Welcome to my blog, all about Colorado ski resorts! I’ve skied in Colorado for five years and have been to many incredible ski areas and resorts across the state, from the Southwest to Summit County. I’d love to share my personal take on each ski resort in this blog to help you decide where to visit for your next Colorado ski vacation. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll be ready to make the best decision for your upcoming trip :)

elizabeth nelson author snowmad digital

The Most Incredible Ski Resorts in Colorado

Colorado offers some of the best skiing and riding in the United States. Snowfall amounts during major dumps can be spectacular and dry. Ski resorts range from top-end, world-class resorts to single-lift, family-run operations.

silverton mountain best colorado ski resorts

Silverton Mountain

I can’t make this list without discussing the resort in my backyard, Silverton. Although “resort” is a bit of a misnomer, it only has one lift. It’s almost like lift-accessed backcountry. Silverton Mountain is an alternative to crowded resorts. One chairlift services 1,819 acres of the best high-mountain skiing in the state. Twenty-two thousand acres are accessible only by hiking and helicopter. I’ve done unguided skiing and heli-skiing here. Although it’s not the best heli-skiing I’ve done, it’s a fantastic way to get your foot in the door by learning how to heli-ski, and it’s super cheap.

whiteout hel skiing day silverton

So here’s how Silverton works: you hop on the 2-pack, ride up and take in the views, then hop off the lift, unstrap/unclip, and walk up a short hill. From here, you can go in most directions up a boot pack to some seriously gnarly terrain. The options are limitless and it’s hard to beat that type of access.

Note: This applies to every ski area, but do not duck the ropes at Silverton. They take it very seriously, as should you. The San Juans are pretty avalanche-prone, so stuff is roped off for a reason. Duck a rope? You’ll get your pass chopped in half, a visit from Chuck, the sheriff, an $1,000 fine, and a court date.

  • Pros: Steep terrain, tree runs, affordable heli-skiing, good vibes
  • Cons: This isn’t a con for me but it might be for some, but there are minimal services. There is literally one hut to check in and one lift with some porta-potties.
  • Lift: 1 double
    • Fun fact: That lift is actually from Mammoth Mountain in California!
  • Top elevation: 13,487 ft
  • Chair elevation: 12,300 ft
  • Base elevation: 10,400 ft
  • Annual snowfall: 249″+
  • Skiable acres: 26,819
  • Lift Serviced Vertical Drop: 1,900 ft
  • Hike-To & Helicopter Accessible Vertical Drop: 3,887 ft
  • Easiest Run: 35 degrees
    • 30 degrees is a steep run at your average ski area

Important: You will need your avalanche beacon, probe, shovel (rentals available), and a pack to carry your gear upon check-in at the hut.

Silverton Mountain offers guided skiing from December 28, 2023, to March 10, 2024, with prices ranging from $229 to $269, depending on the date and day of the week. Unguided skiing is available from March 13, 2024, to April 14, 2024, with a lift ticket cost of $99. Private guide services and rental gear are available at varying prices [8]

telluride ski resort

Telluride Ski Resort

Telluride Ski Resort is one of my favorites because of the incredible terrain. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Utah. It features some of the best gullies, tree skiing, and hike-to terrain in the Southwest of Colorado. Probably the only downside is the cost and sometimes the vibes are off. The gondola is currently free, so you can either stay in Telluride or up in Mountain Village. Either way, the gondola is worth the trip just for the scenery but it also gives you access to more skiable terrain. The coolest feature is that you can ski all the way from Mountain Village down to Telluride if you want to!

Area Overview:

  • Telluride Ski Resort offers over 2,000 acres of lift-accessible terrain [1].
  • The resort is situated in the northwestern San Juan Mountains and provides stunning views of the surrounding area [1][2].
  • With 19 lifts and 148 runs, Telluride Ski Resort has a vertical drop of 4,425 feet (1,348 meters) [1][3].
  • The lift-served elevation of the resort is 12,515 feet (3,815 meters), and it reaches a maximum elevation of 13,150 feet (4,008 meters) [1][3].
  • Telluride Ski Resort receives an average snowfall of more than 280 inches (710 centimeters) annually [1][3].

