The 11 best ski resorts in Colorado

Colorado is the highest state in America, so it’s no surprise it’s arguably the best state to ski in – although die-hard Utaharians would likely disagree! But with an average height of 6,798 feet above sea level – and with over 75% of all the land in the contiguous US above 10,000 feet residing within Colorado’s borders – there are plenty of mountains — and snow! — to sink your teeth into.

Colorado is home to 28 ski resorts and the most expansive backcountry terrain, thanks to the Rocky Mountains, which run right through the center of it. With iconic resorts like Aspen, Vail, and Telluride, to name just a few, Colorado has more snow than you could hope to ride in a lifetime. But we’ve narrowed the resorts down to the top 16, running through their stats, strengths, and unique selling points, so you can be sure you’re choosing the right one for your next skiing adventure. 

Top 11 ski resorts in Colorado

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Telluride

First on our list is the epic Telluride! With one of North America’s highest high points for ski resorts and over 4,000 feet of vertical, it’s a terrific place to ride with long powdery descents, unmatched terrain, and plenty of charm – both on and off the mountain. Telluride also boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, meaning it’s either a bluebird or puking snow. There’s no in-between.

The terrain is what you’ll come for, with 41% of the mountain marked advanced/expert level and 36% marked intermediate. Lower on the mountain, you’ll find plenty of green and blue runs winding through the trees. Above the treeline, you’ll discover steep chutes and off-piste adventures like no other. The Plunge lift will give you instant access to expert terrain from the resort base. However, the Gold Hill, Prospect Express, and Revelation lifts open up the amazing off-the-beaten-track lines you’ve dreamed of.

One big gripe about Colorado ski resorts is that there are long lift lines, and the ski resorts are crazy expensive. But Telluride is a little different. It doesn’t have long lift lines or Aspen’s price tags, so you’re sure to ride fresh snow all day long, considering its insane size. Off the mountain, the story is much the same, with Telluride’s bustling village offering a vibrant après, dining, and accommodation scene. And there’s also some great ski-in, ski-out accommodation available if that’s your jam.

Breckenridge

The mighty Breck! Who hasn’t heard of it? What began as a gold rush town evolved into one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. With nearly 3,000 skiable acres and more than 3,000 feet of skiable vertical, Breck talks a big game but has the terrain and snow to back it up. The word ‘sprawling’ comes to mind with three separate peaks offering dizzying descents and five bowls filled with more runs than you could ride in a whole season. The only question is: where do you even start?

35 lifts service the 187 trails – the easiest of which can be found around the base and off the Rip’s Ride and 5-Chair lifts. For more blue-marked terrain, Independence Super and Mercury Super offer some of the longest and best intermediate trails. But it’s above the treeline that things really get exciting. With plenty of marked ‘Hike-To’ terrain from the peaks, high-altitude pow fields are just a few (well, hundred) steps away. However, the Imperial SuperChair and Kensho SuperChair get you well above the trees and open up the most extensive expert terrain. For the best and longest pow field, take the Imperial Super Chair, then hike/traverse to Peak 7, hitting Whiskey River along the ridge before dropping into The Dunes. It’s worth the pilgrimage, we promise.

The town is large and bustling, with many dining, drinking, and accommodation options. It is busy and on the pricey side at times, so prepare for that if you want to dine out. Staying out of town is cheaper, with Silverthorne offering more budget-friendly accommodation. For the real Breck experience, though, stump up the cash and have an absolute blast. It’s so worth it.

Steamboat

Steamboat is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for a unique reason — we mean, aside from its 3,000 skiable acres, 3,600-foot vertical, over 26 feet of snow a year, and 171 marked trails, of course. It caters to all levels and types of riders with completely separate areas, meaning the ski resort feels totally tailored to your preferred style depending on where you are!

