When winter rolls around, there’s no place in the US quite like Colorado, trust me. With snow-clad mountains and plenty of snowfall, the ski resorts in Colorado are the most coveted winter playground.
And rightly so! Colorado has some of the best skiing and snowboarding slopes in the country. From beginner slopes to more challenging terrains, venturing to Colorado will be an unforgettable experience for skiers of all levels. And with over 300 days of sunshine per year, the days are absolutely breathtaking with fresh pow pow and clear skies.
Of course, all that fun and excitement can only be enjoyed if your accommodation matches your adventure level. What better way to end the perfect day on the slopes than by unwinding in front of a fire or soothing your limbs in a hot tub. Fun times indeed.
If you’re looking for the best ski resorts in Colorado but don’t know where to start. Don’t worry, because you needn’t look any further. In this guide, I have listed the 12 best Colorado ski resorts so you can hit the slopes much faster.
So, let’s get started…
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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River Mountain Lodge in Breckenridge
- > $$$
- > 2 guests
- > Hot tub
- > Swimming pool
The Lodge at Mountaineer Square
- > $$$
- > 2 guests
- > Fitness Centre
- > Hot tub
The Keystone Lodge
- > $$$
- > 2 guests
- > Room service
- > Spa and wellness centre
St Regis in Aspen
- > $$$$
- > 2 guests
- > Ski-in/Ski-out
- > Room service
The 12 Best Ski Resorts in Colorado
Whether you’re a serious skier or just want to meander down the slopes and enjoy the views, Colorado has a ski resort for you. After you’re done skiing, you can relax and unwind with some drinks over a warm bath at your favourite ski lodge.
Your adventure in the USA has just begun. With snow and fun awaiting you, you’ll have a thrilling experience at some of Colorado’s top ski resorts.
River Mountain Lodge in Breckenridge – Best Overall Ski Resort in Colorado
Breckenridge is not only the highest-altitude ski resort in Colorado but also one of the most popular. Spread over thousands of skiable acres and five mountains, River Lodge Mountain is a resort that has something for every type of skier.
Breckenridge, or Breck, as it is fondly called, also boasts of the highest chairlift in North America – an experience you definitely cannot miss. This is also a great spot for those who love hiking in Colorado since in the spring the slopes turn into beautiful hiking trails.
Rooms are large and spacious and come with self-catering facilities. You’ll also have seating and dining areas as well as a dishwasher in the kitchen.
The resort also has a hot tub and an outdoor pool, the perfect place to relax after a long day on the slopes.
The Lodge at Mountaineer Square – Budget Ski Resort in Mount Crested
Known to some as “the last great ski town”, Crested Butte is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for those on a budget.
With some great backcountry terrain and plenty of runs, Crested Butte is suitable for all levels of skiers. It is renowned for its high-altitude, technical, and steep skiing that would please more advanced skiers. A trip to the town will take you back in time, with its Old West Victorian-style architecture and vibes.
Sitting near the base of the mountain, just a few minutes of walk away from the ski lifts is The Lodge at Mountaineer Square. This exquisite stay in Colorado provides apartments with basic kitchen appliances and a private bathroom with toiletries.
It also has an indoor/outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a sauna, so you can soothe those aching limbs after an active day.
The Keystone Lodge – Best Ski Lodge in Colorado for Couples
The mountain playground that is Keystone is a laid-back and calm ski resort in Colorado. If you’re a traveling couple, looking for a romantic getaway on the slopes, Keystone is the place to be.
With stunning views of the mountains and some incredible terrain, your getaway will sure be a memorable one. Take a romantic sleigh slide through the gorgeous scenery, or hit the golf courses nearby if you’re visiting in the summer.
When you’ve called it a day, come back home to the Keystone Lodge and Spa for some relaxing time by the pool, in the sauna, or in the hot tub.
The couple’s treatment room at the state-of-the-art spa is the perfect place to be after a day of skiing. The Keystone Lodge and Spa offers facilities such as a fitness center and bike rental in the summer.
St Regis in Aspen – Over-the-top Luxury Ski Lodge in Colorado
If you want to be wowed, check out the St. Regis Aspen Resort. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, this super luxury resort is an opulent building in red.