Terrain and Runs:

  • The mountain offers a mix of terrain suitable for all skill levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced/expert runs [1][2][3].
  • Approximately 23% of the trails are classified as beginner, 36% as intermediate, and 41% as advanced/expert [3].
  • Telluride Ski Resort features 148 trails, including in-bounds hike-to slopes on Bald Mountain, the Gold Hill Chutes, Black Iron Bowl, and Palmyra Peak [1][3].
  • The resort has a variety of terrain parks and offers 10 kilometers of Nordic skiing [1].

Lifts:

  • Telluride Ski Resort has a total of 17 lifts [3].
  • The lift types include 2 high-speed gondolas, 5 high-speed quads, and various other types of lifts [3].
  • The resort has a lift capacity of over 22,386 skiers per hour [3].

Other Features:

  • The longest run at Telluride Ski Resort is the Galloping Goose, spanning 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers) [1][3].
  • Besides skiing, the resort offers summer activities such as Jeep tours, golf, fly fishing, mountain biking, and ropes courses [1].
  • Telluride Ski Resort provides on-site lodging options and accommodations in the nearby areas of Mountain Village Resort and Telluride Town [1].
  • The resort is approximately 65 miles (105 kilometers) from Montrose Regional Airport [1].

arapahoe basin ski resort

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort, also known as A-Basin, is a renowned alpine ski area in the Arapaho National Forest of Colorado, USA, just an hour-and-a-half drive from the Denver Metro area. This ski resort is known for its high elevation, long ski season, and diverse terrain that caters to skiers of all skill levels. One of the unique features of Arapahoe Basin is its lack of crowds, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of other ski resorts. The ski area is also known for its stunning views of the Continental Divide and challenging terrain for advanced skiers.

I love heading to A-Basin for early season (October) skiing or for spring skiing. I just finished skiing there this past June 2023, and they still had two lifts open. It’s hard to beat a ski resort that is so close to Denver yet misses the crowds and tourists.

Location and Season:

  • Arapahoe Basin is situated in Summit County, approximately 68 miles (109 kilometers) west of Denver, Colorado [1][2].
  • It is known for having one of the longest ski seasons in Colorado, extending into early June or even early July. This is due to its high elevation and predominantly north-to-northeast face, which helps maintain snow conditions [1][2].

Terrain and Runs:

  • Arapahoe Basin features 147 trails with varying difficulty levels [2][3].
  • The breakdown of difficulty levels is as follows: 7% easiest, 20% more difficult, 49% most difficult, and 24% extreme [1][3].
  • The ski area encompasses 1,428 acres (5.78 square kilometers) of skiable terrain [1][3].
  • The longest run stretches for 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) [1][3].

Lifts:

  • Arapahoe Basin has nine chairlifts, providing access to different sections of the mountain [1][3].
  • The lift types include one high-speed quad, three quads, one triple, one double, two magic carpets, and one surface lift [1][3].

Elevation and Snowfall:

  • The base elevation of Arapahoe Basin is 10,520 feet (3,206 meters) above sea level, while the summit elevation reaches 13,050 feet (3,978 meters) [1][2].
  • The mountain receives an average annual snowfall of approximately 350 inches (890 centimeters) [1][2].
  • Arapahoe Basin has 125 acres (0.51 square kilometers) of snowmaking coverage [1].

Amenities and Lodging:

  • Arapahoe Basin offers a big ass parking lot, and dining options such as a full cafeteria, bar, coffee bar, grill, and the Italian bistro Il Rifugio [1][2].
  • There is no on-site lodging available at the ski area itself. The closest accommodations are located in the Keystone ski area, approximately 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) away [1].

