15 Colorado Ski Resorts for an Unforgettable Winter Vacation
With more than 20 ski areas and resorts, Colorado is a top destination for skiing and snowboarding in North America. But with so many options, all offering a different alpine experience, it can be hard to choose. That's why we've compiled a list of our favorite Colorado ski resorts, so you can experience the beautiful Rocky Mountains firsthand this winter. From the the glamorous resort of Aspen to the lesser-known spots like Wolf Creek, here's where it's at in the Centennial State this winter.
1) Aspen
One of Colorado's most glamorous ski resorts, Aspen attracts celebrities and the private plane crowd who come for the skiing on Aspen Mountain (simply known as Ajax), the après-ski at hotspots like J-Bar in the Hotel Jerome, and the fancy suites at hotels like the St. Regis, just steps from the ski lifts and The Little Nell, recently named one of the top resorts in the West by Travel & Leisure. The iconic Aspen resort overlooks Ajax mountain, and its Ajax Tavern is always a hub of activity.
Where to Stay: The St. Regis Aspen Resort, The Little Nell
More: Thinking of Skiing in Europe? These Are the Top Ski Resorts
2) Keystone Resort
Keystone, not far from Breckenridge, is one of Colorado's most underrated resorts. Boasting 3,150 skiable acres, it's one of the state's largest ski areas - plus, it has all types of terrain, and trails for all levels, from easy cruisers to super steep black diamonds, and night skiing. The resort is very family-friendly - you'll love the cute red wagons everyone uses to transport gear (and even small kids!) from the base to the slopes.
Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Keystone
3) Snowmass
Just a few miles from Aspen ski resort is Snowmass, its larger sister resort. At this expansive ski complex, you'll find 94 trails for all levels, as well as tubing lanes and the recently introduced Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which winds through the forest at 28 mph. Have lunch on-mountain at Elk Camp Lodge and dinner at places like The Artisan in the village and stay in hip hotels like the Viceroy Snowmass or the Limelight Hotel, set to debut this November.
Where to Stay: Viceroy Snowmass, Limelight Hotel
4) Steamboat Resort
Steamboat is a world-class ski resort known for fluffy, lightweight snow that's referred to as "champagne powder." The mountain's six peaks have 165 trails across 3,000 skiable acres. Skiers of all types can find ideal terrain, including beginners looking for easy groomers, and experts searching for tree-filled meadows or deep bumps. But perhaps our favorite part of Steamboat is the town - somehow it's managed to maintain its Old West charm.
Where to Stay: The Steamboat Grand
5) Vail Mountain Resort
Vail is best described as massive - with over 5,200 acres of developed skiable terrain - making it one of the biggest in the United States. Skiers and snowboarders can spend an entire day hopping around the seven back bowls, then the next day ripping down the front side's groomers, without ever skiing the same run twice. When you've had enough, the town of Vail offers tons of world-class shopping, bars, and restaurants to top it all off.
Where to Stay: Hotel Talisa, The Sebastian - Vail
6) Telluride Ski Resort
Telluride, mentioned as of Snow Magazine's top ski resorts in the world, is nestled between a handful of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks (or as locals call them,"14ers"), so the scenery is unmatched. But beauty aside, Telluride offers some of the most challenging terrain in all of the state, and lift lines that other resorts envy. If you're willing to make the drive (or splurge on a flight), you'll be rewarded with top-notch skiing on the mountain and in the charming western town with historic buildings like the New Sheridan Hotel, dating from 1895 (have a drink in the saloon!)
Where to Stay: The Hotel Telluride, Lumière Hotel
7) Wolf Creek Ski Area
Coloradans know Wolf Creek as the ski resort that's at the top of the daily snow report, boasting a whopping 430 inches of annual snowfall. There's no lodging on the mountain, so visitors must stay near Pagosa Springs. But Wolf Creek's secluded location and lack of amenities are what make it the perfect destination for those who take winter vacations to ski first and play later. Back in Pagosa Springs, be sure to visit the area's natural hot springs.