Learners and developing riders are well looked after thanks to the terrain available below Sunshine Peak, which is pretty much entirely blue and green trails, best accessed from the Sunshine Express Chair. Those with bigger ambitions will find much to explore from Storm Peak, with advanced terrain winding through the trees towards the base and plenty of ungroomed pow fields to rip through. And for those with a nose for the backcountry, the backside of Storm Peak and Mount Werner, serviced by the colossal Morningside Life, gives you access to endless unmarked, ungroomed, and pow-filled descents. And if you’re out exploring, hit Wake Up Call below Werner Peak for the best snow. 

The town of Steamboat Springs isn’t right at the base. Instead, a purpose-built resort village has hotels, lodges, and dining/drinking options. There’s a bustling après scene here, so keep some energy for that while you ride. If that doesn’t suit you, though, head to Steamboat Springs for a more relaxed and laid-back feel, thanks to its classic mountain town vibe.

Aspen Snowmass

Aspen is probably one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. It hosts amazing riding, expansive terrain across four separate mountains, and a bustling, vibrant town that hosts a selection of pro riders and movie stars. Plus, it’s a winter playground filled with five-star resorts, swanky restaurants, and an après scene like no other. So, with so much ground to cover, let’s get to it!

The four mountains are Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Aspen Mountain is located right above town and is a series of narrow valleys with steep black runs and long, winding blues. Its proximity to town makes it super popular with piste-slashing skiers. However, its compact set-up makes the challenging runs short, and the off-piste is limited compared to the other Aspen ski resorts. Aspen Highlands is a different story. With some of the best technical off-piste available, it’s a mecca for freeriders, with the Highland Bowl off the Highland Peak the jewel in the crown. It’s only reachable via hiking, but the payoff is some of the best riding in the state. Just remember, it’s ridiculously steep and reserved for experts only!

Located next to Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk is the laid-back cousin, with a much more relaxed feel, plenty of wide blue groomers for the developing rider, and a mellower gradient overall, making it ideal for the freestyle lovers among you. A handful of lifts serve the area, so getting here early on pow days is recommended. And, finally, let’s talk Snowmass, the big bruiser of the group! It’s a much more spaced-out ski resort with plenty of lifts, plenty of variety, and plenty of snow! Low down, you’ll find lots of blue runs, and up high, you’ll find the more challenging stuff. If you want a complete, large resort with a modern infrastructure, Snowmass is your best bet!

Vail

Vail Resorts is one of the biggest companies in the ski industry and owns many mountains worldwide. But Vail in Colorado is the original and sets the standard for all other resorts when it comes to modern infrastructure. And with 5,317 acres of skiable terrain and 195 marked trails, it’s the largest ski resort in Colorado, and frankly, it’s just staggering. In fact, Vail is so large it requires three separate ski maps to accommodate its scale!

The Front Side is the main ski area, and several high-speed lifts deliver long greens, cruisey blues, and challenging blacks across its 3,450-foot vertical. There’s everything from intricate tree runs to open powder fields for all abilities, along with dedicated beginner areas and a selection of freestyle parks. On the Back Side, things get more challenging, with oodles of off-piste and ungroomed runs to tackle. It’s a veritable ‘choose your own line to the bottom’ affair that, frankly, is tough to match! And finally, at the Blue Sky Basin, you’ll find some long blues and great blacks to tackle. All this means it’s tough to find yourself on a clogged-up slope.

However, once you get back to town, you’ll find it’s a busy and bouncing hub with a distinctly alpine feel. There’s plenty of upmarket accommodation here, and it can definitely get pricey if you hit the wrong spot. But with some careful research, you can snag a deal and stick to your budget! Still, riding at Vail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most, so throw caution to the wind, ride until your legs ache, and party until your head feels the same!

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain is Breckenridge’s next-door neighbor. But where Breck’s resort town takes center stage, Copper Mountain focuses solely on its mountain, with just a few hotels and dining options around the base and no actual ‘town’ to speak of. Still, what happens on the mountain is plenty enough reason to visit here – especially once you look at the stats Copper offers and the terrain to back it up!