Opening and Closing Dates:

  • Arapahoe Basin typically opens in October and operates until early June, making it one of North America’s first and last ski resorts to close [1][3].

crested butte mountain

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Rambo! Google it. Crested Butte has a certain way of humbling most folks. Sometimes it’s really icy; other times, it’s soft. But it’s known for being socked in and a bit icy. Despite that. I love Crested Butte because it’s challenging and has fantastic hike-to chutes that will make you pucker up. There is family-friendly terrain, of course :)

Info

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Location and Season

Situated in Gunnison County, Colorado

Ski season typically runs from November to April

Terrain and Runs

Offers 121 runs with diverse terrain

Difficulty breakdown: 23% beginner, 57% intermediate, 20% advanced/expert

Longest run spans 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers), from Peak to Treasury

Boasts a vertical drop of 3,055 feet (931 meters)

Lifts

Total of 26 lifts, including 4 high-speed quad chairs, 2 quad chairs, 2 triple chairs, 3 double chairs, 3 surface lifts, and 2 Magic Carpets

Lift capacity of 20,310 people per hour

Elevation and Snowfall

Top elevation: 12,170 feet (3,709 meters), base elevation: 9,115 feet (2,778 meters)

Average annual snowfall of 300 inches (762 centimeters)

282 acres (114 hectares) of snowmaking coverage

Opening and Closing Dates

Ski season typically begins in November and concludes in April

Additional Features

EpicMix Time feature enhances the skiing experience with lift line wait time forecasts, interactive trail maps, grooming status, real-time weather updates, snow totals, mountain cams, GPS location tracking, resort updates, and safety information through the EpicMix platform

monarch mountain salida colorado skir esort

Monarch Mountain

Monarch Mountain is a ski resort located in Central Colorado near Salida. It has been going strong since 1939 and still offers exceptional skiing for all levels, with an average of 300 inches of snowfall each year.

Fun Fact: Monarch is one of the last ski resorts not to make any snow. That’s right; it’s all-natural.

The tree runs are impressive. The terrain preserves powder well after large storms, and I’ve found fresh lines in inbounds days after a storm. The Mirkwood Bowl offers hike-to terrain and is a powderhound like me if you want extra cardio. Also, the lift lines are pretty nonexistent.

  • Pros: Receives good snowfall, short lift lines, dry powder, good local vibes, gladed tree runs
  • Cons: It’s not a huge con, but the vertical is only 1,162 feet, so the “big mountain” runs are relatively short. Also, no lodging is at the base, which is not a con for me.

Monarch Mountain Statistics

  • Chairs: 7
  • Skiable acres: 800
  • Lift Access Acres: 670
  • Hiking Access Acres: 130
  • Guided Backcountry Acres: 635
  • Base Elevation: 10,790 ft
  • Summit Elevation: 11,952 ft
  • Vertical Drop: 1,162 ft

my van at copper mountain

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain is a family-friendly resort an hour’s drive from Denver. It offers over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and has been rated as one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for many years.

There’s lots of expert terrains here, and it has all the features of a “big resort” – high-speed chair lifts, the blue bubble, gondola, etc. Some notable runs include West Bowls, The Ridge Chutes, Ajax Peak, and Fields Of Fire Express Gondola.

  • Pros: Advanced terrain, many skiable acres, white-knuckle, and mellow tree runs. SICK park.
  • Cons: Close to the Front Range and, therefore, long lift lines at times.

Copper Mountain Statistics

  • Base Elevation: 9,712 feet
  • Summit Elevation: 12,441 feet
  • Vertical: 2,738 feet
  • Chairlifts: 24
  • Lift Capacity: 32,324 skiers per hour
  • Skiable Acres: 2,507 acres
  • Marked Trails: 140 marked trails
  • Terrain: 21% beginner, 25% intermediate, 36% advanced, 18% expert
  • Average Snowfall: 305 inches

wolf creek ski area

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Wolf Creek Ski Area is in the southern San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. This ski area is a relatively small resort with nine lifts but receives the most snow in Colorado on average.

Wolf Creek receives an astonishing 430 inches (nearly 35 feet) of snow annually, making it the most snow in Colorado. The ski area offers 1,600 acres of skiable terrain and 1,604 feet of vertical. The ski area opens on November 4th and closes in April 2022. Wolf Creek Ski Area is known for fresh snow and receives a lot of snow in significant storms (did I say that already? I guess I have powder brain!) When storms roll through this area, you can expect to be floating down feet of snow at Wolf Creek Ski Area. The nearest place to stay is about 35 minutes away at Pagosa Springs on the west side of the pass.

Due to wind and location, Wolf Creek is positioned to receive a ton of snow. You can really get in your powder days here. Most of the terrain is easy/intermediate, and some hike-to terrain is more advanced. The tree runs here are phenomenal. Because it’s not near any major city and doesn’t have lodging, it’s harder to access so the crowds are slim.