With its façade made out of Colorado red bricks, it sure does stand out against the snow-covered mountains. With lavish furnishings, exquisite leather beds, and private butler services, you’ll be so pampered you’ll forget you were meant to be skiing.
Throw on your fluffy robe and relax in the heated pool or the hot tub. Enjoy cocktails and fine dining at St. Regis’s onsite restaurant. St. Regis also offers ski storage, equipment hire, and bike hire for your convenience.
Other Epic Ski Resorts in Colorado
Half the fun of skiing is bombing down those slopes when you’ve almost made it, the other half is where you’ll be resting your head after a long day of trying to become less shit in skiing.
‘Good’ ski resorts in Colorado come with hot tubs, outdoor pools, and freaking awesome views. That’s NOT high standards, I’m talking about the average ski resort experience in Colorado. Let’s slide right down and explore more of these amazing ski resorts.
Pokolodi Lodge in Snowmass Village
Snowmass is part of four different ski resorts in Colorado that combine the most varied skiing experiences in the state. Snowmass is the largest and most popular though. Apart from skiing, it also offers plenty of other activities such as ice skating and zip-lining. Rest assured you’ll have a fabulous time.
To mark your holiday with the perfect stay, check in at Pokolodi Lodge. This hotel is just a few minutes away from the ski slopes and the Snowmass Village Mall.
Pokolodi Lodge offers an affordable stay for those traveling on a budget. You will have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a seating area. A room fridge and coffee maker are also provided. The resort also has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
Zephyr Mountain Lodge, Winter Park
If you’re looking for a family-friendly ski resort in Colorado, it’s Winter Park. It’s one of the more affordable ski resorts with some of the best skiing in Colorado. The variety of slopes in the resort caters to beginners as well as expert skiers.
Children can find some fun non-ski things to do in Colorado nearby as well, such as ice bumper cars, tubing, and snowmobiling.
Just a few minutes of walk away from the ski lifts is the Zephyr Mountain Lodge. The lodge features spacious suites that are suitable for the whole family. Amenities include a fully-equipped kitchen, a living area with a fireplace (for those cozy story sessions!), and sofa beds.
Wake up to some stunning panoramic mountain views and end your day with a relaxing soak in the hot tub.
Copper Mountain Ski Hideaway
If you’re traveling with friends and searching for the best ski resorts in Colorado, look no further than the Copper Mountain Ski Resort.
Copper Mountain has plenty of terrains and a mix of runs that cater to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. So grab your ski gear and make your way to some of the best skiing in Colorado.
Copper Mountain Ski Hideaway is the perfect accommodation for your group. Set in Copper Mountain, this luxury cabin in Colorado has several great amenities. It offers free Wi-Fi, a TV, a dining area, and a fully-equipped kitchen.
The cozy bedrooms have ample space for you and your friends. The house also has a balcony with amazing views of the mountains. If you want to explore the area, at the foot of the mountain is a charming village with many dining and entertainment options.
Grand Imperial Hotel, Silverton
Silverton Mountain is among the best ski mountains in Colorado since it’s the steepest and highest elevation in North America.
This beast of a resort is just the place for all you thrill-seeking skiers. You can also choose to heli-ski if you’re a seriously advanced skier.
Your perfect place to stay in Silverton should be the Grand Imperial Hotel, which is just 10km from the Silverton Mountain Ski Area.
Rooms at this hotel have comfy beds with private bathrooms. Enjoy easy access to activities in and around Silverton, such as hiking, cycling, and of course, skiing.
Sonnenalp in Vail
When it comes to the best Colorado ski resorts, Vail is one of the biggest and best. It is one of the largest and best resorts in the world. Vail has a varied terrain, making it suitable for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts.
While Vail is not as high as other ski resorts, it has heavy snowfall which makes for excellent skiing conditions. If you’re looking for a luxury Colorado vacation, Vail has many high-end accommodations, shopping, and fine dining.
Sonnenalp is my first choice for a luxury ski resort in Vail. It is located just a few minutes from the Gondola One ski lift and is near many popular places to visit in Colorado. Sonnenalp offers ski passes, ski storage space, and bike hire. Rooms at this resort come with plush and comfy beds and a private bathroom with toiletries.
You’ll also have a living room and a fireplace, making your stay all the cozier. After a day of skiing, enjoy cocktails and live entertainment at the bar. Or relax in the sauna, the choice is all yours.
