Visit the best ski resorts in Colorado this winter to have an adventure of a lifetime.
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Colorado is widely known (and loved) for its ski resorts, dubbed as a ski town because of its skiable terrain and over 20 ski resorts.
From cross-country skiing to snowboarding, snow tubing, backcountry skiing, and awesome tree skiing there are popular terrain parks available for all skill levels.
And if you don’t want to ski, there are also lots of great areas nearby for snowshoeing or winter hiking.
If you are thinking of skiing in Colorado, it may prove challenging to choose just one ski resort. From major ski resorts, laid-back resorts, and lesser-known resorts as there is so much to consider.
That is why we narrowed them down to the 12 best ski resorts in Colorado for you. Read on to find out which one of the ski resorts you like the most on the list and would like to visit soon.
Before we get started, though, if you plan on backcountry skiing, ensure you have a thermal blanket with you – it could save your life. You’ll also want to ensure that you know how to stop your water from freezing. And take these steps to prevent frostbite.
Finally, sometimes it’s too cold to ski. Here’s how to know when it’s too cold.
Now, let’s dive in!
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1. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge ski resort is of the most popular winter park resort in the state and is only 104mi from Denver’s international airport. And it’s not uncommon for people to swarm there from all over when the ski season opens because of the acres of terrain and untouched snow ready for days of skiing.
Situated in one of the best ski towns, it features some of the best terrain parks. Here you’ll find some of the best skiing in Colorado. Beginner skiing is very much welcomed here while advanced skiing is year-round.
You can visit this ski resort in Colorado to relax and enjoy the mountain air on your next ski trip. There is also a wide variety of shopping options you can choose from at any time. If you want to stay longer than a day, then accommodation is not a problem. There are plenty of options for you to choose from as well. Check out these cool property rentals nearby.
Highlights
- Plenty of dining and accommodation options
- Offers double-black big bowl skiing
- Expensive
- Crowded
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2. Winter Park Ski Resort
The resort is only a two-hour drive from the Denver international airport. Winter Park Ski Resort is the perfect family getaway for the holidays. And it offers kid-friendly skiing in Colorado.
Although it is a perfect skiing destination, there are plenty of other activities you can do. There is tubing, snowmobiling, ice skating, fat biking, and much more. If you want to enjoy the serenity of the resort, weekdays are the best time to visit. This is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado.
Highlights
- Family-friendly
- Ski school available
- Winter park express train service
- Great diverse terrain
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3. Telluride Ski Resort
Telluride Ski Resort is one of the most scenic resorts in Colorado. With only a 20mins drive from the Telluride Regional Airport and 387.5mi from Denver international airport, you can find this gem in an authentic western town.
It offers outstanding advanced terrain, and it’s also easy to get around the place. An advanced skier will love the resort.
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Highlights
- Scenic
- Advanced Terrain
- Great restaurants and accommodations available
Cons
- Far from Denver
- Expensive
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4. Vail Ski Resort
This resort is only a 50 minutes’ drive from the Eagle County Regional Airport and 121.2mi from Denver international airport. As the biggest ski resort in the state, it is popular among skiers and snowboarders alike. And it’s an all-in-one package kind of resort.
Vail’s popularity comes at a price. It tends to be more expensive than the other resorts and also crowded. However, it offers a great experience. Check out one of these cool VRBO’s in the area.
Highlights
- Great dining and shopping experience from the nearby town
- Great accommodation options
Cons
- Can be busy
- Expensive
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5. Aspen & Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass is a family-friendly resort in Aspen Mountain that features four different ski resorts, each only 8mi apart. And it’s popularly known for providing a world-class skiing experience. It’s a 15 minutes’ drive from the Aspen County Airport and 220.5mi from Denver.
It would be best if you did not worry about altitude sickness when you visit this resort because of its low elevation. Otherwise, prepare for a great time ahead with your family. Aspen Snowmass is the most popular ski resort in Colorado. You won’t have a problem finding great property rentals in the area.
Highlights
- Expensive
- Great après ski and nightlife
- Free shuttle service connecting the ski resorts
- Plenty of activities available besides skiing
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6. Steamboat Ski Resort
Only 28mi from the Yampa Valley Regional Airport, and 178.2mi from Denver international airport, Steamboat is a must-see destination. This resort offers an excellent western experience.
It is famous for its excellent snow quality and low summit elevation levels. You can enjoy the geothermal springs, among other little luxuries. Other activities available include glade skiing.
It’s an excellent family destination for skiing in Colorado.
Highlights
- Family-friendly
- Affordable
- Not crowded
- 3.5hr drive from Denver international airport
- Fewer amenities
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7. Beaver Creek Resort
Situated a mere 10mi from Vail Resort, Beaver Creek offers the ultimate holiday pampering experience. The resort is 132.7mi from Denver international airport and is one of the prettiest ski resorts I’ve stayed in. It is a resort with plenty of skiers staying year-round. It is an excellent stop if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the holidays.
