Colorado is home to some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the United States, with abundant snowfall during winter storms that makes for incredible powder days. Whether you’re looking for a luxury, world-class resort with endless trails or a cozy, family-run spot with groomed runs and top-notch hike-to terrain, Colorado has it all.
Choosing the Best Ski Resort for You
Finding the ideal Colorado ski resort depends on personal preferences like terrain type, skill level, budget, and proximity to major hubs. Unlike some Utah resorts, all Colorado resorts welcome both skiers and snowboarders. The state boasts a range of options, from large, popular destinations to more intimate resorts that offer unique experiences and stunning landscapes.
Resorts Near Denver
For those seeking convenience, several major resorts are within a short drive of Denver. Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Vail, and Beaver Creek all provide top-tier skiing close to the city. These resorts feature a wide array of terrain, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.
Aspen and Steamboat: Slightly Further, Exceptionally Worthwhile
Aspen and Steamboat, though a bit further from Denver, offer exceptional skiing experiences and even have regional airports with direct flights, making them more accessible for out-of-state visitors. With stunning mountain vistas and upscale après-ski scenes, these resorts provide memorable trips.
Southwestern Colorado’s Hidden Gems
In the more secluded southwestern region, you’ll find Purgatory, Telluride, and Silverton. These resorts combine spectacular mountain scenery with diverse terrain and fewer crowds, offering a tranquil yet thrilling experience.
Season Openings, Snowmaking, and Ski Dates
Resort opening and closing dates in Colorado depend heavily on snowfall and conditions. Many of the larger resorts have invested in advanced snowmaking technology, enabling them to open earlier and extend their seasons for longer stretches. Dates may vary each year depending on snow, so it’s always best to check in advance.
Plan Your Colorado Ski Adventure
Ready to hit the slopes? Colorado’s ski resorts provide an exceptional mix of quality snow, well-groomed runs, and unique experiences. Explore our list of the best ski resorts in Colorado to get inspired and plan your perfect winter trip.
Vail Mountain Resort: Colorado’s Premier Destination for World-Class Skiing and Luxury
Vail Mountain Resort is a crown jewel of Colorado skiing, renowned for its expansive terrain, luxurious amenities, and vibrant town atmosphere. With legendary ski areas like the seven back bowls and meticulously groomed front-side runs overlooking Vail, the resort has earned its reputation as one of the top skiing destinations in the world.
The Mountain: Unmatched Ski Terrain for All Levels
Spanning over 5,289 acres, Vail offers extensive and varied terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. With 31 lifts, three terrain parks, and incredible grooming, it’s a haven for beginners and intermediates who enjoy the front-side runs, while the more adventurous will find challenging tree skiing, moguls, and steeps in the back bowls.
New improvements have further enhanced the experience. In 2023, Vail upgraded the Game Creek Bowl quad lift to a six-person high-speed chair, increasing skier transport and enabling more runs on this breathtaking terrain. The addition of the Sun Down Lift has also alleviated the bottleneck at Lift #5, providing easier access to the Sun Down Bowl.
With an average of over 350 inches of snow per season, plus a recent snowmaking enhancement project, Vail enjoys a long season that promises great conditions from November through mid-April. The resort also limits day lift ticket sales to enhance the on-mountain experience, although EPIC pass holders and ski school patrons are exempt from this restriction.
Vail’s 2024/2025 Ski Season
- Expected Dates: November 15, 2024, to mid-April 2025
- Pass Program: Part of the EPIC Pass program
- New Features: Enhanced snowmaking and upgraded lift systems
The Town of Vail: A Luxurious, Alpine Escape
Just off Interstate 70, the town of Vail is a hub of luxury, with world-class dining, shopping, and accommodations. The town offers three main areas: East Vail, Vail Town Center, and West Vail.
- Vail Town Center and Lionhead Village: The core of Vail’s action, where most of the shopping, dining, and après-ski activities take place. It’s also the most convenient area for day skiers to park and access the slopes.
- East Vail: Primarily residential, with condos and homes. Skiers staying here will need transportation to reach the mountain.
