Best ski resorts in Colorado, USA: Top 8 mountain hideaways with quality snow, colourful après-ski and great terrain
Colorado ski resorts can captivate any winter sports enthusiast, from beginners to pros. The unmatched Rocky Mountains, an assortment of resorts, and quality snowmaking create such a unique experience that thousands of travellers head to these peaks each year to experience excellent slopes on skis and snowboards.
Colorado is one of the most popular destinations for skiing, and its major resorts are always at the top of the list of the world's best. Each of these mountain hideaways offers something unique, from world-class art exhibits held in Aspen to top whiskey tastings in Breckenridge. But what they all have in common is gorgeous terrain that provides plenty of challenges for athletes and amateurs, and excellent weather conditions to extend the ski season.
Ski resorts in Colorado will give you the ultimate adventure, introduce you to some of the most scenic mountain towns in the U.S., help you improve your skiing skills and create colourful off-piste experiences. There are plenty of exciting activities on and off the resorts, and the most cost-effective way to travel here is to purchase a season pass. Members of this list work with the Ikon Pass or Epic Pass, single-season passports that give you access to over a hundred slopes around the world.
We've compiled a list of the best ski resorts in Colorado to plan your winter vacation at.
1. Vail Ski Resort
This luxury escape in the mountains of Colorado in the US is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. It is known for its expansive terrain and legendary back bowls. It is the largest ski area in the state with a wide variety of terrain, with the resort covering over 5,300 acres of ski terrain for all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. For beginners, there are two main ski areas: above the Lionshead area and the foothills of Golden Peak. The gem of the resort is the seven Back Bowls runs with incredible mountain scenery and extensive off-piste terrain. Vail also boasts the longest ski season in the country, opening typically in November and lasting through April and sometimes into May.
Vail is often called the crowning jewel of Colorado's coolest ski resorts as it has everything from a huge terrain to a charming ski village. The resort includes three lively villages with great lodging options, a vibrant après-ski scene, top-notch stores and restaurants with a wide variety of cuisine. They stretch for 7 miles and are served by free shuttles. The village of Vail is at the centre of the resort. The main restaurants, bars and stores are concentrated here, as well as numerous hotels (mostly upmarket options) with direct access to the elevators and ski slopes. A 5-minute drive from this village is the Lionshead Village area. It's smaller but also boasts many great après-ski and restaurant options and access to the express elevator and gondola. Golden Peak is the quietest part of the resort and the most popular for families. There is a ski school and beginner's learning area nearby, and there is good access to the race area and superpipe, which hosts exciting events like the Burton US Open.
When choosing this resort for your winter vacation, you should take into consideration the premium scene and immense popularity that makes it one of the most crowded locations for skiing.
2. Steamboat Ski Resort
Among the famous ski resorts in the state of Colorado, USA, Steamboat ranks among the top. First of all, it is the only ski resort not only in Colorado but in the whole world that has its own brand of snow. Champagne Powder is a very light and smooth snow that is perfect for skiing. The resort offers a unique winter sports experience. There are 2,965 acres of ski area for all skill levels with famous glades. Steamboat has a relatively low summit elevation of 10,568 feet, making a visit a good choice for travellers suffering from altitude sickness. The second thing that sets Steamboat apart is the numerous natural hot springs in which one can warm up muscles after a day on the slopes, making the resort one of the most charming towns in the state.
Accommodations in Steamboat are available at two main locations: downtown Steamboat Springs or on the mountain. The town is worth staying in to savour the history of the Wild West. There aren't many accommodation options here, but there is an abundance of stores, restaurants, bars and some hot springs. It is only a 10-minute drive from the ski resort. There is accommodation on the mountain at the base near the elevators, restaurants and stores or in the Mountain Village area near the base. There is little nightlife here, but you can always head into town anyway.
All of this, plus a children's activity centre and the new Skeeters Rink, makes Steamboat one of Colorado's favourite ski resorts for families. It is farther away from major airports, so it is not as crowded in comparison. Steamboat is currently being redeveloped with a nearly $200 million investment planned for new elevators and terrain, an après-ski area, retail stores, a live music stage, restaurants and bars. All of this will collectively make it the second largest among Colorado ski resorts.
3. Keystone Resort
The season at Keystone typically opens in October, allowing skiers and snowboarders to expand their skiing experience. Keystone is also known as one of the top family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado and has the largest night skiing system in the state. It boasts a large area and a good variety of terrain, with a whopping 3,350 acres located on the Outback, Dercum and North Peak mountains and the Five Bowls.