When it comes to terrain, Copper really does have it all. Despite the plethora of expert terrain here, there are a lot of designated beginner/learner trails and a huge network of long cruisey blue runs. Copper is also home to a Woodward park set-up, meaning freestyle aficionados will have a field day with 10 separate parks to play around in. However, the freeride terrain really draws riders here, with runs from Copper Mountain Peak, Union Peak, and Tucker Mountain Peak all offering thrills per minute unmatched anywhere else.

From the Storm King lift, check out the Spaulding Bowl, a wide-open, natural-feature-filled pow field that’s fodder for lacing lines and popping off boulders and mini cliffs. From the Celebrity Ridge/Mountain Chief lifts, make sure to hit Union Meadows, too, where the longest, smoothest pow runs can be found. Or, if you prefer steep chutes, head to Copper Bowl off the Three Bears or Mountain Chief lift, where you’ll discover the toughest technical terrain on the mountain.

Arapahoe Basin

A-Basin might seem like a small resort (compared to others here), clocking in at just 1,428 acres. However, with a high point of over 13,000 feet and 29.5 feet of annual snowfall, it’s nothing to be sniffed at. In fact, A-Basin is a hidden gem. Without a resort town, it’s park and ski only, making it quiet compared to the likes of Breck and Vail. That, and it boasts the longest ski season in North America! 

Open from October to June, A-Basin is always a crowd-pleaser. There’s so much wide-open terrain that the whole mountain is a playground for those looking to have a serious day of fun. With mellow pow fields to explore above the treeline, fresh lines to be had in every direction, and designated hike and climb routes that give access to the insane Arapahoe Basin face, this place has everything. There’s nothing quite like surfing an endless pow line while certified psychos climb the sheer face of the peak above and then drop into the gnarliest chutes you’ve ever seen.

While riders all flock to the East Wall traverse for the best post-dumping pow lines, The Steep Gullies and The Beavers have some of the deepest snow to shred. From the Beavers Lift, head down Loafer, then cut left along the boundary towards Peaceful Valley. And for the best tight and steep tree-riding, tighten those boots and head for Janitors Only by hooking right off SG 1 in the Gullies. It’s easy to miss but has the best stashes on the mountain. Just remember you’ll be hiking back to the base from the bottom, so ride to the right to save yourself a long walk!

Keystone Resort

Just over the ridge from A-Basin, you’ll find Keystone. There’s a good reason so many resorts call this area home. With its perfect terrain, unbeatable snow record, and amazing accessibility, those drawn to Colorado to ski have many choices at their fingertips. And Keystone is yet another stellar choice. With a small, purpose-built town reminiscent of European ski resorts – equally populated by upmarket and more budget-friendly options – and an amazing mountain to go with it, if you choose Keystone, you’re definitely not missing out.

Above the town, you’ll find a great network of blue and green runs, with the designated Schoolmarm Family Ski Trail being one of the longest green runs around. There’s a great family and beginner-centric vibe here, which makes Keystone the perfect choice for those traveling with little ones or just starting out. Keystone is also famed for its freestyle terrain and snowparks, so if catching air is more your thing, you’re well catered for. Though, once you get up high, it’s a different world.

Catch the Outpost Gondola over to North Peak to access the best lift-serviced black terrain, and then make your way over to the Outback Express lift to sample the furthest reaches of the ski resort. However, those who take the lifts only ride half the terrain. Keystone has some of the best hike-access in-bounds slack country in the state, with South Bowl, North Bowl, Erickson Bowl, and the amazing Independence Bowl all on offer for those willing to earn their turns.

Beaver Creek

Another purpose-built ski resort, Beaver Creek, is an utterly charming mountain town that nestles right at the foot of the mountain, providing ski-in, ski-out accommodation, and plenty of dining options. More family-focused than other large ski resorts, Beaver Creek has an altogether quieter feel. However, on the mountain, things can still get pretty wild with some serious terrain that’ll please even the most hardcore of ski moms and dads.

Set across a pretty expansive area, there’s something for all abilities. The McCoy Park Express lift will give those starting out access to a mellow bowl filled with green runs. The Larkspur and Centennial Express lifts are a great next step, opening up long, winding blue trails. Off the Beaver Creek Mountain peak are many green trails that wind right to the base. This is why this ski resort is so great for beginners and families, as you can really ride the whole resort from day one.

