Most Popular Colorado Ski Resorts

Planning a Colorado ski trip? Browse our collection of skier and snowboarder-submitted reviews for Colorado ski resorts to see which mountains claimed the top spot in each category. Colorado reviews rank ski areas on a scale of one to five stars in the following categories: Overall Rating, All-Mountain Terrain, Nightlife, Terrain Park and Family Friendly. See how your favorite Colorado ski area stacks up among the top rated in terms of skiing and après.

Vail Ski Resort

Vail is one of the largest and most prestigious ski resorts in the world. Located in Eagle County, it boasts over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, making it the ideal destination for all skill levels. The expansive back bowls, groomed trails, and high-end amenities set Vail apart from other ski destinations.

• Terrain: Vail offers a mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails, with 53% of the resort catering to intermediate skiers.
• Accommodations: Luxurious lodging options, including the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons.
• Family-Friendly: The resort offers ski schools, childcare services, and family-oriented activities.

Why Vail Stands Out:

Vail’s combination of vast terrain, luxurious accommodations, and extensive après-ski activities make it an all-encompassing experience for visitors. The surrounding village adds charm, with fine dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, historic charm, and 2,900 acres of skiable terrain. Situated at a high elevation, Breckenridge offers consistent snowfall throughout the season.

• Terrain: The resort features five peaks, each with unique characteristics. Peak 10 is ideal for experts, while Peak 9 provides a wide range of beginner and intermediate trails.
• Elevation: The summit reaches 12,998 feet, providing breathtaking views and high-altitude skiing.
• Après-Ski: Known for its vibrant après-ski culture, Breckenridge offers numerous bars, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Why Breckenridge Stands Out:

Breckenridge is perfect for families and groups with varied skiing abilities. Its rich history and lively downtown area make it more than just a ski resort, offering a well-rounded vacation experience.

Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass consists of four mountains, each catering to different types of skiers. It offers more than 5,500 acres of terrain spread across Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass.

• Terrain: Snowmass has over 3,300 acres alone, making it a favorite for skiers looking for variety. Aspen Mountain, on the other hand, is more suited for experienced skiers.
• Luxurious Accommodations: High-end lodging options, including the Little Nell and St. Regis, provide world-class service.
• Events: The Aspen X Games and other international skiing events frequently take place here.

Why Aspen Snowmass Stands Out:

Aspen Snowmass combines luxury with top-notch skiing. The town of Aspen is famous for its upscale vibe, celebrity sightings, and vibrant nightlife, making it a must-visit for those seeking a premier experience.

Telluride Ski Resort

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers a more remote and less crowded experience compared to other resorts. Known for its steep terrain and dramatic scenery, Telluride is a favorite among expert skiers.

• Terrain: With over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, Telluride is best suited for intermediate and expert skiers. The resort offers steep chutes, moguls, and challenging bowls.
• Remote Location: The town is relatively secluded, accessible by regional airports or long drives, which keeps crowds low.
• Summer Activities: Telluride is also popular in the summer months, with hiking, mountain biking, and music festivals.

Why Telluride Stands Out:

Telluride’s scenery and terrain are unmatched. It’s an ideal destination for advanced skiers looking for a challenge, coupled with a peaceful and less commercialized atmosphere.

Steamboat Ski Resort

Steamboat, also known as “Ski Town USA,” is famous for its unique Champagne Powder® snow. Located in northern Colorado, this resort is ideal for families and skiers seeking a laid-back atmosphere.

• Terrain: With 2,965 acres, Steamboat has plenty of terrain for all skill levels. It’s particularly famous for its tree skiing.
• Family-Oriented: Steamboat’s Kids Ski Free program makes it a popular choice for families.
• Hot Springs: One of Steamboat’s unique features is its nearby hot springs, offering a relaxing end to a day on the slopes.

Why Steamboat Stands Out:

Steamboat’s relaxed atmosphere, combined with its famed powder and family-friendly initiatives, make it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a less hectic skiing vacation.

Beaver Creek Resort

Beaver Creek is known for its luxurious atmosphere and impeccable grooming. The resort offers 1,832 acres of skiable terrain, and its heated sidewalks and escalators leading to the slopes exemplify its dedication to comfort.

• Terrain: A mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, Beaver Creek is perfect for those seeking well-maintained runs.
• Amenities: World-class dining and the popular Cookie Time, where staff hand out freshly baked cookies at the base of the mountain every afternoon.
• Ski School: Beaver Creek is also home to one of the top ski schools in the country, ideal for beginners.

