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The Best Skiing in Colorado – Top 29 Colorado Ski Resorts

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Molly Egan

the best skiing in colorado

The following resorts are the best skiing in Colorado and are recognized for their world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain, stunning mountain views, excellent amenities, and convenient location. Colorado is home to the best skiing and snowboarding terrain in the world, with a wide variety of resorts that cater to different skill levels, interests, and preferences.

Many of the resorts in Colorado are part of a larger conglomerate network – Epic Pass and Ikon Pass. These two options provide passes to several of the Colorado ski resorts as well as the North West and East of North America.

Skip to top ranking of Colorado ski resorts by category, terrain, logistics, amenities, cost, and cost.

Best Skiing in Accessories for Colorado

If you enjoy skiing and snowboarding, these ski books make a great gift to educate or commemorate your trip. These ski books are an excellent gift for your or your inner child!

We have you covered if you need the best ski gear or ski gifts for your adventure on the Colorado slopes!

List of 29 ski resorts below. Skip to the rundown of each of these 29 ski resorts!

Top Ranking of Ski Resorts in Colorado by Category

  • Best beginner ski resort is the Purgatory.

  • Best splurge for a boogie ski experience is any Aspen Snowmass Mountain.

  • Best family friendly ski resort is Keystone & Beaver Creek.

  • Best backcountry ski area is the Bluebird Backcountry Skiing & Silverton Mountain.

  • Best expert terrain ski resort is Crested Butte & Telluride ski resorts.

  • Best small and divey ski resort is Cooper Mountain & Arapahoe Basin ski areas.

  • Quickest ski resort from Denver airport is Eldora Mountain & Echo Mountain.

  • Easiest commute from Denver ski resort is Winter Park.

  • Never a lift line ski resort is Cooper Mountain & Aspen Mountain.

  • Largest ski terrain area is Vail resort.

  • Most snow fall at a Colorado resort is the Wolf Creek Ski area.

  • Best chance at spotting a celebrity is Aspen Mountain.

  • Best chance at spotting a ski racer, snowboard racer or Olympian is Copper Mountain.

  • Best Steep terrain is Crested Butte.

  • Best terrain park in Colorado is Copper Mountain.

  • Best Colorado resorts Adaptive ski program is at Winter Park.

Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Skiing in Colorado

  1. Vail Ski Resort

  2. Beaver Creek Resort

  3. Breckenridge Ski Resort

  4. Keystone Resort

  5. Copper Mountain

  6. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

  7. Crested Butte Mountain Resort

  8. Aspen Snowmass

  9. Aspen Buttermilk Mountain

  10. Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

  11. Aspen Mountain

  12. Winter Park Resort

  13. Loveland Ski Area

  14. Granby Ranch

  15. Eldora Mountain Resort

  16. Steamboat Ski Resort

  17. Howelsen Hill

  18. Purgatory Resort

  19. Hesperus Ski Area

  20. Kendall Mountain

  21. Silverton Mountain

  22. Sunlight Mountain Resort

  23. Telluride Ski Resort

  24. Powderhorn Mountain Resort

  25. Monarch Mountain

  26. Wolf Creek Ski Area

  27. Ski Cooper

  28. Echo Mountain

  29. Bluebird Backcountry

1. Vail Ski Resort

Vail Resort is the largest ski resort in Colorado, with diverse terrain and luxurious amenities. Best Skiing in Colorado destination for a Colorado ski trip.

Pros:

  • 5,317 acres of skiable terrain

  • 195 trails, 3,450′ vertical

  • Excellent snow quality and grooming

  • Epic ski pass program

Cons:

  • Cost of lift tickets and lodging

Beaver Creek Resort

2. Beaver Creek Resort

Beaver Creek Resort is known for its luxurious amenities and excellent customer service—the best skiing in Colorado for families and low crowds.

Beaver creek village has world-class entertainment and a fantastic food scene.