The Peak Resort, Telluride
Secluded in the San Juan Mountains Telluride, is one of the most scenic ski resorts in the US. Telluride is like a hidden gem waiting to be found. With its stunning scenery, Wild West town, and top-end ski resort, Telluride has everything you need for winter fun.
The mountain resort offers a good mix of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. If you’re not up for skiing, you can still enjoy the mountains with a snowshoeing or snowmobile tour.
The best place to stay is The Peaks Resort and Spa. This ski-in/ski-out resort is surrounded by mountains and offers easy access to some of the best skiing in Colorado. The Peaks Resort also features a helicopter for heli-skiing.
Rooms at this place are standard, with large picture windows and super comfy beds. The resort has great dining options and a full-service spa too.
Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
If you’re looking for that pow pow, then hit up Steamboat. Steamboat Resort has trademarked their snow, which they call “Champagne Powder,” and it is only available at their resort. The snow is very soft and some of the most fun to ski on.
Also, this resort is located at a lower altitude than many others, which makes it a good choice for those who experience altitude sickness. Additionally, Steamboat has excellent runs for skiing through trees.
The ski resort will open on November 23 and it typically receives an average annual snowfall of 336 inches/853 cm. The resort has a base elevation of 6,900 feet/2,103 meters and a summit elevation of 10,568 feet/3,221 meters.
The Sheraton is the perfect place to stay if you’re visiting Steamboat Resort. The villas offer luxurious amenities, and the convenience of being steps away from the ski runs can’t be beaten.
The Inn at Aspen
Aspen Highlands is recommended for local residents of Aspen. It’s less crowded compared to other resorts, making it a popular spot among advanced skiers and locals. The majority of the slopes are for expert-level skiers, and you can enjoy unparalleled views of the Maroon Bells.
The ski resort will open on December 10 and receives an average annual snowfall of 300 inches/762 centimeters. The elevation at the base is 8,040 feet/2,451 meters, while the elevation at the summit is 12,392 feet/3,777 meters.
Ski in and ski out of The Inn at Aspen, located in the heart of the mountain. With full-service ski valet and onsite ski rentals, you won’t have to worry about lugging your skis from one place to another.
FAQs on Colorado’s Best Ski Resorts
We know your curiosity is piqued, and we’re here to satisfy it with intriguing answers to some of the most common questions about the best resorts ski in Colorado. Let’s dive in.
When do the ski resorts close in Colorado?
Most of the ski resorts in Colorado close around April or May. However, some may close as early as March depending on weather conditions. It’s best to check with each resort for exact dates and important announcements about their closing date.
What is the largest ski resort in Colorado?
Vail has the largest skiable acreage compared to other ski resorts in Colorado. It has a total of 5,317 acres, which is 2,000 acres more than the next resort on the list.
How much does it cost to go skiing in Colorado?
The cost of skiing in Colorado can vary greatly depending on the resort and duration of your stay. Most resorts charge anywhere from $50 to over $200 per day for lift tickets, while other expenses like lodging, meals, and equipment rentals should be taken into consideration as well.
Don’t Forget Your Colorado Travel Insurance
While you may be daydreaming about snowballs and warm fireplaces, and I don’t blame you, I just want to remind you to consider travel insurance.
If you’re traveling internationally, buying good insurance for the USA is a very smart idea, especially if you want to engage in winter sports, which can be dangerous. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Ski Resorts in Colorado
And there you have it, the 12 best Colorado ski resorts. This coming winter, I hope this guide helped you prepare for your next skiing adventure. With its many beautiful snow-clad mountains and slopes for all skiing and snowboarding levels, how do you even choose?
Well to be honest, you really can’t go wrong with any of them but for a little bit of everything— I’m gathering up my winter clothes and heading to Breckenridge.
The charming little village will immediately give you all the warm fuzzy feelings and the mountains are full of runs for beginners and experts. It’s seriously the best.
So what are you waiting for, grab those lift tickets, and let’s hit the slopes. I’ll see you there.
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in the USA.
- Get yourself covered with trusty travel insurance for the USA.
- Backpackers and frugal travelers can use our budget travel guide.
- Use our where to stay in Colorado guide to plan your adventure.
- Sort your eSIM for the USA to avoid unnecessary hassle.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need.
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