  • Pros: Deep, short lift lines, great ree runs
  • Cons: Flat in many areas means snowboarders have to hop around and look silly to get out of some tough places. Or worse, unstrap and walk out.

Wolf Creek Mountain Statistics

  • Skiable Acres: 1,600
  • Vertical Drop: 1,604 feet
  • Base Elevation: 10,300 feet
  • Summit Elevation: 11,904 feet
  • Longest Run: 2 miles – Navajo Trail
  • Annual Snowfall: 430 Natural Inches
  • Lifts: 9

hiking to top of purgatory ski resort when covid shut the lifts down

Purgatory Resort

Since I live(d) here and learned to snowboard here, it’s hard to make this list without mentioning Purg. Not the gnarliest of mountains I’ve skied, but it has decent terrain and is family-friendly.

Purgatory Resort’s unique characteristic is its location in the San Juan Mountains, which provides breathtaking views. However, on a big powder day, getting to the backside on a snowboard takes some extra effort. Once there, it’s worth it.

  1. Mountain Overview:
    • Purgatory Resort has been in operation since 1965. [1]
    • The resort spans 1,650 acres of skiable terrain, with a vertical drop of 2,029 feet. [1]

Lift Types and Runs:

    • Purgatory Resort operates 11 lifts, including a high-speed six-person chairlift, two high-speed quad chairs, three triple chairs, and three double chairs. [1]
    • The resort features 105 trails, catering to different skill levels, with 22% beginner, 35% intermediate, and 43% advanced runs. The longest run measures 1.3 miles. [1]
    • The mountain offers a range of terrain parks, including 3-6 parks for snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts. [1]

p40 local legend in North Country Purgatory sending a slackcountry cliff south of Silverton

Annual Snowfall and Season:

    • Purgatory Resort receives an average annual snowfall of 260 inches, ensuring good snow conditions for skiing and snowboarding. [1]

Other Features:

    • Dining options include the Village Market & Deli for breakfast, The Nugget Mountain Bar for lunch (just down the road), and Purgy’s Slopeside for dinner. [3]
    • Purgatory Resort has an on-site urgent care clinic staffed by healthcare providers from Durango, ensuring prompt medical attention for ski-related injuries. [1]

beaver creek

Beaver Creek Resort

I cannot speak from personal experience here since I haven’t been to Beaver Creek. From what my friends tell me, it’s much like A0Basin in that it’s not overcrowded but still features some fun mellow terrain.

Lift Types and Runs:

    • There are 48 runs at Beaver Mountain, catering to different skill levels. These runs are classified as 35% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 25% advanced. [1]
    • The terrain parks at Beaver Mountain include Gentle Ben Family Fun Park, which is suitable for skill improvement and progression, and Rodeo Grounds Terrain Park, featuring jumps, jibs, rollers, and tabletops. [1]

Mountain Details:

    • The top elevation at Beaver Mountain is 8,860 feet for Harry’s Dream and 8,600 feet for Marge’s Triple. [1]
    • The base elevation is not mentioned in the available information.
    • The mountain has a vertical drop of 1,700 feet. [1]
    • Beaver Mountain covers 828 acres of skiable area. [1]
    • The resort receives an average annual snowfall of over 400 inches. [1]

Operation Dates and Hours:

    • The ski season at Beaver Mountain typically runs from mid-December to early April. [1]
    • Day passes are valid from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Night skiing is available on select nights with lit runs accessed by the Little Beaver Lift and magic carpet surface lift. [1]

D5A36F5D 867C 45B0 9689 EDDD410886EF

Loveland Ski Area

Loveland Ski Area is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado, offering a unique and unforgettable skiing experience for skiers of all levels. Located just 53 miles west of Denver, Loveland Ski Area is an easily accessible destination for locals and tourists alike. The resort boasts 1,800 acres of skiable terrain, with 94 trails and 10 lifts. The terrain is diverse, with something for every skier, from beginner to expert. One unique feature of Loveland Ski Area is its Ridge Cat, a snowcat that takes skiers to some of the most challenging terrains in the resort.

