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Colorado's Ultimate Ski Destinations

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Colorado’s iconic snowfall in the winter makes the state the perfect destination for skiing and snowboarding. Home to 25 ski areas and resorts, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains offer epic terrain for riders of all skill levels. From secluded, peaceful spots, to mega resorts that are among the largest in the world, Colorado has it. These are the best skiing spots in Colorado.


Keystone Resort, Keystone, CO

Located in Summit County, west of Denver, Keystone offers 3,000 acres of terrain for skiers and snowboarders. The resort features great skiing and a cute little village. Keystone’s terrain is made up of three mountains, and the area’s runs are perfect for all skill levels. Enjoy a longer ski day at Keystone by embracing night skiing at the resort. With 20 lifts and 3,000 feet of vertical gain, this ski area is sure to please any avid skier or boarder.

Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride, CO

In the San Juan Mountains, the city of Telluride has become one of the most scenic ski areas in the country with towering peaks surrounding this ski town. Enjoy over 2,000 acres of terrain, various ski runs fit for all skill levels and a free gondola. Head to the highest ski run in Telluride at 13,150 feet to catch incredible views of the Rockies.

Aspen Snowmass Ski Area, Aspen, CO

The area of Aspen and Snowmass are perfect for the skiing addict. Visit this area to be near four ski areas, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk, all of which offer great terrain and runs. Aspen and Snowmass are the most popular ski areas that are connected by a free shuttle. Snowmass’ ski area actually has one of the highest vertical rises in the country and is great for families.

Beaver Creek Resort, Beaver Creek, CO

Beaver Creek has 1,800 acres of terrain and, being only 20 minutes from Vail, is consider Vail’s sister resort. The ski area does cater to all skill levels but is known for making beginners feel at ease with an excellent ski school. At a base elevation of 7,400, this ski resort is lower than many of the other resorts in the area, making it a great option for tourists worried about altitude sickness.

Breckenridge Ski Resort, Breckenridge, CO

Breckenridge’s local vibe, Victorian-style homes and awesome terrain make it a great place to ski in the state. With 2,900 acres of terrain and four parks and pipe areas for all skill levels, it is no wonder why Breckenridge is one of the most popular ski resorts in America. This ski resort, which is home to the highest lift in North America, was the first to allow snowboarding.

Vail Ski Resort, Vail, CO

Vail is arguably one of the most popular ski areas in the nation. With 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, Vail remains of the biggest ski areas in the world. Beginners will enjoy the groomed trails on the front side of the mountain, while more advanced riders will find the back bowls both challenging and exhilarating. Improvements to lift lines and the construction of a gondola caters to this resorts growing popularity.

Steamboat Ski Resort, Steamboat Springs, CO

Located in northwest Colorado, the ski resort in Steamboat Springs boasts beautiful views and topnotch terrain. Enjoy nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain that spans across six peaks. The snow in Steamboat Springs is so pristine and special that it has its own name. Referred to as “champagne powder,” the snow has a light, dry and smooth consistency.

Purgatory Resort, Durango, CO

In the San Juan Mountains, outside of Durango is Purgatory Resort. Formerly known as Durango Mountain Resort, this ski area has five terrain parks and thousands of acres for both skiing and snowboarding. Although there are some challenging runs, this ski area is more catered toward beginner and intermediate riders.

Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, CO

Arapahoe Basin, known as A-basin among locals, has the longest ski season not only in Colorado but North America. From mid-October to early June, enjoy the highest elevation terrain park in the country with the summit elevation at 13,050 feet. This family friendly ski area is easily reachable from Denver and is near other ski areas such as Keystone and Breckenridge.

Copper Mountain, Copper Mountain, CO

Just about an hour from Denver, Copper Mountain has an awesome terrain layout that caters to all skill levels. With 23 lifts and 2,465 acres of skiable terrain, this ski area is perfect for families and skiers and snowboarders alike.

