Our Guide to Skiing in Colorado.
Why Ski in Colorado?
Colorado is the ultimate American ski destination: there’s a mountain for every ski level and every skier. Colorado mountains are renowned for their high quality snow and varying terrain, ensuring an enjoyable experience for the most professional skier or snowboarder and those who are just starting their snow journey.
Since the ski culture is so strong, with a long and rich history, the amenities and offerings outside of the slopes are also extremely enticing. This means excellent après-ski offers, delicious food, and fun activities for when you’re craving something other than snow. Some say their preferred way of burning calories is shopping, ya know?
Where are the Best Places to Go Skiing in Colorado?
There are over 40 different ski resorts across this Western American state. Needless to say, you have a lot of options when you’re deciding where to ski and ride this winter.
Let Our List of 9 Ski Resorts in Colorado Inspire Your Journey.
We’ve selected 9 ski resorts based on the quality of the slopes, the après-ski and off-mountain activities, and the range of ski runs. Explore the list and let it inspire your next snow adventure.
Telluride, Colorado.
Base elevation: 8,725 feet
Annual snowfall: 213 inches
Ski level: 16% beginner, 30% intermediate, 21% advanced, 34% expert runs.
Selling point: Full spectrum of ski level.
Telluride is nestled in the San Juan Mountains (part of the Rocky Mountains) and offers 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. The terrain is fairly distributed across various ski levels, making it a great destination to experienced and beginner skiers.
To heighten the experience even further, Telluride offers rich après-ski opportunities and a classic on-and-off-mountain experience. This gives the entire ski resort a vibe that resembles Swiss or French ski resorts. To sum it all up: a must-visit!
Vail, Colorado.
Base elevation: 8,120 feet
Annual snowfall: 257 inches
Ski level: 23% beginner, 34% intermediate, 42% advanced, 2% expert runs
Selling point: Epic ski-in/ski-out options.
It’s one of the classics you’ve probably heard about in the news, on reality shows, or in other ski resort guides. And the reason is clear: Vail has 5,317 acres of skiable terrain that is mostly wide-open with all types of trails, in addition to awesome amenities catering to friend groups, families, and everyone in between. From Vail, you could easily travel to nearby ski resorts such as Beaver Creek or Breckenridge.
Beaver Creek, Colorado.
Base elevation: 8,100 feet
Annual snowfall: 235 inches
Ski level: 39% beginner, 31% intermediate, 24% advanced, 6% expert runs.
Selling point: Relaxed slopes for everyday cruisers.
Located in the Rocky Mountains, Beaver Creek covers 2,082 acres of skiable terrain. A majority of the runs are considered beginner and intermediate, making it an ideal place to bring the family or friends who are less experienced on the snow. If you’re more into advanced or expert runs, we’d recommend that you head over to the nearby Aspen or Breckenridge ski resorts.
Steamboat, Colorado.
Base elevation: 6,900 feet
Annual snowfall: 292 inches
Ski level: 12% beginner, 38% intermediate, 41% advanced, 9% expert runs.
Selling point: Champagne PowderⓇ snow.
Steamboat ski resort is renowned for its signature Champagne PowderⓇ snow. Picture it: 3,741 acres of skiable terrain covered in the most delightful, light and fluffy powder snow. It’s like you’re floating down the scenic descents.
Additionally, the local culture is rich and the vibe is laid-back. It’s the perfect destination when you’re craving something more laid-back compared to ski resorts in Aspen or Vail, but still want well-rounded ski runs.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado.
Base elevation: 8,100 feet
Annual snowfall: 307 inches
Ski level: 6% beginner, 43% intermediate, 17% advanced, 34% expert runs.
Selling point: Something for everyone.
Aspen is a four-mountain playground consisting of Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. They are all located in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley. Aspen Snowmass covers 5,700 acres of skiable terrain and is the largest of the four. It’s particularly popular among expert skiers and riders, but there is something for everyone, a great mix of (iconic) runs.
What about the rest of Aspen?
