snowmass, you will have the opportunity to visit not one, not two, but four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Aspen Snowmass boasts roughly 5,500 acres of skiable terrain, meaning there is something enjoyable for every member of the family to do here. Other winter sports that are suitable for families include snowboarding and skiing, as well as tubing, snow biking, and snowshoeing, as well as riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. Adults can always have a brief romantic break by riding a snowcat up to Aspen Highlands for supper at the Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro or the Lynn Britt Cabin while the children are having ski or snowboarding instruction. This can be done at any time during the day.
Aspen Snowmass makes an effort to integrate and promote a range of issues within the community. These causes include racial justice, sustainability, and support for LGBTQ populations through the annual Gay Ski Week event. The X Games are yet another well-known event that takes place in Aspen. These games feature competitions in 14 different categories, some of which include Snowboard SuperPipe and Big Air. Attendance at the event is not charged.
On the Aspen Snowmass accommodation page, you may learn more about available condominiums, ski-in/ski-out locations, holiday homes, and places that welcome pets. The Little Nell in Aspen is one of the top-rated hotels in the area, and recent guests have praised both the restaurant’s food and the staff’s level of service. Viceroy Snowmass is another excellent option for travelers looking for a place to stay that is less hectic and more relaxed than downtown Aspen.
The Crested Butte Mountain Resort is referred to simply as Crested Butte.
Even though Crested Butte is located roughly 200 miles to the southwest of Denver, it is well worth the effort to make the drive (or take a flight to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport). The ski village and resort provide a breathtaking mountain retreat that is ideal for a vacation with the family. On the mountain, guests will find an average annual snowfall of 236 inches, two terrain parks, and 121 trails spread out across more than 1,500 skiable acres. Of these routes, 14% are rated as beginner, around 50% are rated as intermediate or advanced, and 37% are rated as expert. The Crested Butte Mountain Resort provides a variety of ski and snowboarding classes for children, teenagers, adults, and even personalized instruction so that the whole family may enjoy the slopes to the fullest.
Crested Butte is an authentic ski town because it does not have any chain businesses, traffic lights, or high-rise structures. After you’ve had your fill of skiing for the day, you may choose from a number of restaurants and shops, or you can go hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing in the adjacent national forest that spans 1.7 million acres. The Grand Lodge Hotel & Suites offers travelers roomy suites as well as oversized hotel rooms, some of which are even pet-friendly. Alternatively, guests can choose to lodge at The Plaza, which features a one-of-a-kind condominium environment.
Breckenridge Ski Resort: Breckenridge
Skiing of the highest caliber can be found in this area of Colorado, which also features a variety of other winter activities, such as restaurants and breweries. Skiers and snowboarders can choose from 187 different trails and little under 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, of which around half is already groomed. There are a total of 35 lifts, 11 of which are novice magic carpets. Think about signing up for one of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s signature programs, such as Women’s Camp or Breck Belles, both of which were created by women specifically for other women. There are also seasonal youth programs available for children of all ages, as well as adaptive programs for people with disabilities.
There is a wide variety of spas, restaurants, and shops to choose from in the town of Breckenridge. In the winter, sports such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dog-sledding are fun for the whole family. Also, don’t forget to acquire tickets for the International Snow Sculpture Championships. Travelers looking for a place to rest their heads for the night may think about reserving a room at The Lodge at Breckenridge. Recent guests were impressed by the room’s ample space and liked that they could bring their dogs along.
Skiing at the Cooper Hill Area: Leadville
Cooper, not to be confused with Copper, is situated close to Leadville, which has the record for being the highest incorporated city in North America, and is approximately 100 miles away from Denver. Do not be deterred by the fact that Cooper is one of the smaller ski resorts in Colorado; the resort has fewer than 500 skiable acres, five lifts, and 64 trails. However, this should not prevent you from visiting the mountain because it is ideal for a weekend escape with your family. With an average of 260 inches of snowfall per year and a distinctive attitude that does not involve over-grooming the terrain, the Cooper Hill Ski Area is able to boast low lift lines and lots of powder days. In addition, if you wish to explore more terrain, Cooper offers snowcat skiing tours on Chicago Ridge. These tours give you access to 2,600 more acres for wintertime activities.
Private and semi-private ski and snowboard lessons are available for people of all ages at Cooper’s Ski School, where you may also take lessons if you are a novice. Even better, families who sign up for courses together can receive a price break. In addition to that, Cooper is home to the longest magic carpet in the state of Colorado. Although there are no places to stay in the resort itself, Leadville is home to a large number of hotels, inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and other types of accommodations. Make a reservation at the Tiny House Leadville if you want to have an unforgettable experience. Recent guests have raved about how comfortable and inviting a tiny house is, but some have expressed concern about the quality of the Wi-Fi connection.
