Colorado’s mountains provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop for winter sports enthusiasts. Colorado is one of the most sought-after winter destinations thanks to its proximity to the iconic Rocky Mountains, the abundance of ski resorts, and the average annual snowfall. Great winter weather (allowing for a longer ski season) and exhilarating terrain that makes for an unmatched skiing experience for all skill levels are shared by the best ski resorts in Colorado, all eight of which offer something unique, such as world-class art exhibits in Aspen, backcountry cat skiing in Crested Butte, or whiskey tastings in Breckenridge, to name a few.
Colorado is a veritable wintertime Swiss army knife, and the Epic Pass, a single-season pass good at resorts in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan, is the key to unlocking all of its many wintertime treasures (including several on this list). All of these Colorado ski resorts are located in picturesque Western towns where you can relax after a day on the slopes or try something new if you’re not into skiing.
Vail Ski Resort
Vail has been a winter haven since it opened in 1962, and it has always promised just as much excitement for non-skiers as it does for skiers. On the mountain, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy more than 5,300 acres to glide across, with the longest run stretching for a whopping four miles. At the base, Vail offers a picturesque stroll through heated cobblestone streets and chalets that look like they belong in the European Alps. Skiing the “Legendary Back Bowls” is a must, and there are plenty of places to eat and drink afterward to please even the pickiest of skiers.
Steamboat Ski Resort
This ski area in northwest Colorado features more than 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, and it is actually its own mountain range. The resort takes great pride in its family-friendliness and offers free lift tickets for children 12 and under to anyone who buys a five-day or longer adult pass. You can relax your muscles in one of the area’s well-known hot springs when you’re not out on the slopes. Full Steam Ahead is a multi-year, $135 million capital infusion planned for Steamboat that will be used to renovate the resort’s base area, create a new, world-class learning area, and add a 10-person gondola (which will be the longest in North America).
Keystone Resort
Keystone usually opens for the season in October, making it the ideal resort for skiers and snowboarders who want to extend their riding season. There are more than three thousand acres of powder to ski or snowboard on, but if you need a break from the slopes you can take a sleigh ride through the countryside or get your heart rate up by snow biking (a cross between skiing and downhill mountain biking). Daily fresh cookie après-ski is a hit with kids and grown-up kids alike. Also, when families book two or more consecutive nights at Keystone Resort, children under the age of 12 ski for free (with no blackout dates).
Telluride Ski Resort
This resort caters to all skill levels thanks to its varied mountain terrain (with nearly 60% designated for beginners and intermediates). Those who would rather not ski or snowboard down the mountain can still take in the scenery by going on a guided snowmobile or snowshoe tour. In search of a historical adrenaline rush? A Ski Into History Tour, offered at the Telluride Historical Museum, will give you an unforgettable experience on the slopes. If fine dining is your thing, you can’t miss out on America’s highest restaurant (at 11,966 feet above sea level), the ski-in/ski-out Alpino Vino, or Allred’s, accessible only via the town gondola with impressive views of the San Juan Mountains.
Breckenridge
To ski or snowboard at “Breck” is to visit one of Colorado’s most elevated resorts. There are 187 trails spanning five mountains and 2,908 skiable acres, making it suitable for skiers of all abilities. This quaint town, which was founded in the 1850s as a supply depot for the gold rush, now offers historical tours that delve into the region’s rich gold mining past and provide a glimpse into its Old West-inspired architecture. Stop by Breckenridge Distillery for some of the best spirits in the state, including bourbons, whiskeys, rums, and vodkas. Skiers now have an entirely new and connected way to enjoy Peak 7’s legendary sloping terrain, thanks to the debut of the Freedom SuperChair in the 21/22 season. Each of the Snow Cabanas at Gravity Haus Breck, located at the base of Peak 9, features a QR code that allows guests to access the full menu and receive full-service delivery from the restaurant and bar.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
A third of Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s 121 runs are classified as advanced or expert level, making it one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for advanced skiers and snowboarders looking for a challenge. Ski with an Olympic gold medalist or sign up for a guided tour of the mountain’s most challenging terrain. Irwin Guides and Scarp Ridge Lodge offer private, high-end cat-skiing excursions to some of the world’s best backcountry terrain for the most daring skiers (averaging 600 inches of snow per year). If you’d rather take things easy, you can find some of the best dining in the state and quaint shops along Elk Avenue, which features Old West Victorian architecture. Stop by Secret Stash for some of the best pizza in town, Montanya Distillers for cocktails made with rums distilled in-house, Soupcon for some rustic French bistro fare, and The Slogar for some of the best skillet-fried chicken in town.
Beaver Creek Resort
The McCoy Park area of Beaver Creek Resort opened for the 2021-2022 ski season, providing an additional 250 acres of lift-served ski terrain for beginners and intermediates. This is the newest part of the resort, a designated family-friendly zone with 17 trails of natural, groomable glades and other popular activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There are also 150 trails and 1,800 skiable acres at the mountain. Sign up for BC’s First Tracks program if you’re an early riser who wants access to freshly groomed corduroy runs before the rest of the resort opens at 7:15 a.m. Later on, you can go ice skating on the village rink or take a snowcat to Beano’s Cabin for one of the best off-the-grid alpine dining experiences in the area.
Aspen Snowmass
This trendy, A-lister-approved ski resort in Colorado consists of four individual resorts that, together, offer one of the state’s widest ranges of skiing and snowboarding options. Snowmass has more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and runs as long as 5.3 miles, while Buttermilk is home to the Winter X Games and a learning area for younger skiers and riders. Skiers and partygoers who are more experienced will love Aspen Highlands (be sure to snag a hard-to-get reservation at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro). Last but not least, Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, can be found in the heart of town. After a day on the slopes, you can unwind at one of the area’s upscale après-ski establishments or do some luxury shopping in the charming village shops. Casa D’Angelo, an Italian restaurant, and Catch Steak, a steakhouse, are two of the most well-liked spots in the local dining scene. Bootsy Bellows, Los Angeles’ hottest new nightclub, is housed in the remodeled former home of Maru Sushi. Visit The Aspen Art Museum to see Andy Warhol: Lifetimes if you’re interested in art and culture.
