10 Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest

Colorado is home to some of the most world renowned ski resorts in the United States. With so many great choices, it can be hard to decide which resort to go to on your next trip. So, we have curated a list of the 10 best ski resorts in Colorado (trust us, this was not an easy task). The list is based on a number of factors, including terrain variety, ski area size, resort ambiance, affordability and accessibility. 

At these resorts, you can expect to make epic memories both on and off the slopes. With the exceptional snow quality and incredible mountain views, Colorado is a top destination for skiing and snowboarding. Get inspired and plan your next winter trip using our list of the best ski resorts in Colorado.

#1. Breckenridge

Breckenridge Logo

Favorite Features

Overview

Breckenridge has the complete ski resort package. It strikes the perfect balance between being a world-class ski resort and providing a laid-back, casual vibe. The ski area is huge, spreading across five different peaks, and offers terrain for all skill levels. From groomed learning areas to extreme, alpine bowls, Breckenridge has something to offer for everyone.

Breckenridge was the first resort in Colorado to allow snowboarders and continues to demonstrate their passion for freestyle riding with their award winning terrain parks. The resort also has a top notch ski school and child care available for those too young to hit the slopes. With several on-mountain dining options and bars in town, Breckenridge is also known for its après scene.

#2. Steamboat

Steamboat Logo

Favorite Features

Overview

Steamboat is another premier destination in Colorado, known for its “champagne powder”. This is a term coined by the resort to describe their light, fluffy snow. You’ll also hear people call it “Ski Town USA” because of the number of winter Olympic athletes that call Steamboat home. The mountain is known for its unique aspen glades and rich western heritage.

The resort is family friendly, offering free lift tickets to children 12 and under with the purchase of a 5-or-more day adult pass. The summit elevation is also relatively lower than the other ski resorts in Colorado, which makes it a good option if you’re concerned about altitude sickness. Another highlight is the geothermal hot springs located near Steamboat. After a long day of skiing, you can soak your tired muscles in the natural springs and feel rejuvenated before hitting the slopes again.

#3. Vail

Vail Logo

Favorite Features

Overview

Vail is a skier’s and snowboarder’s paradise. Its resort draws people in from all over the world to experience the magic both on and off the mountain. The ski area is enormous with an efficient lift system, and the villages provide plenty of dining and shopping options to keep the non-skiers happy too. Boasting over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, with extensive trail systems on both the front and backside of the mountain, Vail mountain offers something for every type of skier and rider. 

Vail is known for their seven legendary back bowls and luxurious village ambiance. The terrain, on-mountain amenities and highly rated ski school are sure to satisfy everyone in your group. Whether you want to ski until last chair or stop midday to enjoy a well deserved après treat, Vail has you covered.

#4. Winter Park

Winter Park Logo

Favorite Features

Overview

Winter Park is known for being a family friendly resort and caters to skiers of all skill levels. Although not as glamorous as some of the other Colorado ski resorts, Winter Park has all the modern amenities you need to have a great ski trip. The ski area spans across two distinct mountains, giving skiers plenty of variety.

Winter Park has its own tubing hill that can be accessed by the village cabriolet. There’s also a quaint ice rink at the heart of the village that’s fun for all ages. Another important thing to note about Winter Park is its location off the main highway of I-70. Skiers can happily exit before the infamous Eisenhower Tunnel where traffic jams are likely to occur.

#5. Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass Logo

Favorite Features

Overview

Aspen Snowmass is a combination of four different ski areas that surround the town of Aspen and Snowmass Village. Snowmass, Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk provide 5,303 skiable acres combined and offer terrain for all ages and abilities. Aspen Mountain sits above the town of Aspen, creating an iconic postcard image during the winter. Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands are only a few miles away, while Snowmass is a 20 minute drive from town. One lift ticket gets you access to all four mountains, and there’s a free shuttle that runs between Aspen and the resorts.