Pros:

  • Low Crowds

  • Beginner to expert ski runs

  • 167 trails, 24 lifts, & 3,340′ vertical rise

  • 2,082 acres of skiable terrain

  • Epic ski pass program

Cons:

  • Pricey

Breckenridge

3. Breckenridge Ski Resort

The best part of Breckenridge is its historic charm, adjacent to a world-class ski resort and lively downtown. The stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge ski school and programs for kids and beginners, and après-ski and nightlife are great reasons to viist!

Pros:

  • Highest chairlift in North America

  • Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains

  • Great Terrain parks

  • 187 ski slopes, 2,908 acres of skiable terrain, 3,398′ vertical

  • Epic ski pass program

Cons:

  • Slopes can be icy

  • High Crowds

  • Windier and colder than other ski resorts

4. Keystone Resort

Keystone Resort has a wide variety of family-friendly activities and a “Kidtopia” program, and convenient for families with young children. The Keystone Resort is a part of the Epic ski pass program and the Vail Resorts family.

Pros:

  • Ski slopes for advanced skiers and snowboarders

  • Easy commute from Denver

  • Family-friendly

  • 128 ski runs, 3,128′ vertical, 3,148 skiable acres

Cons:

  • Longer wait times on weekends and busy holiday times

  • Spread out resort

Copper Mountain

5. Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain has a great mix of terrain, including plenty of wide-open groomers and challenging tree runs. It is also less crowded than some of the larger resorts in the area.

Pros:

  • Cost

  • 142 ski runs & 2,601′ vertical

  • 2,490 acres of Skiable terrain

  • Woodward

Cons:

  • Older lifts

ABasin

6. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Arapahoe Basin is known for its long season, often staying open well into June. It also has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and some of the best expert terrain in the area.

Pros:

  • Over 145 ski trails, & 1,428 acres Skiable terrain

  • 2,530′ vertical

  • High elevation

  • Divey vibe

Cons:

  • High winds and cold temperatures due to elevation

7. Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers some of the best skiing in Colorado for steep and deep skiing and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is also known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Pros:

  • 3,026 vertical feet, 1,547 skiable acres, 121 runs

  • Steep terrain

  • Terrain for more advanced skiers

Cons:

  • Remote resort and ski town

  • Crested Butte can be expensive

8. Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, with over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, making it ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Aspen Snowmass mountain has diverse terrain, including gentle beginner runs, challenging expert terrain, and everything in between, providing something for everyone.

Pros:

  • 336 ski trails, 40 ski lifts

  • 3,342 acres of skiable terrain

  • Terrain

Cons:

  • Quite expensive, lift tickets and lodging, and not be affordable for all

9. Aspen Buttermilk Mountain

Aspen Buttermilk Mountain is great for beginners and families, with plenty of gentle terrain and excellent ski school programs. It is also home to the X Games.

Pros:

  • Excellent beginner mountain

  • 435 acres

  • 2,030′ vertical

Cons:

  • Advanced skiers and snowboarders may find the terrain limited

10. Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

This Aspen Highland Mountain of the Aspen mountain Colorado ski resorts are best known for the Highlands bowl. The best skiing in Colorado that mimics European apres culture is lunch or apres at Cloud Nine – the best in North America.

In addition to being known for challenging slopes, it also has a great mix of groomed runs and tree skiing.

Pros:

  • Highland bowl

  • No lines or crowds

  • Challenging ski terrain

  • 1,010 acres, 3,638′ vertical, 144 trails

Cons:

  • One of the most challenging ski areas

11. Aspen Mountain

Aspen Mountain offers challenging terrain and stunning views of the town of Aspen. The best ski resort splurge in Colorado – luxurious, world-class skiing, vibrant nightlife, and endless entertainment options.

Pros:

  • Pricey

  • Advance terrain

  • 675 acres, 76 trails

  • Amazing views

  • Easy access from downtown

Cons:

  • Can be crowded during peak times

12. Winter Park Resort

Winter Park has a great mix of terrain, including mogul runs and terrain parks. Its easy access by the Winter Park Express train is unique and rare for most colorado resorts.