Silverton Mountain, Silverton, CO

Silverton Mountain is Colorado’s steepest and highest ski area. Catered for more advanced riders, Silverton offers great skiing on ungroomed trails. Don’t expect a posh experience. There is only one double chairlift that brings skiers up to some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado. Although this ski area doesn’t have all the amenities that other mega ski areas offer, the unique and rugged experience is coveted by all experienced riders.

Wolf Creek Ski Area, Pagosa Springs, CO

Located in Pagosa Springs, Wolf Creek Ski Area is known for getting the most snow out of all the resorts in Colorado. With the average of 430 inches of snow a year, Wolf Creek is sure to present fresh powder. Expect shorter lift lines than more popular resorts but still some awesome terrain that caters to both skiers and snowboarders.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Crested Butte, CO

Crested Butte, located in Gunnison County, received 300 inches of snowfall annually and offers 1,200 acres of skiable area. This ski town features Victorian-style architecture and a down-to-earth vibe. All skill levels will find fun runs without the crowds at Crested Butte.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Mesa, CO

Near Grand Junction, Powderhorn offers a different view that is typical of Colorado’s ski resorts. Located on the Grand Mesa, which is the largest flattop mountain in the world, desert views can be seen from the runs. Powderhorn offers 1,600 acres of skiable terrain that are mostly beginner and intermediate runs.

Winter Park Resort, Winter Park, CO

Being only 67 miles from Denver, Winter Park Resort is a popular ski destination in the colorful state. For over 75 years, Winter Park has offered riders with varied terrain, 300 days of sunshine and 320 inches of snowfall a year. Don’t let its popularity deter you away from this ski area. The high-speed lift reduces lift line wait so everyone can enjoy Winter Park’s incredible slopes.

Key Insights at a Glance

  • Keystone Resort: 3,000 acres of terrain across three mountains; offers night skiing, 20 lifts, and a cute village atmosphere.
  • Telluride Ski Resort: Scenic San Juan Mountains location with 2,000+ acres of terrain and a free gondola; features the highest ski run in the area at 13,150 feet.
  • Aspen Snowmass Ski Area: Includes four ski areas—Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk; Snowmass boasts one of the highest vertical rises in the U.S.
  • Beaver Creek Resort: Known for a beginner-friendly ski school and 1,800 acres of terrain; located at a lower base elevation to reduce altitude sickness concerns.
  • Breckenridge Ski Resort: 2,900 acres of terrain, four parks, and the highest lift in North America; combines a local vibe with Victorian-style architecture.
  • Vail Ski Resort: One of the largest ski areas globally with 5,289 acres; features groomed trails for beginners and challenging back bowls for advanced skiers.
  • Steamboat Ski Resort: Nearly 3,000 acres across six peaks; famous for "champagne powder" snow with light, smooth consistency.
  • Purgatory Resort: Located in the San Juan Mountains, offering five terrain parks and runs catering to beginners and intermediates.
  • Arapahoe Basin (A-basin): Known for the longest ski season in North America, reaching a summit elevation of 13,050 feet; family-friendly with high-altitude terrain.
  • Copper Mountain: Located near Denver with 2,465 acres of terrain and 23 lifts; features a well-laid-out terrain for all skill levels.
  • Silverton Mountain: Colorado’s steepest ski area with ungroomed trails for advanced riders; offers a rugged, unique experience with a single chairlift.
  • Wolf Creek Ski Area: Receives the most snow in Colorado (430 inches annually); shorter lift lines and terrain for all skill levels.
  • Crested Butte Mountain Resort: Features 1,200 acres of skiable terrain with Victorian-style town vibes; fun runs for all levels and fewer crowds.
  • Powderhorn Mountain Resort: Offers 1,600 acres of beginner- and intermediate-friendly terrain; unique desert views from the slopes on Grand Mesa.
  • Winter Park Resort: Just 67 miles from Denver, with varied terrain, 300 days of sunshine, and 320 inches of snowfall annually; efficient lifts to minimize wait times.
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