The resort has a variety of schools for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarding with programmes for children. It is popular for its Kidtopia play area with activities for the whole family. Other perks of the resort include night skiing: there are plenty of trails that are lighted after dark, so you'll find the longest ski day in Colorado here. Its terrain parks, such as the A51 Terrain Park with its own chairlift, are also worthy. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Keystone also offers tubing and sledding, but winter sports vacations aren't limited to winter sports either, with a magical snow fort with a bar inside, ice skating and sledding, indoor gondola rides, chic spas and group fitness classes.
Keystone has an excellent selection of lodging options, from affordable condos to first-class hotels. At the foot of Dercum Mountain are two villages, Mountain House and River Run. The Mountain House area is quieter and more peaceful, with good access to the A51 landscape park and the basic training area. Access to the summit is via two chairlifts. In contrast, River Run has access to a gondola elevator to the top of the picturesque mountain. There are many eateries and stores and is home to Kidtopia's headquarters.
Compared to the most luxurious ski resorts in Colorado, such as Vail and Beaver Creek, Keystone is noticeably cheaper, but it can also be very crowded.
4. Telluride Ski Resort
Telluride has earned a reputation as one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for its superb terrain, great views, and excellent ski runs. It boasts a mountain with the best layout in the state that is easy to navigate and a fantastic variety of terrain, from gentle runs to off-piste skiing for the extreme skiers.
Telluride has over 2,400 acres of southern terrain that sits on two mountains. Nearly 60 percent of the resort's terrain is designed for beginners and continuing skiers. In addition to skiing and snowboarding down the mountain, it's worthwhile to take in the scenic views while snowshoeing and snowmobiling, and immerse yourself in the history of the region.
Telluride is known for its historic town with a bustling Wild West atmosphere with cobblestone streets lined with horse-drawn carriages and quaint stores and restaurants on the main avenue, with bars and nightlife. Exploring the eateries and restaurants of the former mining town is also part of the experience at this resort. The most popular among them are Allred's, with its award-winning global wine list, and Alpino Vino, located at a dizzying altitude of nearly 12,000 feet. But it's also interesting to learn more about the city's past: it's worth checking out the local history museum, which not only has in-house exhibitions but also runs walking tours of the city twice a week.
Hotels in the city offer luxury accommodations near the intermediate and advanced slopes. You can also stay at hotels in Mount Village. This would be a good choice for families: there are beginner and intermediate slopes, a children's camp, a ski school, and ice skating facilities nearby. There are also restaurants and stores, though far fewer than in the town itself. Compared to most other well-known Colorado ski resorts, Telluride is more difficult to get to from Denver, so there are usually fewer vacationers.
5. Breckenridge
Among Colorado ski resorts, this one is one of the highest-elevation resorts. Breckenridge, or "Breck" as it's affectionately known to locals and visitors, offers 2,908 acres with five skiable peaks and 187 trails of varying levels and terrain. But beyond that, it's also a charming village that emerged in the 1850s as a mining camp during the gold rush.
While most Colorado ski resorts have a single mountain, Breckenridge is part of an entire mountain range with three main bases that are access points to the mountain and provide a variety of services such as equipment rentals, elevator tickets and ski school instruction. Connections to town are excellent thanks to the BreckConnect gondola elevator and excellent ski runs, and there are plenty of great places to stay in town itself and on the slopes. You can ski from the top of the elevator (the highest in North America) right into town on après-ski.
Breck today is a vibrant town that will be a fun and relaxed temporary home for outdoor adventures. It is one of Colorado's largest historic districts, welcoming its guests with a blend of Wild West and Victorian era-referencing architecture and state-of-the-art amenities. Recreation after days of skiing and snowboarding includes over two hundred restaurants, stores and a vibrant nightlife with fun bars, dancing and live music. Breck's culinary scene is definitely not to be missed, with everything from tacos and fast burgers to local distilleries and breweries that you can tour and sample award-winning rum, bourbon, whiskey and other beverages. You can also diversify your vacation with historical tours of the region's gold mining past and a visit to the Downtown Arts District, consisting of galleries, studios, public art and creative event spaces.
6. Crested Butte Mountain Resort
One of Colorado's top ski resorts, Crested Butte is known for its charming rustic atmosphere and endless winter adventures. Located off the beaten path, it has more than 1,500 acres of trails on four mountains for all levels of skiing. Above all, however, it is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for experienced snowboarders and adventure-seeking skiers, as of the 121 trails, approximately one-third of them are at the expert and advanced ski levels.