Mountain Overview:

    • Loveland Ski Area consists of two main sections: Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley. [1]
    • Loveland Basin offers a variety of runs and lifts, including challenging terrain, while Loveland Valley is more beginner-friendly with gentler slopes and is home to Loveland’s Ski and Ride School. [1]
    • The resort has a skiable area of 1,800 acres, with Loveland Basin covering the majority of the terrain. [1]

Lift Types and Runs:

    • Loveland Ski Area operates a total of 10 lifts, including quad chairs, triple chairs, double chairs, and surface lifts. [1]
    • The mountain offers 94 runs in total, with Loveland Basin providing a wide range of terrain, including open cruisers, tree runs, bumps, and bowls. [2]
    • The runs are classified as 13% beginner, 41% intermediate, and 46% advanced/expert. The longest run stretches for 2 miles. [1]
  1. Mountain Elevations:
    • Loveland Basin has a top elevation of 13,010 feet.
    • Loveland Valley has a top elevation of 11,250 feet and a base elevation that is not specified in the available information. [1]
    • The vertical drop at Loveland Basin is 2,210 feet, while Loveland Valley has a vertical drop of 850 feet. [1]
    • Chet’s Dream, a lift at Loveland Basin, has the highest elevation at 11,838 feet. [2]

Annual Snowfall and Season:

    • Loveland Ski Area receives an average annual snowfall of 422 inches, providing excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding. [1]
    • The ski resort typically operates from mid-October to mid-May, enjoying a long season compared to many other resorts. [3]

Other Features:

    • Loveland Ski Area offers ample parking and a free shuttle service between Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley. [2]
    • The resort is known for its world-famous powder snow, reasonable prices, and friendly staff. [3]
    • Loveland Ski Area has advanced snowmaking capabilities covering 240 acres of terrain. [1]

breckenridge

Breckenridge Colorado Ski Resorts

Breckenridge is pretty crowded and filled with Front Rangers and tourists alike. There is nothing that really stands out about it to me.

Mountain Information:

  • Top Elevation: 12,998 ft (3,962 m)
  • Base Elevation: 9,600 ft (2,926 m)
  • Vertical Rise: 3,398 ft (1,036 m)
  • Skiable Acres: 2,908 acres (1,177 hectares)
  • Annual Snowfall: 355 inches (900 cm)
  • Snowmaking Coverage: 617 acres (250 hectares)
  • Trail Classification:
    • Beginner: 11%
    • Intermediate: 31%
    • Advanced: 24%
    • Expert: 34%

Runs and Lifts:

  • Total Runs: 187
  • Bowls: 1,061 acres (429 hectares)
  • Longest Run: Four O’Clock – 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
  • Terrain Parks: 4
  • Superpipe: 1
  • Lifts: 35
    • Gondola: 1
    • High-speed six-packs: 1
    • High-speed quads: Multiple
    • Fixed-grip quads: Multiple
    • Triple chairlifts: Multiple
    • Double chairlifts: Multiple
    • Surface lifts: Multiple
    • Carpet lifts: Multiple
    • Interesting Fact: The Imperial Express is the highest chairlift in North America, reaching an elevation of 12,840 ft (3,914 m)[1]

Additional Facts:

  • Breckenridge Ski Resort has been in operation for 60 years and is part of Vail Resorts.
  • The resort is conveniently located approximately two hours west of Denver International Airport and 2.5 hours northwest of Colorado Springs Airport.
  • The resort consists of five peaks and offers a charming Victorian-style town.
  • Breckenridge’s town features historic buildings, lively bars, restaurants, shops, and boutiques.
  • The resort is known for its vibrant atmosphere and attracts visitors from around the world.
  • Breckenridge receives an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.
  • The town has a permanent population of 4,631 and covers an area of 5.5 square miles.
  • The resort is part of the same ownership as Vail, Beaver Creek, and Keystone, and a multi-day lift ticket includes access to these resorts as well as Arapahoe Basin[2][3][4]

keystone ski resort

Keystone Resort

Keystone Resort is more of a touristy vibe, but it has great lodging and access.