Why Beaver Creek Stands Out:

Beaver Creek’s attention to detail in guest services, luxury, and grooming makes it stand out from other resorts. It’s perfect for those seeking a high-end skiing experience with a focus on comfort and convenience.

Winter Park Resort

Winter Park, located just outside of Denver, is one of the more accessible resorts in Colorado. It offers 3,081 acres of terrain and is a favorite for both families and advanced skiers.

• Terrain: The resort is known for its challenging moguls, particularly on Mary Jane Mountain.
• Proximity to Denver: Just a 90-minute drive from Denver, it’s an ideal weekend getaway for those in the metro area.
• Affordability: Compared to other resorts, Winter Park is more budget-friendly, making it a great option for families and casual skiers.

Why Winter Park Stands Out:

Winter Park is accessible, affordable, and offers a wide variety of terrain. It’s perfect for those looking for a convenient and less expensive skiing option without sacrificing quality.

Copper Mountain Resort

Copper Mountain is popular for its naturally divided terrain, which separates beginner, intermediate, and advanced areas. With over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, it’s a great option for all skill levels.

• Terrain: Naturally divided terrain makes navigation easy for different skill levels.
• Woodward Copper: The resort is home to a year-round indoor training facility for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
• Affordable Lodging: Copper offers a range of lodging options that cater to various budgets.

Why Copper Mountain Stands Out:

Copper’s unique terrain layout and indoor training facilities make it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned skiers. Its affordable options and proximity to Denver are additional perks.

Keystone Resort

Keystone is known for its night skiing, offering one of the largest night skiing operations in Colorado. The resort has over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and caters to families and adventure seekers alike.

• Night Skiing: Keystone offers extended hours, allowing skiers to enjoy the slopes well after the sun sets.
• Family-Friendly: With a variety of children’s programs and family activities, it’s a great resort for families.
• Cat Skiing: Keystone offers snowcat skiing, providing access to untouched powder for more adventurous skiers.

Why Keystone Stands Out:

Keystone’s unique night skiing and snowcat options, combined with its family-oriented atmosphere, make it one of the most versatile resorts in Colorado.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte is known for its rugged terrain and authentic mountain town vibe. Located in the Elk Mountain Range, this resort is a bit off the beaten path, which makes it perfect for those seeking a quieter and more adventurous skiing experience.

• Terrain: Over 1,500 acres of terrain, with much of it suited for advanced and expert skiers. Crested Butte is known for its extreme skiing areas, including steep bowls, chutes, and cliffs.
• Town: The town of Crested Butte is often called one of Colorado’s last true ski towns. It offers a laid-back, uncommercialized atmosphere, perfect for those wanting to escape the larger resorts’ crowds.
• Activities: In addition to skiing, Crested Butte offers backcountry snowmobiling, ice climbing, and winter hiking.

Why Crested Butte Stands Out:

Crested Butte’s challenging terrain and authentic mountain culture make it a favorite for expert skiers. Its relative seclusion ensures a quieter, more intimate skiing experience, perfect for adventurers.

Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort, located near Durango, offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a range of outdoor activities beyond skiing. This resort features over 1,600 acres of skiable terrain and is well-known for its affordability and easy-going atmosphere.

• Terrain: Purgatory is great for intermediate skiers, with wide, groomed runs and some steeper options for advanced skiers. The variety of terrain means there’s something for everyone.
• Affordable: Purgatory is often cited as one of the more affordable ski resorts in Colorado, making it a top choice for families and budget-conscious skiers.
• Off-the-Slope Activities: The resort offers plenty of other winter activities like snowshoeing, tubing, and sleigh rides.

Why Purgatory Stands Out:

Purgatory’s combination of affordability, varied terrain, and family-friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent destination for those looking for a cost-effective, well-rounded ski vacation.

Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin)

Arapahoe Basin is a local favorite, particularly known for its long ski season, often staying open well into the spring and even summer months. Located on Loveland Pass, A-Basin offers challenging terrain and a no-frills skiing experience.

• Terrain: A-Basin’s 1,428 acres include some of the highest-elevation runs in North America, with challenging bowls and steep slopes. Much of the terrain is suited for advanced and expert skiers, but there are some beginner-friendly areas.
• Extended Season: Thanks to its high elevation, A-Basin often stays open from October through June or even July, offering some of the longest skiing seasons in the country.
• Local Vibe: A-Basin is known for its laid-back, local atmosphere. It doesn’t have the high-end amenities of other resorts, but it offers a more authentic, no-fuss skiing experience.