When most people think of Aspen, they think of a luxurious place where celebrities vacation. They’re not wrong. This is a high quality ski resort with world class service and an authentic town. Although the resort is not the cheapest or closest option to Denver, the variety of mountains, restaurants, shopping and lively bar scene make it worth the trip. It’s another resort with a mild base elevation, so it’s a good option if you’re traveling from lower altitudes.

#6. Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain Logo

Favorite Features

Overview

Copper Mountain is a unique resort in that its terrain is naturally divided by difficulty. The beginner terrain is in the West Village, intermediate terrain is in the Center Village and advanced terrain is in the East Village. Although Copper feels a bit more isolated from the other ski resorts located in Summit County, it has all of the amenities, accommodations and après spots to make for a great winter vacation. 

Copper has some excellent deals for kids and a multitude of on-mountain activities. Kids 4 and under always ski for free, and kids 12 and under ski for free with the purchase of an adult 2-day pass. With an alpine coaster and uphill skiing tours, there’s limitless possibilities to enjoy each day on the slopes. Although Copper doesn’t have its own distinct ski town, the villages at the base of the resort are decently sized with great dining and shopping options.

#7. Telluride

Telluride Logo

Favorite Features

Overview

With stunning views of the San Juan Mountain range, exceptional skiing and fewer crowds, it’s no wonder Telluride has become a top destination. Skiers and boarders alike won’t have complaints on this resort’s setup with its efficient and high-speed lift system. From family-friendly cruisers to intense hike-to terrain, Telluride has terrain for everyone.

After the lifts close for the day, the fun doesn’t stop. There are many après and fine dining options in town to explore. Unique events, festivals and live music are a common occurrence for both locals and visitors to enjoy. If you still want to stay active but take a break from skiing or riding, check out one of the many guided tours, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice climbing.

#8. Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Logo

Favorite Features

Overview

At Beaver Creek, you’ll feel both pampered and welcomed on your trip. With escalators to take you from the village to the base, heated sidewalks, and slopeside ski valet service, the start and end of your day will feel hassle-free. Beaver Creek is located only 10 miles west from Vail but experiences much fewer crowds. The mountain itself is immaculately groomed and has a higher percentage of beginner terrain than any other resort on this list.

The resort has three village areas that each offer a mix of luxury accommodations, shopping and dining. If one thing’s certain, it’s that Beaver Creek satisfies those with a sweet tooth. The on-mountain Candy Cabin is a treat for kids and adults alike looking for an afternoon pick-me-up. They’re also famous for their free, freshly baked cookies that are offered to guests at the base area each afternoon. Yum!

#9. Keystone

Keystone Logo

Favorite Features

Overview

Keystone is another household name in Colorado that offers an affordable, family-friendly ski experience. The resort is spread over three mountains, with each one taking skiers and riders further away from the bustling base area. Keystone is the only resort in the area that has night skiing available and is home to the famous A51 Terrain Park. Serviced by its own lift, the park has over 100 different features, rails and pipes for all ages and abilities.

Another perk is the free onsite parking lot. Parents can rejoice with Keystone’s free to use wagon fleet that makes carrying the kids gear to and from the base much easier. The resort also prides itself in the parade held at the end of each day, where free cookies are handed out as a hard earned treat to all the skiers and riders. With casual hotels to premium condos, there’s plenty of lodging options as well to suit most budgets.

#10. Crested Butte

Crested Butte Logo

Favorite Features

Overview

Crested Butte is one of the best resorts for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders to put their skills to the test. Over half of the mountain is rated black or double black and the mountain hosts a number of freeskiing championships. The ski area is known for its steep chutes, tight tree glades, and alpine bowls and cliff drops. With that said, the resort still offers beginner and intermediate terrain, making it a fine destination for families and groups with varying abilities.

Although its location is remote as compared to other ski resorts, this means less crowds. This is another resort that has an authentic town, located just three miles from the ski area. However, it doesn’t have the vibrant nightlife that some of the other ski resorts boast about. Crested Butte is great for those that enjoy a more relaxing evening out in a serene mountain setting.

Have you visited any of these resorts? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!