Sophia May
Ski And Snowboard Resorts In Colorado – By entering your email address, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, and agree to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, promotions and offers from partners.
Fire up your boards and head to these top Colorado ski resorts, from Aspen and Vail to Breckenridge and Telluride
Ski And Snowboard Resorts In Colorado
It’s no secret that Colorado’s ski resorts are some of the best in the country. Heck, that’s why half of us moved here, right? We have a great ski season ahead of us, with enhanced snow and El Niño on the horizon. Whether you’re looking for one of the best family vacations in the US (and if so, here are our top picks for family ski trips), outdoor adventures with friends, or just an afternoon of chaos. , it’s time to go to the mountain. Here are the best ski resorts in Colorado to help you make your choice (and if you’re looking to expand your network, here are the best ski resorts in America).
The Top 10 Colorado Ski Resorts
Colorado’s population explosion has turned the state’s resort areas into crowded weekend parking lots. Not so in Steamboat Springs, where the three-hour drive to Denver thins the herd. What you’ll find is undoubtedly the best snow in the state — dry and light “champagne powder,” as the locals call it. You’ll also find a charming city where the fur coats and high culture of Aspen and Vail are overshadowed by cowboy boots and ten-gallon hats. And after a knee-deep day in powder snow, you have several ways to relax. Steamboat has two hot springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs and Old Town Hot Springs. Yes: the last one gives a slide.
Telluride’s ski slopes are hard to miss with great views in all directions. Telluride sits in a box canyon surrounded on all sides by the flat rock peaks of Colorado’s San Juan Range. Just a six-hour drive from Denver, Telluride was once the state’s best-kept secret. The mountain is now internationally known, but even on weekends there is still little traffic. Telluride serves up early après thanks to the eponymous Mountain Village, which sits nestled between chairs in the middle of the mountain.
Vail is a ubiquitous presence on “best ski resorts” lists, and it’s easy to see why. Thanks to the mountain cloud seed program, powder always falls, even in drought years. The daytime options are second to none. The back scales last forever. Although Vail is not the largest resort in the country, it has created a model for large resorts that attract skiers of all skill levels. At the front of the station you’ll find improvisers and producers for miles around while professionals play in the background. You pay for your fun at Vail, which has one of the most expensive lift tickets in the United States ($151 for adults). And with so many ways to eat, drink, and be entertained, you’ll leave Vail with an empty wallet. Worth every penny. 2
“Breck” is one of Colorado’s most popular destinations due to its proximity to Denver, diverse scenery, and incredible snow. This combination means that Breckenridge is often crowded and competitive on weekends. However, if you go away during the week you will find pleasant, calm conditions and lots of snow. The real draw of Breck, however, is the town, which boasts the most diverse nightlife of any Colorado resort. Bars range from upscale to dive, and the cuisine offers a similar selection. It’s a safe bet that there’s a party almost every night of the week.
Colorado Ski Resort Upgrades
Colorado’s most popular ski area is four different ski areas within a 10-mile radius: Aspen Mountain (aka Ajax), Aspen Mountains, Snowmass, and Buttermilk Mountain. All are covered by the same ticket and connected by bus. The large ski area offers more than enough area for all skill levels. The occasional snowfall makes everyone happy, including many of the celebrities you’ll see at the mountain cabin. But beware: If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll have a hard time enjoying Aspen Snowmass. The city’s nightlife, luxury hotels, and world-class restaurants are the real attraction, but you pay for it. If Vail sends you home with an empty wallet, Aspen leaves you with heavy credit card debt.
Just a short drive from Denver, Winter Park has offered top-level avalanches and challenging terrain for weekend warriors since the 1940s. The state’s growing population means Winter Park is a Saturday zoo, but the mountains Heavy snowfalls often cause traffic jams and congestion. ski lifts. Looking for a burnt leg? Mary Jane Mountain in Winter Park is world-renowned for its epic runs that provide both punishment and fun for those who love the hills. You won’t get bragging rights in the town of Winter Park, which offers plenty of cheap lodging, cheap beer, and mountain pizzerias.
Beginners may want to stay at home. Crested Butte’s draw is its deep snow and abundance of two steep black cliffs, including the famous Banana Chute that stretches above the resort. The mountain is home to many extreme skiing competitions, but the rocks and steep slopes are manageable for humans (assuming you did).
Dizziness). If the mountain sends you packing, don’t worry. The nearby town of Crested Butte offers a cozy and relaxing cowboy atmosphere. And the area is also home to an unlimited number of guided ski trails.
Stay At The Best Ski Resorts In Colorado
If the skiing gods designed a democratic mountain and a level playing field for all, they couldn’t have done better than Copper Mountain. Beginners flock to the more sprawling west side, while mogul lovers head east. Up top, steep, deep bowls above the wood line serve the Kamikaze class, and the clean front provides ample corduroy for carvers. And while tourists often flock to Breckenridge or Vail, Copper attracts locals thanks to the mountain’s popular four-ticket lift package ($169). Partygoers should note: The restaurant area is small and there isn’t much to do after dark. But hot tubs and cheap beers are easy to come by.
Start with high-quality snow and terrain, then throw in overpriced food, expensive hotels, and a pushover attitude, and you’re left with the Arapahoe Valley. “A-Becken” is a local mountain. But don’t be fooled by branded jackets. Here the hard meat is cut all morning, eat lunch at noon and then cut until the end of the day. Extreme skiers flock to the off-piste east face and the dizzying slopes of Pallavacini ahead. The Montezuma bowl in the back holds the dough fast up to the hips. When the mountain forces you to pack early, crack a winning beer, sit on your tailgate and enjoy the atmosphere. The sights, sounds, and (cough) smells in the tank parking lot are pure Colorado.
Bring your snorkel: It’s the year of El Niño. The small resort in southwestern Colorado regularly receives more than 450 inches of snow each year, making it the snowiest resort in the state. If you are a powder hound, Wolf Creek is your Mecca. The high snowfall compensates for the cumbersome layout of the lifts and the limited basic infrastructure of the ski area. The six-hour drive from Denver avoids any crowds. Low prices in nearby Pagosa Springs mean a trip to Wolf Creek won’t break the bank.
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Our Favorite Family Ski Resorts Near Denver Colorado
The mountain state of Colorado has some of the best family skiing in the country. There is no better combination of elements than 300 inches of average snow and 300 days of sunshine in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Compiling our list of the best Colorado Ski Resorts for families is no easy feat. It forces a mountain break to:
Some of these ski areas may be more suitable for younger children or beginners. And others may be more suitable for families with youngsters looking for a free-style park or to see exciting ski or snowboard championships. No matter how good you are, we are here for you!
Our advice for planning your ski trip isn’t too different from what we’ve recommended for years: plan flexibly. Have a plan A, B and maybe even C. Get travel insurance and know your cancellation policy. Reserve your accommodation, rent your ski equipment and book your ski lessons as soon as possible.
Finally, pack your patience. Ski trips are a lot of fun, but they can be a lot of work, especially for young children, until you get them used to their ski lessons.
Best Family Ski Resorts In Colorado (2023) All Ages Love!
Tip: Did you know that you can rent your own ski equipment? Ski KITS are available to rent at 90% off retail price and are delivered directly to your destination with free delivery and return. It is a good choice for families
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