Why Arapahoe Basin Stands Out:

For skiers looking for a more hardcore, high-elevation experience with fewer crowds, Arapahoe Basin is the place to be. Its extended season and challenging terrain attract die-hard skiers and snowboarders.

Monarch Mountain

Monarch Mountain is one of Colorado’s hidden gems, offering 800 acres of terrain with a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Located in the Sawatch Range, Monarch gets some of the best natural snowfall in the state, making it a powder haven for skiers and snowboarders alike.

• Terrain: The resort is mostly suited for intermediate skiers, with a variety of wide-open runs. However, it also offers extreme backcountry terrain accessible via snowcat.
• Snow: Monarch gets an average of 350 inches of natural snowfall each year, providing consistent powder conditions.
• Affordable and Friendly: Monarch is known for its friendly, non-commercial vibe and affordability, making it a great option for families and those seeking a more low-key experience.

Why Monarch Stands Out:

Monarch’s excellent natural snow, friendly atmosphere, and backcountry terrain make it a hidden treasure for skiers who want to avoid the larger, more commercial resorts.

Loveland Ski Area

Loveland is a local favorite, particularly due to its proximity to Denver and its reputation for early and late-season skiing. Situated along the Continental Divide, Loveland offers over 1,800 acres of skiable terrain, with plenty of expert-level runs.

• Terrain: While Loveland has beginner-friendly areas, much of its terrain is suited for intermediate and expert skiers, particularly its challenging bowls.
• Accessibility: Just over an hour from Denver, Loveland is one of the most accessible ski resorts in Colorado, making it a popular choice for day trips.
• Snow: Loveland boasts an average of 400 inches of snowfall annually, ensuring excellent powder conditions throughout the season.

Why Loveland Stands Out:

Loveland’s ease of access, excellent snowfall, and challenging terrain make it a top choice for locals and day-trippers from the Denver area. Its extended season and high-elevation skiing attract those who prioritize snow quality over amenities.

Eldora Mountain Resort

Located just outside Boulder, Eldora Mountain Resort is the closest ski area to the Denver metro area, making it a convenient option for skiers looking for a quick getaway. Eldora offers 680 acres of skiable terrain, with something for every level of skier.

• Terrain: Eldora is known for its mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails, as well as its Nordic skiing center, which offers miles of groomed cross-country trails.
• Proximity: Only a 45-minute drive from Boulder and about an hour from Denver, Eldora is the perfect choice for those looking for a day trip or a weekend escape.
• Family-Friendly: Eldora’s small size and close-knit atmosphere make it a great option for families and beginners.

Why Eldora Stands Out:

Eldora’s close proximity to Denver and Boulder, combined with its family-friendly environment, makes it one of the most convenient and accessible resorts in Colorado. Its cross-country skiing center is also a major draw for Nordic enthusiasts.

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Wolf Creek is known for receiving the most snow in Colorado, averaging 430 inches of snow annually. Located in the San Juan Mountains, Wolf Creek offers 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, with a focus on powder skiing and backcountry adventures.

• Terrain: While Wolf Creek offers a range of terrain for beginners and intermediates, it’s best known for its steep, powder-filled runs that cater to expert skiers.
• Snow: With the highest average snowfall in the state, Wolf Creek guarantees excellent powder conditions throughout the season.
• Remote Location: Located near Pagosa Springs, Wolf Creek’s remote location helps it avoid the large crowds that flock to more commercial resorts.

Why Wolf Creek Stands Out:

For powder hounds seeking deep snow and challenging terrain, Wolf Creek is the ultimate destination. Its remote location and consistent snowfall make it a haven for serious skiers.

Colorado offers some of the best ski resorts in the world, each with its own unique character and appeal. Whether you’re seeking luxury at Vail, the challenging slopes of Telluride, or the family-friendly atmosphere of Steamboat, there’s a perfect resort for every type of skier. From extreme backcountry terrain to world-class grooming and amenities, the variety and quality of skiing in Colorado are unmatched.

Before planning your trip, it’s essential to consider factors such as terrain, amenities, proximity, and budget to find the resort that best fits your needs. Whichever you choose, Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes and premier ski resorts promise an unforgettable winter experience.

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