If you’re interested in checking out the other resorts as well – and why wouldn’t you – here’s the rundown. Aspen Mountain is perfect for alpine riders, while Aspen Highlands is famous for its steep, big-mountain runs. Buttermilk is renowned for its top-quality ski school, making it the natural, family-friendly pick.
Aspen is, of course, famous for its off-slopes activities. The entire town comes alive in winter, where you can indulge in delicious food, shopping, and infectious energy.
Breckenridge, Colorado.
Base elevation: 9,600 feet
Annual snowfall: 304 inches
Ski level: 12% beginner, 21% intermediate, 27% advanced, 40% expert runs.
Selling point: The welcoming atmosphere.
There are 2,908 acres of skiable terrain in Breckenridge across five different mountain peaks. This makes Breckenridge a preferred spot for alpine skiing. It has a unique, historic charm due to its long history (it opened in 1961) and many people love it for group outings because its slopes cover a diverse range of ski levels.
Winter Park, Colorado.
Base elevation: 9,000 feet
Annual snowfall: 329 inches
Ski level: 22% beginner, 20% intermediate, 51% advanced, 6% expert runs.
Selling point: Some serious terrain.
Winter Park, in the Rocky Mountains, offers 3,081 acres of skiable terrain. It’s an alpine resort and touted for its challenging runs. Over half the runs are considered advanced, making it a no-brainer destination for snow lovers. That being said, it’s also a family-friendly resort with excellent ski schools and beginner runs for every age and skill level. Don’t sleep on this Park!
Read more tips in our guide to the most family-friendly ski resorts in the U.S.
Keystone, Colorado.
Base elevation: 9,273 feet
Annual snowfall: 215 inches
Ski level: 19% beginner, 32% intermediate, 49% advanced runs.
Selling point: Night skiing!
3,148 acres of skiable alpine terrain spread across three different peaks – that’s Keystone, short and sweet. The ski resort is known for its versatile ski runs and opportunities for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. It’s a great choice for those of you who want the flexibility to choose a run based on how you’re feeling that day. Not to mention, you can ski during the night. Perfect for maximizing your time on the slopes!
Crested Butte, Colorado.
Base elevation: 9,375 feet
Annual snowfall: 208 inches
Ski level: 18% beginner, 20% intermediate, 25% advanced, 37% expert runs.
Selling point: Ideal for freeskiing.
There is 1,547 acres of skiable terrain in Crested Butte ski resort, most of which is considered steep and extreme. A perfect option if you’re a thrill-seeker and love to freeski. In fact, Crested Butte is considered one of the birthplaces of freeskiing in the 1980s. Up for a challenge? Start the journey at Crested Butte.
Choose the Right Ski Resorts for Your Level.
Your Questions Answered.
Skiing in Colorado.
When does skiing start in Colorado?
Typically, the ski season in Colorado starts in mid-to-late November. Ski resorts at higher altitude open in October, such as Arapahoe Basin and Keystone.
When is the best time to go skiing in Colorado?
The best time to go skiing in Colorado is from mid-December through March. Then the snow levels are high, temperatures are mild, and the terrain is open. However, late February and early March is the most reliable time when it comes to snow conditions.
How much is skiing in Colorado?
Skiing in Colorado can cost anywhere from $200 to $3,500 depending on lift tickets and passes:
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Single-day lift tickets: $200 – $300 per day
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Multi-day passes: $110 – $140 average daily cost
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Season passes: $1,000 – $3,500 per season
Overall, skiing in Colorado can be costly, depending on the lift ticket and/or passes, the duration of your stay, and the ski resort you choose. The number of people and your lifestyle also influence the overall cost (including ski equipment rental, lessons, accommodations, transportation).
When does skiing end in Colorado?
Typically, skiing in Colorado ends in April, but there are exceptions depending on the resort:
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April: Aspen, Beaver Creek, Crested Butte, Vail, Keystone, Steamboat, and Telluride
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May: Breckenridge and Winter Park
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June: Arapahoe Basin