When planning a ski trip in the US, Colorado is likely the first place you’ll consider! Home to an abundance of ski resorts and thriving ski towns, this state has all you could ever need for an unforgettable winter vacation on the slopes. We’ve put together a list of the 5 best Colorado ski resorts to help you narrow down your search for the top places to visit.
Before you head out, make sure you visit our ski shop to grab any last-minute gear you might need for the resorts. Whether you’re looking for new ski boots, goggles, or a brand new pair of skis, we have it all! Don’t forget to also grab a travel bag before you book your trip to keep all your gear secure during your Colorado adventure.
5 Best Colorado Ski Resorts
1. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
Acreage: 3,132 acres
Highest elevation point: 12,500 ft
Number of runs: 91
Best for: All levels, apres-ski
Starting off our list of best Colorado ski resorts is Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort located in the world-famous ski town, Aspen. This is just one of four resorts in the Aspen area, but Snowmass offers the largest skiing area and is a great choice for family trips.
Plus, with top-notch restaurants and wonderful hotels, you have all you could need in one place for a winter vacation! In addition to skiing, there are numerous other activities such as ice skating, hiking, and mountain biking during the summer.
2. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Acreage: 2,908 acres
Highest elevation point: 12,900 ft
Number of runs: 155
Best for: Intermediate, late-season skiing, apres-ski
Breckenridge is known as the most popular of all Colorado ski resorts as well as one of the best ski towns in the entire US. It features a great mix of beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert-level runs, making it a great option for everyone.
It also features the highest chairlift in all of North America! Because the skiing here is so high, it can be a great place to visit later in the season for spring skiing. Just 1.5 hours from Denver, this is also one of Colorado’s most easily accessible ski resorts. With numerous accommodation options as well as restaurants and entertainment, you can’t go wrong with planning a trip to this beautiful resort!
3. Copper Mountain Resort
Acreage: 2,465 acres
Highest elevation point: 12,300 ft
Number of runs: 140+
Best for: All levels, beginners, families
Next on our list of best Colorado ski resorts is Copper Mountain, which is just over an hour away from Denver. Like Breckenridge, Copper is another high mountain, (one of the highest in the world) and offers something for everyone with a good variety of green, blue, and black terrain. If you’re traveling with beginners, Copper is one of the most ideal resorts on our list for you and your group.
The village at the base offers plenty of fun, family-friendly shops, and restaurants along with options geared towards adults as well. They also have plenty of accommodation options. Whether you’re looking for a getaway with friends or are planning a family vacation, Copper Mountain Resort is a solid choice while visiting Colorado!
4. Steamboat Ski Resort
Acreage: 2,965 acres
Highest elevation point: 10,500 ft
Number of runs: 165
Best for: Intermediate-advanced, powder skiing, tree skiing
Another one of the best Colorado ski resorts that is worth visiting is Steamboat Ski Resort. This resort is located near Mount Werner and typically receives a huge amount of snow each year, making it a dream destination for powder lovers! It’s a great place for tree skiing as well. While they do have some green runs, the majority at this resort are blue and black, so it’s a great place if you’re an intermediate-advanced skier.
The town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado offers plenty of entertainment options and hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, so it’s easy to find something to do when you’re done on the slopes for the day. They also have a good variety of accommodations.
5. Vail Ski Resort
Acreage: 5,317 acres
Highest elevation point: 11,570 ft
Number of runs: 195
Best for: All levels, beginners, apres-ski, luxury
Last on our list of best Colorado ski resorts is Vail, which features the most runs of any on our list! You may say we’ve saved the best for last with this resort known around the world for premium skiing conditions. This huge resort offers an abundance of options for all levels and is a great place to start off if you’re new to skiing or traveling with children. Not only does it offer some easier terrain for beginners, it’s also much easier to navigate compared to many other resorts. There’s something for everyone at Vail, from the groomers to the steeper, more rugged backside of the mountain, there is truly something for everyone here.
When you’re done on the slopes, there are plenty of places to shop and dine in this highly walkable town, from high-end shopping options to more affordable restaurants and stores. There are plenty of places to stay within Vail or surrounding areas as well if you’re looking to travel cheaper. If we had to choose a place to splurge in Colorado, it’s Vail!
Whether you’re looking to plan a trip this season or are simply getting ideas of places to stay, the variety and quality found at Colorado ski resorts can’t be beat. We hope to see you out there soon!