Where to Stay: Econo Lodge Pagosa Springs, High Country Lodge & Cabins
8) Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain sports a vast array of terrain, from wide rolling greens to steep double blacks littered with 5-foot moguls. It's also home to Woodward Copper, a year-round (yes, year-round!) training facility for park and pipe riders. And while the village may not be as lively as nearby Breckenridge, the pedestrian-only streets have plenty of après-ski watering holes and food joints to please you and your crew.
Where to Stay: SkiWay Lodge, Holiday Inn Frisco
9) Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
If you're driving to Colorado from the south or the west, or don't mind road-tripping from Denver's airport for a less crowded skiing experience, Purgatory is where it's at. Located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, the resort itself has only a few options for food, beverage, and lodging, but the mountain boasts over 1,300 skiable acres, five terrain parks, and some of the shortest lift lines in the state!
Where to Stay: The Inn at Lost Creek, Strater Hotel Durango
10) Silverton Mountain
Silverton is where the true experts and powder hounds go to play. The terrain is steep, the snow is deep (and completely un-groomed), and the thrills are endless. The mountain has only one chairlift to access its terrain, and it's also one of the only places in all of Colorado where you can heli-ski. So if you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime skiing experience, put Silverton at the top of your list.
Where to Stay: Grand Imperial Hotel
11) Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Crested Butte is one of the few remaining large ski resorts with an undeveloped, local vibe, and that may be because it's a solid 4.5-hour drive from Denver's airport. But those who don't mind the trek will be rewarded with emptier slopes, shorter lift lines, and a slower pace that'll have you seriously considering calling in sick and staying an extra week. The town has an unparalleled amount of charm, too, thanks to blocks and blocks of Victorian storefronts and a laid-back vibe that you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Where to Stay: Elevation Hotel & Spa, Grand Lodge Crested Butte
12) Breckenridge Mountain Resort
Breckenridge is a well-known destination for travelers of all kinds. Ask around - you most likely have a friend that got married there in the summer, a family member that's skied there in the winter, and an acquaintance that spent a season working as a lift operator while logging 60+ days on the mountain. Its five peaks offer terrain for all skill levels, the ski and snowboard school is top-notch, the lodging is plentiful, and the town is vibrant all night long. What more can you ask for?
Where to Stay: Hyatt Main Street Station, Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
13) Eldora Mountain Resort
Eldora is not quite as big as many of Colorado's other resorts, but you'll get to experience a Colorado mountain that boasts an average of 300 inches of snowfall per year! If you want to take a break from downhill skiing, the resort has miles of cross-country and snowshoe trails. Did we mention it's only 21 miles west of Boulder? That makes it the closest ski hill to Colorado's Front Range.
Where to Stay: Alps Boulder Canyon Inn
14) Aspen Buttermilk
The town of Aspen boasts the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America, with four resorts and over 3,000 skiable acres. Buttermilk is the host of the winter X-Games, so of course it's a park-skiers dreamland, with super-pipes and over 100 features to ride. But don't worry if the park isn't your forte - beginners and intermediate skiers can find plenty of fun terrain to rip, too.
Where to Stay: Molly Gibson Lodge, Limelight Hotel Aspen
15) Winter Park Resort
Located just 67 miles from Denver, Winter Park is the closest major destination resort for vacationers flying into Denver International Airport. It's seriously huge, with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, including trees, bumps, terrain parks, and beginner-friendly groomers. New for the 2016-2017 season was the Winter Park Express (like the Polar Express, but for adults) - a train that takes you from downtown to Winter Park - so there's no need to rent a car, fuss with traffic, or drive in harsh conditions.
Where to Stay: Fraser Crossing / Founders Pointe,
Zephyr Mountain Lodge
Ski season is longer in Colorado, with resorts averaging 300 inches of snowfall, and the state receiving over 300 days of sunshine every year!