Pros:

  • Only 67 miles from Denver

  • Winter Park Express train

  • Adaptive ski school program

  • Beginner-friendly terrain

  • 166 designated trails, 3,081 total skiable acreage

Cons:

  • Base area can be confusing to navigate

13. Loveland Ski Area

Loveland Ski Area is known for its snow and lack of crowds. This ski area has easy access from the Denver international airport.

Pros:

  • Ski resort close to Denver

  • Affordable lift tickets

  • Excellent snow quality

  • Lack of crowds

  • 1800 acres of ski terrain

Cons:

  • Can be quite windy and cold

14. Granby Ranch

Granby Ranch is a great mountain for families and beginners, with gentle terrain and excellent ski school programs.

Pros:

  • Over 1000′ vertical feet

  • 400 skiable acres, 51 ski trails

  • Charming small resort

Cons:

  • Not for advanced skiers and snowboarders

15. Eldora Mountain Resort

Easily accessible mountain for learning to those in the Denver Metro area – 21 miles west of Boulder. Has Woodward – a good renowned experiential sports company.

Pros:

  • Variety of ski slopes including glades and mogul runs

  • 680 acres of skiable terrain

  • 1,400′ vertical drop and 61 trails & 4 terrain parks

Cons:

  • Crowded on weekends

16. Steamboat Ski Resort

Steamboat

Steamboat has a great mix of terrain, including challenging tree runs, varied terrain suitable for all abilities, “Champagne Powder,” and western hospitality.

Pros:

  • Fun Rustic Western town

  • 3,668′ vertical

  • 171 trails, 2,965 acres of skiable terrain

  • 4 terrain parks

Cons:

  • Far from Denver international airport

17. Howelsen Hill

Howelsen Hill is one of the oldest ski areas in the country and has a rich history. Over 100 Olympians have trained at this ski Hill in Steamboat Springs.

Pros:

  • Ski Free on Sundays – the best ski deal in Colorado

  • Season pass is a lower price than a single-day pass at Vail resorts during a peak day

  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Small; may not offer enough terrain for more advanced skiers

18. Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort is located in Southwest Colorado, just outside Durango. It is a great ski resort for beginners and very family-friendly.

It is a part of Power Pass Resorts – a community of 9 ski resorts, including Purgatory and Hesperus ski resorts in Colorado.

Pros:

  • Affordable

  • A great mix of ski slopes: steep bowls, greens, and cruisers

  • Good beginner terrain

Cons:

  • Can be quite crowded during peak times

19. Hesperus Ski Area

Hesperus Ski Area

Hesperus Ski Area is located in Durango, Colorado, 11 miles from downtown. It has 60 acres of ski terrain and 26 ski trails.

Pros:

  • Snow tubing

  • South West CO Largest night skiing

  • 8,888′ Summit and 700′ of vertical dissent

Cons:

  • Shorter season – typ. beginning of January until mid-March

20. Kendall Mountain

Kendall Mountain

Kendall Mountain is a small, affordable mountain that is great for beginners and families.

Pros:

  • Free Skiing for kids 5 years old and under

  • Affordable – entire family can ski for less than single lift to get ticket many larger resorts in Colorado

  • Nordic trails

  • Night skiing

Cons:

  • One ski lift and 4 trails

21. Silverton Mountain

Silverton Mountain

Silverton Mountain offers some of the most challenging terrains in North America, with no groomed runs – and the ski town is the coolest former mining town. They offer guided skiing, heli-skiing, and the best terrain in the Rocky Mountains.

The partner mountains with Silverton Mountain season pass includes 2-3 days at popular ski resorts in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and California. It is also a ski resort on the Partner Pass—the best skiing in Colorado for heli-skiing.

Pros:

  • Guided skiing

  • 1,819 acres of backcountry ski terrain by chairlift

  • No crowds

  • 10,000+ vertical feet

  • Heli-skiing

Cons:

  • Advanced skiers and snowboarders

  • Winter weather can make it challenging to get to

22. Sunlight Mountain Resort

The Sunlight Mountain resort is situated between other prominent and well-known ski resorts. It is an excellent location for those wanting no lift lines.