The resort offers two terrain parks. Ten Peaks is the most suitable place to practice tricks before heading to the bigger parks. Lower Twister Terrain Park, the newest space with perfect hilly terrain consists of three groomed jumps 25-35 feet high and transforms as the snow falls.
At any time of year, there are plenty of activities to suit all tastes. For starters, you can take a guided lesson to explore the resort's challenging terrain, or a tour led by a professional snowboarder to experience the famous slopes and improve your skills to the maximum. The resort also offers fatbike trails, trails for winter horseback riding in the quiet of the countryside, and snowshoeing. The best views of the Rocky Mountains can be experienced on a snowmobile tour with a local guide.
But beyond winter sports, Crested Butte is also a charming village atmosphere with horse-drawn sleighs rolling down snowy streets and the aromas of freshly baked bread and hot coffee wafting through the air. Stroll down Elk Avenue to admire the many Victorian-style storefronts painted in unusual colours that make the town unlike any other ski resort in Colorado. Be sure to discover some of the best restaurants in the state, like the incredible pizza at Secret Stash, pan-fried chicken at The Slogar, and French bistro-style food at Soupçon. There are colourful festivals and events all winter long, from the Winter Carnival to the Crested Butte Film Festival.
7. Beaver Creek Resort
Whether it's a family vacation, an advanced skiing experience or an adrenaline-pumping descent down steep slopes, Beaver Creek Resort has something for every traveller. These mountains are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and welcoming atmosphere. Meticulously groomed corduroy runs will guide skiers through 2,000 acres of beautiful terrain and three separate base areas. Ski and snowboard lessons are offered at the villages of Bachelor Gulch and Beaver Creek, where beginners can learn the necessary skills at a comfortable pace and fun environment with world-class instructors.
Among Colorado ski resorts, Beaver Creek is famous for its signature parks. Haymeadow Park at the foot of the resort is a great place to learn in a fun and safe environment with its beginner-friendly gondola and gentle terrain, mountain restaurants and cafes. Red Buffalo Park is suitable for beginner to intermediate skiers, including families looking to discover new experiences. For the 2021-2022 season, Beaver Creek is adding McCoy Park with 250 acres of new ski trail with elevators. It's a great area for learning and family fun with 17 natural glades and areas for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. But the resort also offers expert terrain for experts on Mt. Graus. You can swap your skis for ice skates and hit the rink in the village centre, or take a tractor ride to one of Colorado's best restaurants, Beano's Cabin.
This resort has been called Vail's "little sister," but it doesn't suffer from the same crowds. Beaver Creek offers a luxurious vacation with world-class restaurants, plenty of shopping, chic hotels, and entertainment venues. From live music concerts and art exhibits to wine tastings, there are a wide variety of festivals and events to attend throughout the year.
8. Aspen Snowmass
One of Colorado's most famous ski resorts is also one of the most popular in the world. Many first-tier celebrities, when going on vacation to the mountains for the purpose of skiing and having a great time afterwards, opt for Aspen.
It is actually made up of four different resorts that together form one of the most gorgeous and diverse ski and snowboard destinations. Buttermilk is known as the site of the Winter X Games. It was originally created to teach beginners and kids, which is here and now, but at the same time, this resort will appeal to professionals as well. It is the right place to work on your skills, master the terrain park and watch the best athletes. This mountain is great for a Colorado ski resort vacation for families, but it doesn't lack the thrills that Aspen is known for. The mountain is surrounded by one terrain park after another, which has allowed Buttermilk to gain recognition from snowboarding and freeskiing fans.
Snowmass is larger than the other three mountains collectively and beckons skiers with huge steeps and charming glades and runs up to 5.3 miles long. The resort town sits on the side of the mountain, where people go for thrilling skiing experiences and fun for the whole family.
Aspen Highlands is for experienced skiers who aren't afraid to test their skills on a mountain with dynamic terrain and then party just as hard at Cloud Nine. The fourth resort, Aspen Mountain, also called Ajax, is centrally located and is opening 153 acres of new terrain this season.
After a long day on the slopes of the mountain spent skiing or ATVing on steep country trails here, it's worth it to visit upscale restaurants, go shopping in luxury stores or join in on cultural activities like going to an exhibit at the Art Museum. Aspen is a typical picture of skiing in Colorado, with great snow, great slopes and a rich cultural and entertainment programme all working towards the same goal, which is to make every new guest want to return to the ski resorts again and again.