The Dillon Ski Area is located in Loveland.
Loveland Ski Area is run by a family and is located around 55 miles west of Denver. It has nine lifts, 1,800 skiable acres, and offers free snowcat skiing over the Continental Divide. The resort receives an annual average of 422 ” of snowfall, which is the most of any Front Range or Summit County resort. This means that you will be treated to lots of powder days during your stay. Because Loveland is the first ski area on the Interstate 70 corridor, you won’t have to wait in traffic for nearly as long as you would at other ski resorts. This means you can spend more time on the slopes.
Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley are the names of the two separate ski areas that are part of the resort. Loveland Basin is the primary area, and it offers terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels, in addition to a wide selection of activities that are suitable for families. You won’t have to worry about encountering more expert skiers and snowboarders if you head to Loveland Valley, which is a distinct region reserved only for novices. In addition, Loveland’s Ski & Ride School is located in the valley of Loveland. Although Loveland does not have any accommodations on-site, the surrounding towns of Georgetown, Silver Plume, and Idaho Springs all have a wide variety of available options.
Pagosa Springs is home to the Wolf Creek Ski Area.
Wolf Creek Ski Area, which is located near Pagosa Springs and is approximately 230 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, is renowned for having the most snow in the state of Colorado due to its yearly snowfall of 430 inches. Because of the resort’s 1,600 skiable acres and relatively equitable distribution of difficulty – 20% beginner, 35% intermediate, 25% advanced, and 20% expert – the slopes at Wolf Creek are accessible to skiers and snowboarders of all levels of experience. If this is your first time skiing or snowboarding, you might think about signing up for a professional group or private lesson at Wolf Creek. As part of your trip away with the family, don’t forget to make reservations at The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs. Recent visitors have praised the helpful personnel and suggested that, after a long day of skiing, they soak in the springs to relax.
Making Travel Arrangements for Your Trip to a Colorado Ski Resort
Before you can start making plans for your next ski vacation in Colorado, you will first need to assess your current level of skiing expertise and choose the appropriate lift pass or ticket.
Experience level
It is common practice to assign a color to each of the five levels of difficulty that can be found on a ski run: green runs are considered to be the easiest, blue runs are considered to be moderately difficult, black diamonds are considered to be difficult, and double black diamonds are considered to be extremely difficult. If you are just beginning to learn how to ski, you will spend the most of your time on “bunny hills,” which are specially designated ski areas for beginners, and conveyer belts, which are also referred to as “magic carpets,” before moving on to green runs and possibly one or two blue runs.
Passes
At each ski resort in Colorado, there is a selection of different passes and ticket choices available. Check the websites of the individual resorts for information on season passes, single-day, multi-day, and family passes, as well as discounts and free day possibilities at resorts that are partners.
Consider getting either the Ikon Pass or the Epic Pass if you want to ski at a variety of ski resorts not just in the United States but also in other countries (such as Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and more). Don’t forget to look into the Ski Passport Program if you have a child who is in grades three through six.
• Ikon Pass: The Ikon Pass provides access to more than 50 ski destinations for a price of $1,179 for adult skiers and snowboarders during the 2022-2023 season. This includes six resorts in Colorado, Boyne Mountain, a top ski resort in Michigan, Windham Mountain, a top ski resort in New York, and even Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley in the beautiful French Alps. There are also savings on lift tickets for friends and family, as well as hotels and other promotions, included with the pass. Visit the website of the Ikon Pass to learn about the rates of passes for children and young adults. If you are a student, a nurse, or a member of the military, you may purchase an Ikon pass for only $839.
• Epic Pass: The Epic Pass costs $879 for adults in the 2022-2023 season and provides access to more than 60 ski resorts throughout the state, the country, and the world. Some of these resorts include Arlberg in Austria, Verbier 4 Vallées in Switzerland, and Hakuba Valley in Japan. In addition, the pass entitles the holder to discounts on a variety of goods and services, including food, lodging, lessons, rentals, and more, as well as on discounted tickets that can be shared with friends or family. Visit the website of Epic Pass to view the whole list of available passes, which includes the full Epic Pass as well as one- to seven-day passes, regional passes, and child passes.
• Ski Passport Program: For a one-time fee of $59, students in grades three to six are eligible to participate in this program, which provides access to twenty ski areas, with four days of skiing at each participating resort. Check the webpage for information on blackout dates and anything else that might be useful.