The 15 best ski resorts in Colorado + top tips

January 20th, 2023

Are you hoping to find out which are the best ski resorts in Colorado? Then you have come to the right place!

Colorado, USA, is best known for its rocky mountains and beautiful natural landscapes. It is also a major skiing destination during the winter months, so keep on reading to find out all about the best ski resorts in Colorado.

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Tourism in Colorado

Before we get into the details about the best ski resorts in Colorado, let me first tell you a bit about tourism in the area…

Every year, one of the main reasons tourists visit Colorado is to visit its rocky mountains and to see its beautiful natural landscapes. In 2018, tourism generated $22.3 billion towards the economy – which shows you how popular it is! In 2021, tourism in Colorado supported over 1161,000 jobs alone, and there were a total of 84.2 million tourists who visited. Out of these 84.2 million tourists, 36.3 million were overnight stays in total, which is great for all the businesses in Colorado!

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the main airport of Colorado and is usually where inbound tourists arrive if visiting Colorado exclusively. The airport is also the biggest employer in Colorado and has over 35,000 employees in total. Currently, there are over 215 routes that arrive and depart from Denver Airport, which helps support the tourism industry in Colorado.

What to pack when skiing in Colorado

What to pack when skiing in Colorado? Make sure you remember to pack these essential items to help make your skiing vacation in Colorado spectacular:

Waterproof Phone Case – A waterproof phone case may seem a little strange to take to Colorado skiing, but it will come in handy! It’s very useful for protecting your phone from the snow, especially as the snow can melt and damage it, and the case is easy to carry around your neck, which makes it great for almost every activity you want to do.
Carfia Polarised Women’s Sunglasses – These polarised women’s sunglasses are perfect for helping protect your eyes from the bright white snow. They’re made from high-quality materials, so they will withstand travelling and have lots of wear in them. Additionally, they even come with a case to help protect them from accidental scratches.
Contigo West Loop Autoseal Travel Mug – Keep your drink warm all day long with this leakproof travel mug. It is very durable and comes in a wide range of colours to choose from. Furthermore, the travel mug is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, so it’s easy to clean.
FLYRONG Swimming Costume – One thing that a lot of people forget to pack when going on a skiing vacation is a swimsuit. These are useful as many of the accommodations have hot tubs and saunas – which are divine to use after a long day of physical activities. This swimming costume comes in a variety of colours to choose from and has a very stylish design.
Reusable Instant Hand Warmers – These reusable instant hand warmers are the perfect way to warm up your hands quickly. They heat up within 3 seconds and last as long as 30 minutes – which will be enough time to get your hands feeling toasty and nice again. Additionally, they come in a very cute design and are very easy to recharge.

The most popular ski resorts in Colorado

Naturally, some of the best ski resorts in Colorado are also the most popular….

Telluride Ski Resort

Telluride Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado for many good reasons. The resort has been featured in lots of different articles by well respected companies, such as Esquire, Travel + Leisure and Ski Mag. There are plenty of things for skiers to do, and there are also a wide range of lessons available such as private lessons and adults only lessons. Additionally, there are also speciality camps throughout the season, which are a great way to do something different.

Where to stay: Mountain Lodge at Telluride – This charming lodge has everything you need for your skiing vacation at Telluride Ski Resort. There is a heated outdoor pool and a hot tub, as well as ski lockers and storage. Each apartment comes with a comfortable seating area, a gas fireplace, a gourmet kitchen and luxury amenities.

Vail Ski Resort

Vail Ski Resort is over 60 years old, so has been very successful to be in the skiing industry for such a long time. There are lots of skiing terrain, in fact over 5,000 acres of it to explore, and there are 195 trails to choose from in total. Furthermore, there is lots of great things to do apart from skiing at the resort, such as 10 restaurants, and even a spa to enjoy.

Where to stay: Evergreen Lodge at Vail – Evergreen Lodge is the perfect place to stay whilst visiting Vail Ski Resort. The hotel offers a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant serving tasty meals, a hot tub to relax in and ski storage. Each room comes with free WiFi, a private bathroom, a coffee machine and some rooms come with a kitchenette.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado and it deserves to be! There are 2900 acres to ski on, and 187 trails in total, so you’ll always have somewhere new to explore. The longest trail is 3.5 miles long, which is perfect to spend some time on discovering. Furthermore, there are also lots of different passes to choose from, such as the Summit Value Pass which allows skiiers to have access to Breckenridge and Keystone, or the Day Pass which is at a cheaper price and allows skiiers to ski for however many days they choose.

Where to stay: The Ranahan – This aparthotel is perfect to enjoy your skiing vacation in. Each room comes with a kitchenette, a flatscreen TV, private bathroom, a seating area and even a washing machine. There is also free WiFi, a garden complete with an outdoor swimming pool as well as an indoor swimming pool, a fitness room and ski storage space.