- West Vail: A more accessible area with grocery stores and fast-food options, though a shuttle is required to reach the main ski area.
Nearby Accommodation Options for All Budgets
While Vail itself is known for luxury stays, visitors can find more budget-friendly lodging in nearby towns like Silverthorne, Frisco, Avon, and Eagle. The closest airport is Eagle Vail Airport, only a 40-minute drive, though many visitors opt to fly into Denver and make the scenic drive or take a shuttle.
Why Ski at Vail Mountain Resort?
With its impressive terrain, high-end amenities, and vibrant town atmosphere, Vail Mountain Resort provides an unparalleled skiing experience in Colorado. The seven back bowls alone are worth a visit, and the combination of excellent facilities, terrain diversity, and seasonal improvements make Vail a must-visit for any skiing or snowboarding enthusiast. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned expert, Vail offers something special for everyone looking for an exceptional winter getaway.
Official site: www.vail.com
Vail Historical Climate Averages
Aspen Snowmass: Four Iconic Mountains and an Authentic Mountain Town Experience
Aspen Snowmass stands as a premier ski destination, encompassing four distinct mountains around Aspen and Snowmass Village: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Each area offers unique terrain, from family-friendly slopes to challenging expert runs, collectively covering an expansive terrain that rivals Vail.
The Mountains: Diverse Terrain for Every Type of Skier
Snowmass
Snowmass is the largest of the four, boasting over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain and elevations reaching over 12,500 feet. Known for its excellent intermediate slopes, Snowmass caters to families and skiers of all levels. The recent $10.7 million investment in a high-speed quad chairlift, replacing the older Big Burn lift, has significantly improved skier flow and uphill capacity. Additional snowmaking and lift upgrades, including the new Coney Express detachable quad with a mid-station unloading option, make on-mountain access easier and faster.
Snowmass Village at the base is the perfect après-ski spot, featuring pedestrian-only streets with charming shops, eateries, and a traditional alpine ambiance. Snowmass even offers free s’mores daily at the Base Village fire pits and the Snowmass Mall—a fun treat for families and visitors alike.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk may be smaller (under 500 acres), but it’s renowned as the host of the Winter X-Games and features excellent beginner and intermediate runs, making it ideal for those just starting.
Aspen Mountain
Aspen Mountain is for intermediate and advanced skiers only—no beginner runs here. Accessible directly from downtown Aspen, this mountain is perfect for those seeking a more challenging experience on a smaller scale, with under 700 acres of skiable terrain.
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands is celebrated for its advanced and expert trails, though it also has beginner and intermediate options. Known for fewer crowds, it’s the go-to mountain for those seeking solitude and a true backcountry feel, with just over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Season Passes and Opening Dates
Aspen Snowmass participates in both the Mountain Collective and IKON Ski Pass programs, offering great value for skiers who plan to visit multiple times or explore other resorts in the region.
- Snowmass: November 28, 2024, to mid-April 2025
- Aspen Mountain: November 28, 2024, to mid-April 2025
- Aspen Highlands: December 14, 2024, to early April 2025
- Buttermilk: December 14, 2024, to the end of March 2025
The Town of Aspen: An Authentic Mountain Community
Aspen is more than just a resort—it’s a historic mining town with a distinctive, authentic character. With its storied past and modern allure, Aspen attracts not only skiers but also celebrities and weekend visitors from Denver. Its vibrant downtown is lined with upscale dining, high-end shops, and luxury accommodations, making it a favored spot for those seeking both adventure and elegance.
Getting to Aspen
Aspen is accessible by car or shuttle from Denver, but the nearest airport, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, offers convenient direct flights from many U.S. destinations.
Plan Your Aspen Snowmass Experience
From the vast, family-friendly slopes of Snowmass to the expert challenges of Aspen Highlands, Aspen Snowmass provides a unique blend of skiing diversity and luxurious mountain-town atmosphere. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or soaking in the local charm, Aspen Snowmass is a quintessential Colorado winter destination that promises unforgettable experiences for skiers and non-skiers alike.
Official site: www.aspensnowmass.com