If you’re hunting more challenging stuff, Grouse Mountain has the goods, with plenty of black and double black trails. You’ll also find great, untouched pow and longer pow fields below the Rose Bowl Express lift — especially under the Birds of Prey lift. This is where the longest blacks are found, especially Golden Eagle and Peregrine, where you can really rack up speed while the little ones meander along the green trails.

Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek isn’t quite as well known as other ski resorts on this list. But you know what it does have? A 36-foot annual snowfall rating, making it the snowiest ski resort in Colorado. Oh, do we have your attention now? Like A-Basin, there’s no resort at the base, just a big parking lot and a heck of a lot of snow. But stick with us because we’re getting to the good bit.

While there’s blue terrain here, the bowl is steep and best suited to experts. This is tree skiing heaven, so make sure you like making tight turns between the firs! After you’ve got a lap in on Tranquility to find your legs, you can pretty much throw a dart at the ski map and hit something epic. If you love super steep stuff, head for the Waterfall Area, where you’ll find a cornucopia of near-vertical descents. If you prefer something more open, hike to the top of Alberta Peak and ski down the open powder face, lacing your way through the Peak Chutes!

Head further out, and discover the Horseshoe Bowl, another hike-accessed open pow field. But, before you get there, you’ll have to traverse the Knife Ridge and Dog Chutes, both of which hide gnarly, nibbly lines that’ll get the heart hammering.

And if you’re feeling fit, make the long pilgrimage out to the boundary and discover Camino Del Monte Sol, which drops into the untouched Spooner Hill off-piste zone. This is where the deepest snow hides. Just bear skier’s left as it begins to mellow, or you’ll be headed towards Alberta Lake instead of the base!

Silverton Mountain

Honestly, calling Silverton Mountain a ‘resort’ isn’t really fair to the likes of Breck and Vail. What we’d call it, instead, is the highest ski resort in North America and the destination for freeriders, powder hounds, and general psychos looking to get their thrills on the biggest, gnarliest, and snowiest slopes in the US. Silverton doesn't have much in the way of infrastructure or groomed slopes. Still, with 33 feet of snow a year and a mandatory avalanche equipment checklist before you’re allowed to get on its one lift, it’s certainly the place to be if you lay awake at night dreaming of the steep and deep.

Located pretty far south of Denver and closer to Durango, Silverton can be found up a small, unassuming road. But what awaits is truly spectacular. A single chairlift takes you high into the alpine and drops you above the Cabin Bowl. From here, your options are pretty much endless. Hit whichever line you’d like. But beware because they’re all gnarly as hell. And thanks to all the snow it gets, there are times during the season when there are only guided tours, and no unaccompanied lift access is available.

Below the lift, you’ll find dense tree skiing inside the 100 Acre Wood and 3 Stooges zone. But if you skin higher up, you’ll open up descents like Nightmare and Hell’s Gate. Their names are fitting! Keep climbing, and you’ll get underneath Pope Face and The Billboard Peak before approaching Hanging Valley. This is a wide-open pow field above some pretty hair-raising chutes, so prepare. Below, you’ll descend into The Lake powder zone and head towards the Exit Road back to the shuttle pick up. Just keep an eye on the cliffs to your right – you might see crazy people ripping down Gnar Couloir off Storm Peak — a 13,000-foot monster of a mountain.

Other Colorado ski areas

With Silverton rounding out our top 10, it would be easy to leave it there because, let’s face it, you’re never going to ski them all. However, there are lots of other great ski resorts in Colorado. So, we’ve rounded up six more of our favorites that are perhaps lesser known but still more than worth visiting. Take a look! 

Purgatory Ski Resort

Purgatory is another purpose-built resort south of Silverton, even closer to Durango. It’s got a small, modern village and plenty of terrain to ski. You can stay at the base, giving ski-in, ski-out access to the hotels built just for Purgatory.