The biggest ski resorts in Colorado

Some of the best ski resorts in Colorado are also the biggest…

Keystone Resort

Keystone Resort is one of the biggest ski resorts in Colorado, as there are over 3100 acres of skiiable areas on the mountain. There are a huge variety of outdoor activities for all to enjoy all year round, and there is also plenty of award-winning restaurants to dine in after your adventures. Apart from skiing, other activities include snow tubing, sleigh rides, ice skating, gondola rides and the world’s largest snow fort!

Where to stay: The Keystone Lodge and Spa – This cosy lodge is the ideal place to stay whilst visiting Keystone Resort. There is a free shuttle service for guests, free WiFi access, indoor and outdoor pools as well as storage space for ski’s, snowboards and bicycles. Additionally, there are over 14 treatment rooms to discover in the spa, such as a hydro-therapy room and a couple’s treatment room. In every room, there is a private bathroom with luxury toiletries to enjoy, a flatscreen TV and comfortable beds.

Snowmass Resort

S nowmass Resort has over 5,500 acres of terrain to enjoy and plenty of great activities that everyone can enjoy, making it one of the best ski resorts in Colorado. There are plenty of critically acclaimed restaurants to dine in, serving a wide variety of cuisine such as Italian, French and Swiss. Furthemore, there are almost always plenty of exciting events put on each month, such as the Snowmass Luminescence Trail, and the NASTAR Nationals.

Where to stay: Pokolodi Lodge – Each room at Pokolodi Lodge is beautifully decorated, and comes furnished with free WiFi, a desk and a spacious seating area, accompanied by a refrigerator and coffee maker. The lodge itself offers a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, and free shuttle buses. It is located only 100 yards from Snowmass Resort, making it a great choice to stay at.

Booking.com

Winterpark Resort

Winterpark Resort is definitely one of the best ski resorts in Colorado, and in fact was also voted as North Americas Number 1 Ski Resort! There are 166 designated ski trails to challenge yourself on and the summit of the mountain is over 12,000 ft tall. If you want a break from skiing for a bit, then there are also plenty of different activities to choose from such as tubing, mountain top apres, scenic gondola rides, ski bike tours, astronomy tours, snowcat tours and much more.

Where to stay: Gravity Haus Winter Park – With a stay at Gravity Haus Winter Park, guests are free to enjoy the onsite fitness centre, bar with a wide variety of drinks, room service, a hot tub, and an American breakfast served every morning. Every room is stylishly decorated and comes with a seating area, free WiFi and a private bathroom with free toiletries to make use of.

The most accessible ski resorts in Colorado

If you are looking for ski resorts in Colorado that are easy to access, these are the best ones to consider…

Eldora Mountain Resort

Eldora Mountain Resort is one of the most accessible ski resorts in Colorado. It is located only a 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Denver Airport, and is also accessible by bus and by train. Additionally, the passes that Eldora Mountain Resort offer are very cheap in comparison to other resorts. For example, a season pass for an adult only costs $399 – where as at other resorts the prices are around $700. Apart from skiing, there are also lots of other great things to do and events on such as film events and events to celebrate women.

Where to stay: The Silver Lake Lodge – This adults only lodge is a great place to stay if you want to stay somewhere quiet and scenic whilst visiting Eldora Mountain Resort. The lodge boasts a sun terrace and beautiful views of the mountain. Furthermore, there is free WiFi and free private parking for guests to use. Each room comes with a comfortable seating area, a flat-screen TV, and is charmingly decorated.

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain is another very accessible ski resort in Colorado. It is located almost 2 hours away from Denver Airport, but can be accessed by public buses or a shuttle bus. There are over 140 trails to choose from and 21% of these are suitable for beginners, and 25% are for intermediate, making it a great ski resort to choose if this is one of your first times skiing. Furthermore, there are lots of other things to do, such as a snow maze, tubing, trampolineing, ice skating, NASTAR racing and more.

Where to stay: Quaity Inn and Suites Summit County – Situated just 9 miles from Copper Mountain, this accommodation is very accessible for all to visit. There is free WiFi, an indoor pool and mountain views, as well as a continental breakfast that is served daily, a gym, business centre and a jacuzzi. In every room, there is a cable TV, microwave, private bathroom with a powerful shower and free amenities.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Araphoe Basin Ski Area is located only a 1 hours drive from Denver, and a 2 hour bus journey. This means it’s very accessible for those who are landing in Denver and don’t want to travel for a long time after arriving. There are lots of different passes to choose from, all at different prices to suit almost everyone, such as a Sunday-Only Pass, a Millitary Pass, Multi-Day Packs and more. The fun doesn’t stop after the skiing season is over as there are also plenty of summer activities such as mountain biking, hiking, disc gold and an adventure park to have fun on.

Where to stay: Lawson Adventure Park – This accommodation is the ideal place to stay at whilst visiting Araphoe Basin Ski Area if you want something simple. There is a restaurant serving a variety of meals to choose from, a bar, free WiFi and free parking. Additionally, in each room, there is a kitchenette, which includes a microwave, fridge and an oven, as well as a flat-screen TV and cosy bed.