Keystone Ski Resort Facts and Statistics:

  • Vertical Drop: 3,128 ft (953 m)
  • Base Elevation: 9,280 ft (2,829 m)
  • Summit Elevation: 12,408 ft (3,782 m)
  • Skiable Area: 3,149 acres (1,249 hectares)
  • Annual Snowfall: 235 inches (597 cm)

Trail Details:

  • Easiest: 12%
  • More Difficult: 39%
  • Most Difficult: 49%

Lifts and Trails:

  • Lifts: 20
    • 1x 6-person lift
    • 6x quad chairlifts
    • 1x triple chairlift
    • 3x double chairlifts
    • 7x surface lifts
  • Trails: 130

Additional Facts:

  • The ski season typically ranges from November to March, with additional summer hours of operation available.
  • Night skiing is offered on Dercum Mountain during the Thanksgiving holiday and mid-December through March.
  • Keystone Ski Resort consists of three main peaks: Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback.
  • The resort has bowls with hike-to terrain, secret stashes, and guided cat skiing options.
  • Keystone offers a variety of dining and nightlife options, including restaurants and bars on the slopes and at the base.
  • The resort provides additional facilities such as a spa, ice rink, and bobsleigh track.

aspen snowmass

Aspen Snowmass

‘Nuff said. It’s pretty crowded, but I recommend visiting if you haven’t been.

  • Location: Near Aspen, Colorado
  • Terrain: The resort consists of four mountains: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk[3][4]
  • Snowmass: The largest mountain in the complex, covering 3,342 acres[1][2]
  • Trails: The resort offers 98 trails[2]
  • Lifts: There are 21 chairlifts available to access the slopes[2]
  • Elevation: The base elevation is 8,604 ft (2,623 m), and the summit elevation is 12,510 ft (3,813 m)[2]
  • Vertical Rise: The resort has a vertical rise of 4,406 ft (1,340 m)[2]
  • Trail Difficulty: 5% of trails are marked as easiest, 48% as more difficult, 17% as most difficult, and 30% as expert[2]
  • Terrain Parks: Snowmass features three terrain parks, including a 22-foot superpipe and a beginner pipe[2]
  • Operating Season: The winter season typically runs from November 25, 2021, to April 17, 2022[2]
  • Dining: There are seven on-mountain dining options available, including Elk Camp, Sam’s, Up 4 Pizza, Two Creeks Café, Lynn Britt Cabin, Ullrhof, and High Alpine[2]

My least favorite ski resorts in Colorado

Uh oh! Don’t read this section because I am a very picky skier.

Vail Ski Resorts in Colorado

Vail. VAIL. You’ve ruined skiing for everyone by cheapening it and destroying ski resorts across the country. You might be reading this and hate me for saying it but it’s not your fault. When ski resorts start charging $260 a day for lift tickets, but an EPIC Pass is $999, it’s easy to understand why a family would make that decision.

Not-So EPIC

Vail Mountain Resort is situated in the Vail Valley region, approximately 100 miles west of Denver, Colorado. It is one of the largest ski resorts in the world, covering over 5,000 acres, with a skiable terrain of more than 195 runs. The resort was founded in 1962 by Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton, and has since become a world-renowned destination for skiing and snowboarding.

Steamboat Ski Resort

I’m sorry, it’s just kinda flat, is all. I feel bad saying this because everyone else seems to love Steamboat. Please go if you love mellow terrain and don’t mind getting stuck in some flats. I’ve had some really good times at this resort. Anyway…

Steamboat Ski Resort is a world-class ski destination located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The resort is centered around Mount Werner, just outside of Steamboat Springs, and boasts an average of 334 inches of snow annually. Steamboat is famous for its “Champagne Powder Snow,” a term trademarked by the resort to describe the dry, fluffy powder that covers the mountain. With an elevation range from 6,900 feet at the base to 10,568 feet at the summit, Steamboat is a great option for those who are concerned about the effects of high altitude. The ski area covers 2,965 acres and is well-known for its fabulous tree skiing. Additionally, the resort offers 18 lifts and 165 trails, including 6 terrain parks.

Hazie’s restaurant is a newly renovated eatery that offers a bite to eat and a bit of history. Steamboat Springs is a three-hour drive from Denver, but the resort has an airport with direct flights from several major airports across the USA. With its “Western” heritage and cowboy culture, Steamboat Springs has a casual and Wild West feel that is reflected in the festivals and events held in the town.