Purgatory’s mountain is well suited to beginner riders and families, as there are lots of sweeping blues and winding greens that make full use of the entire mountain — perfect for those just finding their feet. Advanced riders will certainly find tons to enjoy, too, with long blacks and intricate tree runs to discover below the Legends Express lift and to skier’s right of the Needles Lift, where you can find the steepest terrain on the mountain. 

Crested Butte Ski Resort

Crested Butte is a more classic Coloradan mountain town, with plenty to see and do, including great bars and restaurants and nice accommodation options for a pretty good price. It’s not as big as other ski resorts, but it makes great use of its mountain, with lots of interesting terrain to explore.

There’s a big network of green and blue trails low down, which make Crested Butte ideal for learners and those looking to progress their riding. But as you get further up the mountain, things get more fun. The Spellbound Bowl and Spellbound Glades have some amazing marked off-piste to explore. At the same time, the Teocalli Bowls and the Headwall are also pretty spectacular for lovers of the steep and deep. And if you’re really adventurous, hike up to the peak of Crested Butte Mountain and take the harrowing plunge down the chutes through the famous Banana Zone and into some of the best tree riding in the Rockies.

Loveland Ski Area

Loveland is a powder paradise with serious altitude and snowfall figures to shout about. Located just down the road from A-Basin, there’s no resort here either – just another big parking lot and a heck-load of fun to be had. Ideally suited to the expert rider, Loveland has some of the best lift-accessed off-piste and high-altitude pow riding, as well as a snowcat to help you access the Golden Bear peak at a lofty 13,010 feet.

Riders looking to progress will love the mellow greens and reds in the lower valley, while those searching out more excitement will have their pick of the lot. Perfect Bowl off the number 4 lift is ideal for a warm-up lap. Then, take the number 9 lift to 12,700 feet, and traverse in either direction for mega lines. Super Bowl is a personal favorite, especially if you cut skier’s right over the spine, where serious pow awaits.

Winter Park

Winter Park is a sprawling 3,000-acre winter playground with a purpose-built alpine ski resort at its base, plenty of lodging and dining options, and the closest proximity to Denver at just 90 minutes. As such, it’s extremely popular with the locals, who flock here on the weekends to enjoy the 29 feet of annual snowfall!

Some good beginner slopes await you near the base, but they get busy with kids from the city learning. Thankfully, higher up, the amount of space means that trails aren’t crowded. From the Lunch Rock mid-station, there are lots of steep blacks to explore, and higher up, off the Eagle Wind lift, you’ll find excellent tree skiing. To reach the peak, hit the Panoramic Express, where you can charge wide open and mellow Parsenn Bowl, or drop into Cirque for more challenging terrain, including the super steep Alphabet Chutes.

Monarch Mountain 

Monarch Mountain rounds out our list and is the perfect retreat for winter campers among you. Compact and fairly quiet, there’s no ski resort here, but the Monarch Park Campground is ideal for those with heated campers looking to pitch up at the foot of the slopes.

Monarch has a great variety of runs, with plenty of blues and greens coming right down off the peak, meaning skiers of all abilities will have plenty to rip. For those more experienced, there’s lots of great, steeper terrain to be found off the Breezeway lift, heading skier’s right as you exit. A short hike takes you to Mirkwood, where the best powder descents make brilliant use of the 29 feet of annual snowfall. Hit Mirkwood Bowl (heading skier’s left) to sample Elation Ridge for some high-speed spaced-out tree skiing that’s nothing short of epic. Or, if you don’t want to walk, book a spot on their snowcat and feel the true unadulterated joy of high-altitude Coloradan pow skiing!

Things to know about skiing in Colorado

Wrapping up

Well, that’s it – our top ski resorts — and top tips — for tackling the Centennial State! Fly into Denver or make the pilgrimage by road – however you travel here, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best riding in the world. 

Just be sure to watch that altitude, take your time on the icy roads, and raise a glass for us when you get there. Actually, you know what? Screw it. We’re coming too. Load up the truck, boys: we’re shipping out!

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