Ski resorts in Colorado with the best snow

Having great snow is very important when skiing! Here are the best ski resorts in Colorado in terms of snow quality…

Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek is known to have some of the best snow in Colorado, making it a great choice to visit if you’re obsessed with snow! There is over 420 inches of snowfall at Wolf Creek annually, and they are proud to announce that they receive the most snow in Colorado. At Wolf Creek, there are also plenty of events put on to enjoy, such as mountaineering races, fun races and santa visits for children. It’s a great choice for almost everyone, as there is a wide range of different slopes available to enjoy for all levels also.

Where to stay: Wolf Creek Ski Lodge – Situated just 16 miles from Wolf Creek, this lodge is ideal for skiers who want to stay close to the resort. There are 2 large hot tubs, free WiFi and free parking for guests to make use of. Every room has gorgeous mountain views, complete with a flat-screen TV, and an en suite fitted with everything you may need during your stay.

Loveland

Loveland is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado with the best snow! There is over 1800 acres of ski trails to have fun on, and the average snowfall is around 422 inches. The snowmaking capability is 240 acres, which is a great amount. For guests, there are free shuttles, free parking, child care services, plenty of restaurants to dine at and events on. Loveland is known worldwide for its snow, and has more of it than most resorts, making it a great place to visit for a skiing vacation.

Where to stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Loveland Fort Collins – This hotel is just a few miles away from Loveland Ski Resort. It boasts spacious rooms, with a cable TV, comfortable seating area, a desk, free WiFi, and a private bathroom, with free amenities to make use of. Each morning, a buffet breakfast is available for guests to help energise them for a long day of being outdoors!

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is another great option if you want to visit a ski resort with amazing snow in Colorado. The average snowfall is around 325 inches, and there are 167 trails in total. There is so much to do here, such as enjoy some evening entertainment in the 530-seat theater, or getting some ski or snowboarding lessons. Beaver Creek is also located within 30 minutes of Eagle Country Reginoal Airport, who receives and flies to many cities in North America, such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Where to stay: The Osprey – Offering plenty of features, guests will be sure to enjoy their stay at The Osprey. There is ski-in/ ski-out access, a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, fitness centre and a restaurant with food from local suppliers. In every room, there is free WiFi, mountain views, an en-suite bathroom with luxury toiletries, a microwave and a small refrigerator – what else could you need?

The best ski resorts in Colorado for families

If you are travelling with the kids in tow, you will probably be looking for family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado, here are my top picks…

Steamboat Ski Resort

Steamboat Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for families! There is so much for families to do, such as horseback rides, gondola rides, ice skating, tubing, snowmobile tours, snowshoeing and more. Furthermore, there is also a child-care facility in case children want to spend a few hours with other kids having fun, whilst the grown ups go skiing. It is also a great choice for people who are new to skiing as there are lots of different lessons to choose from, taught by friendly instructors.

Where to stay: Sheraton Steamboast Resort Villas – A stay in this comfortable, stylish villa has everything you will need to enjoy your skiing vacation. There is an on-site restaurant which serves a wide variety of food to suit all tastes, a fitness centre and a bar with plenty of drinks from around the world. Every room is equipped with a comfortable bed, a kitchenette, dining area and beautiful, scenic views.

Granby Ranch

Granby Ranch is a great choice if you want to go skiing in Colorado as a family, as there is so much for families to choose from and do in order to have memories that will last a lifetime. It is the perfect resort for beginners and first time skiiers, as there are lots of helpful instructors and great beginner slopes. It’s the ideal family destination as it’s quite small so that means it’s much easier to navigate around. Additionally, it’s known as being fairly affordable, and is in a convenient central location, making it perfect for families.

Where to stay: Hideaway Mountain Lodge – This mountain lodge has lots to offer for guests so they can have an enjoyable skiing vacation at Granby Ranch. Each morning, there is a choice between an à la carte or American breakfast, and there is also a sauna, and indoor pool to have fun in. Every room is tastefully decorated and comes with free WiFi, a seating area and a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte has plenty to offer for families wanting a great ski vacation. There are plenty of begginer slopes for families to have fun on, and a wide range of lessons available too if you’d like a little bit more confidence. Crested Butte also have some great events on for all to enjoy, such as racing and evening entertainment. The fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts either, as there are kids summer programs on in summer for them to have fun on as well.

Where to stay: Old Town Inn – This cosy Inn is a great place to stay when visiting Crested Butte. There are scenic mountain views, a hot tub to relax in, free parking, ski storage and even a ski shop. Additionally, in every room, there is a seating area, a desk, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and an en-suite with fantastic free toiletries to use.

The best ski resorts in Colorado – Conclusion

After reading this post, about the best ski resorts in Colorado, you’ve hopefully been inspired for your next skiing vacation in Colorado! Which ski resorts in Colorado interest you the most? Have you ever been skiing at any of these resorts? Let me know! If you liked this post and would like some further reading, then this is what I’d recommend:

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