3 colorado ski resorts deep snow

Small and Cute Ski Areas in Colorado

Here are some honorable mentions of cute, little bitty ski areas that are less crowded. From one lifts, to your local ski hill, here’s to janky tech and vibes.

1. Buttermilk Mountain Ski Area (Aspen)

  • Location: Aspen, Colorado
  • Recommended for: Learning to ski, improving skills, families, and hosting the X Games
  • Features: Terrain park, ski school, renovated base area with skier services building, breathtaking scenery, and less crowded compared to other resorts[1][2][3][4]

2. Chapman Hill Municipal Ski Area

  • Location: Durango, Colorado
  • Features: A municipal ski area in Durango, providing a family-friendly environment, skiing, and snowboarding activities[3]

3. Cranor Hill Ski Area

  • Location: Laramie, Wyoming
  • Features: A small community-operated ski area near Laramie, offering skiing and snowboarding opportunities[3]

4. Echo Mountain Resort

  • Location: Idaho Springs, Colorado
  • Features: A ski resort near Idaho Springs, offering skiing and snowboarding, terrain park, and night skiing[3]

5. Eldora Mountain Resort

  • Location: Nederland, Colorado
  • Features: A ski resort near Nederland, offering skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. It has a variety of terrain suitable for different skill levels[3]

6. Hesperus Ski Area

  • Location: Hesperus, Colorado
  • Features: A ski area near Hesperus, offering skiing and snowboarding[3]

7. Kendall Mountain Ski Area

  • Location: Silverton, Colorado
  • Features: A ski area near Silverton, offering skiing and snowboarding[3]

8. Sunlight Mountain Resort

  • Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
  • Features: A ski resort near Glenwood Springs, offering skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. It has a variety of terrain suitable for different skill levels[3]

9. Winter Park Ski Resort

  • Location: Winter Park, Colorado
  • Features: A popular ski resort offering diverse terrain, ski and snowboard lessons, terrain parks, and various winter activities. It is known for its proximity to Denver and extensive ski area[3]

1 colorado ski resorts deep snow

Map of Ski Resorts in Colorado

0 colorado ski resorts deep snow

Colorado Ski Packages

There are several multi-resort passes available for skiing in Colorado. Here are the different options:

Ikon Pass (Aspen, Copper, Steamboat)

This pass provides access to 41 ski destinations worldwide, including 7 in Colorado. It offers unlimited access to Copper Mountain, Eldora, Steamboat, and Winter Park and limited access to Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, and Copper Mountain. Benefits include discounted lift tickets for friends and family, food and retail discounts, and priority access to reservation days.

Epic Pass

This pass offers access to 37 ski destinations worldwide, including 5 in Colorado. It provides unlimited access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte, as well as limited access to Telluride and Snowmass. Benefits include discounted lift tickets for friends and family, food and retail discounts, and priority access to reservation days.

Mountain Collective Pass

This pass grants access to 23 ski destinations worldwide, including 2 in Colorado. It offers 2 days each at Aspen Snowmass and Copper Mountain and 2 days at other destinations like Jackson Hole and Mammoth Mountain. Benefits include discounted lift tickets for friends and family, food and retail, and lodging discounts.

Have fun planning your Colorado ski trip.

Colorado ski resorts offer an unparalleled winter wonderland experience, attracting adventurers from all corners of the globe. The breathtaking slopes, pristine powder, and charming alpine villages create memories that last a lifetime. If you’re considering a trip to Colorado for the first time, this website offers a fantastic 3-day Denver itinerary that perfectly complements your ski resort adventure. Exploring Denver’s vibrant culture and attractions before hitting the slopes is an excellent way to dive into the true essence of Colorado. Alternatively, if you plan to return during the summer months, Denver’s warmth unveils an entirely different beauty, with outdoor activities and festivals abound.

Colorado’s ski resorts cater to all, whether you’re a seasoned skier or a novice on the slopes, promising an unforgettable experience. Every moment spent here is truly magical from the majestic Rocky Mountain backdrops to the thrill of gliding down powdery slopes. So, pack your bags, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and embark on an adventure that will leave you spellbound.