Beaver Creek’s terrain is smaller, you will enjoy the scenic experience as most of the trails slowly wind down the mountain. You can consider it for a couple’s getaway and enjoy exciting ski lifts and mountain views.
Highlights
- Luxurious
- Fancy amenities
- Outdoor Pool
- Has a serene environment and jaw-dropping scenery
- Smaller terrain
- Expensive
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8. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
This resort is only 87.8mi from Denver international airport. Arapahoe, the ski has the most extended season in the state. With a reputation of catering for expert skiers, this ski has the most challenging double-black runs. The ski resort is one of the most budget-friendly ski resorts in the state. And lift tickets can go for as low as $25 per adult.
Kids can enjoy lessons as well as get free to ski passes. You can, therefore, bring the entire family along for a good skiing day at the resort.
The 6th Alley Bar & Grill offers excellent dining solutions. And on specific nights, the restaurant offers several dinner events with four-course meals. It is undoubtedly a great family destination.
Highlights
- Traditional and low-key
- Plenty of lessons available
- No mountain lodging available
- Competitive Pricing
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9. Loveland Ski Area
A local favorite, Loveland ski is one of the oldest Colorado ski resorts. And it boosts at least 1800acres of perfect terrain and is one of the highest ski areas. This ski area is only 53miles from western Denver.
If you take skiing seriously, this is the resort for you as it emphasizes that above all else. But that doesn’t mean that beginners are left out. There is a place for everyone here. But it’s not to say the others are left out. Loveland is perfect for those who ski for the love of it.
There is also lodging available at the resort. And plenty more accommodation in the nearby town. You can also enjoy a great view, good wine, and food at a 12 feet elevation Ptarmigan Roast Café. If you’re looking for something unique, you can check out these VRBOS and Airbnbs nearby.
Highlights
- Beginner-friendly
- Lots of intermediate runs
- Cheap accommodation
- Close to Denver
10. Copper Mountain
Copper Ski is one of the largest ski resorts in Summit County, Colorado. It is situated 101.7mi from Denver international airport. And it offers diverse terrain for beginners to expert skiers for an epic ski experience for all.
The beginner terrain is the west terrain. Intermediate skiers and less-experienced skiers may also want to start with the west terrain. Freestyle skiers, advanced skiers, and Olympic skiers will enjoy the east side of the landscape more.
This ski resort is family-friendly. And it also offers lots of fun activities for the kids, including mini-golf and zip lines. While there, you can also enjoy the ninja obstacle course, and go hiking as well as biking.
There is also plenty of accommodation for exhausted and content skiers at the largest resort. Good food and live music are some of the most exciting highlights of the resort. You can merely visit the spa to hit the bars or enjoy their culinary genius in several restaurants.
Highlights
- Serene environment
- Not crowded
- Family-friendly
- 24 lifts
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11. Keystone Resort
This resort stretches to 3 mountains and offers a great skiing experience. If you prefer night skiing, then you are in luck because that is what Keystone is famous for skiers. The resort is only 71mi from the Denver international airport.
With two villages in the vicinity, River Run and Lakeside, you will love the variety of options available. You can go endless shopping here. It’s a great family getaway resort.
Highlights
- Plenty of dining, accommodation, and shopping options
- Affordable
- Best night skiing in Colorado
- Crowded
12. Silverton Mountain
If you are looking for a unique skiing experience, then this resort is for you. It’s a unique and user-friendly environment that makes it a skier’s heaven. Silverton Mountain is 6.5hrs from Denver.
Silverton Mountain features experts and advanced terrains. And as such, only skiers of that level can enjoy it. It also offers heliboarding and skiing as well as snowboarding. This is a quieter ski resort in Colorado.
Highlights
- Amazing accommodation options in Durango
- Serene experience
- Far from Denver
- Not crowded
- Great snow quality
Final say
Colorado is not just famous for its skiing towns. It is the number 1 ski destination in North America. And you can find the best ski resorts in Colorado on the list. Feel free to check them out, and you may find the gem you are looking for during the holidays.
A former mining town, Colorado has the distinction of being America’s 8th largest state in terms of land mass. Located in the Rocky Mountains region of the Western U.S., the state’s extensive and diverse natural resources have attracted millions of visitors with its 300 inches of annual snowfall.
These ski resorts in Colorado offer something special for every skier.
Also be sure to check out skiing in:
- Courmayeur Ski Resort: Your Guide to an Amazing Ski Holiday
- Skiing in Switzerland: The 7 Best Ski Resorts
- Skiing in France: The 7 Best Ski Resorts
- Skiing in Austria: The 7 Best Ski Resorts