Pros:

  • Affordable ski resorts

  • For beginner and intermediate skiers

  • Pretty Views

Cons:

  • May not offer enough challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders

23. Telluride Ski Resort

World-class best ski resort with stunning views and excellent terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders – and the ski town is the coolest former mining town. This ski resort is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado’s most beautiful mountain range.

Pros:

  • Prettiest ski resort views

  • 120 runs and 2,000+ acres of skiable terrain

  • Low Crowds

  • Majority of terrain is for advanced skiers and Experts

  • Heli-skiing

Cons:

  • Expensive lodging and limited offerings

24. Powderhorn Mountain Resort

powderhorn mountain resort

Powderhorn is a great mountain for families and beginners, with gentle terrain and affordable lift tickets.

Pros:

  • Affordable

  • Easy terrain

  • Low traffic

Cons:

  • 230 miles west of Denver

25. Monarch Mountain

Monarch Mountain resort is one of the oldest ski areas, circa 1939 but 1914 by locals. The immediate area has a former mining town, Salida, and is now a popular ski town and outdoor recreation destination.

Pros:

  • Over 350″ of snowfall annually

  • Powder skiing

  • Affordable ski resorts in Colorado

Cons:

  • Limited terrain

26. Wolf Creek Ski Area

The less populated skiing experience at Wolf Creek Ski Area makes Wolf Creek a destination hot spot for powder lovers, families, and new skiers. Wolf Creek stands as the only family-owned Colorado ski resort.

Pros:

  • Near Pagosa springs, 80 miles from Durango

  • 133 trails & 42 miles of skiing

  • The longest run is 2 miles

  • Most annual snowfall of any Colorado ski resort – best skiing in colorado

Cons:

  • Challenging to get to

27. Ski Cooper

This affordable ski resort is an excellent destination for families, tree skiing, beginners, and intermediate skiers—charming history, views, and Irish Pub for lunch and apres—best skiing in Colorado for a small resort.

This place is gifted with a lot of annual snowfall – typically 260″ – from its high elevation (10,500′), and due to temperatures at this elevation – great snow!

Pros:

  • No lift lines

  • 480 acres of skiable terrain

  • 64 trails, 5 lifts, & skiing by cat offered

  • Day pass under $100

  • Historic & former training for 10th Mountain Division

Cons:

  • Limited extreme terrain

28. Echo Mountain

Echo Mountain is an intermediate mountain that is great for beginner and intermediate skiers, those close to Denver, and night skiing.

Pros:

  • 36 miles from Denver

  • Intermediate mountain 

  • Night skiing

Cons:

  • Limited terrain and small

29. Bluebird Backcountry

Bluebird Backcountry is unique backcountry ski area and offers lift tickets to Powderhorn, Monarch, and Sunlight with a season pass. For those new to this type of alpine touring skiing, they offer an unlimited rental add-on – fantastic for those without backcountry gear!

Pros:

  • No Crowds

  • Unique backcountry skiing experience

  • 4,200+ acres of skiable terrain

  • 1,245′ vertical rise and 28 runs

  • Mostly Black and double black/extreme terrain offered

  • Season pass now offers lift tickets to Powderhorn, Monarch, & Sunlight

Cons:

  • No lifts

  • Only Alpine Touring skiing

Final Thoughts:

You can go right with all of these best ski resorts in Colorado. The best Colorado skiing and Colorado ski resort are where you have the best experience and conditions.

If you are in need of the best ski gear for your adventure on the Colorado slopes, we have you covered!

Since you have read this far, you deserve the best insider tip; the best skiing in Colorado for snow are these top Colorado ski resorts: Telluride ski resort, Vail Resorts, Steamboat ski resort, Silverton Mountain, Wolf Creek, Ski Cooper, & Aspen Snowmass.

Enjoy the ski towns adjacent to so many of these Colorado ski resorts – several have charming appeal and mining town history.

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