Top 5 Ski Resorts in Colorado
If you’re headed to America’s skiing hotspot, picking the right resort can be challenging. Luckily, we’ve laid out five of Colorado’s best ski resort that visitors and locals love. Keep reading to find out which slopes you need to hit this season.
Top 5 Ski Resorts in Colorado
Breckenridge Ski Resort
There’s no better spot for a cozy winter getaway than the charming mountain town of Breck. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, your stay will take you from ski slope to main street with ease. They’ve got plenty of slope side lodging accommodating, ski-to-town trails, and the BreckConnect gondola to make the connection seamless.
On the historic main street, enjoy the backdrops of Breck’s five peaks while exploring through candy-colored buildings. With over 200 shops and restaurants, the fun doesn’t end once you’re off the ski trail. Between delicious eats and drinks, gorgeous art, and easy transportation all over, every aspect of your stay will be epic.
Shuttles like the Epic Mountain Express can take you directly from the airport to your hotel door. Most places will be within walking distance of trails and main street, but give those legs a break after long ski days with the Breck FreeRide. Another favorite for taking in the views and getting place to place conveniently is the BreckConnect Gondola.
Whether you’re a Colorado local or just touring their slopes, there are plenty of different season pass and ticket options to choose from at Breckinridge Ski Resort. Pass holders even get to save 20% on lodging, lessons, rentals, and more! Not to mention their variety of ski lessons; all terrain, seasonal youth, women’s’, and adaptive.
Between trips down the Colorado slopes, shopping trips on main streets, and a fulfilling meal, who wouldn’t want a relaxing lodge to wind down in? Luckily, Breck offers plenty. One of visitors’ favorites is the River Mountain Lodge, situated only steps from main street, a short ride to the gondola, and just beside the beautiful Blue River.
Other Breckinridge hotels include, but aren’t limited to, Gravity Haus Breckenridge and The Ranahan by Vacation Club Rentals. Even if you’re booked for a summer visit, expect an itinerary packed full of fun. Warm weather activities at Breck include mountain biking, the GoldRunner coaster, bungee trampolines, hiking, and more.
Vail Ski Resort
For those headed to Vail, your mountain getaway is a hassle-free trip away, no matter where you’re visiting from. Once you arrive to Vail Ski Resort, getting around is even easier. Head to the Vail Village parking garage to drop your car, and spend the rest of your trip enjoying scenic gondola rides and free bus rides.
This epic ski resort will leave you right in the heart of Vail Village. The spot creates a peaceful, small-town vibe with its popular restaurants, shopping, cafes, and nightlife hot spots. Expect a diverse dining scene with spots like Sweet Basil, Elway’s and Matsuhisa Vail.
Vail Colorado Ski Resort offers several ticket types and season passes for visitors, including several Epic passes. Additionally, skiers of all ages can enhance their skills with the variety of on-site lessons. Whether you’re hitting an expert trail or headed to your first lesson, check out the weather conditions and live mountain cams on the resort’s website before you go.
When it’s time to wind down after a long day of skiing and Vail adventuring, the town is home to some of the most famous luxury hotels around. Most popular being The Lodge at Vail, a legendary resort that combines old-school charm with superb modern amenities and overall elegance. Other iconic hotels in Vail Village include The Hythe, The Arrabelle, and Gore Creek Townhomes.
Even when the snow melts and the sun is beating down, Vail Ski Resort has plenty to offer. Some of visitors’ favorite summer activities are mountain top yoga, scenic gondola rides, live music, mountain bike races. And don’t worry about packing the gear, this resort has all you need for rent, making it one of the best ski resorts in Colorado.
Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
With over 5,500 acres of terrain to explore, skiers at Aspen Snowmass Ski resort will never get bored. In addition to their unmatched ski conditions and accommodations, the resort values sustainability, arts, and racial justice. Experiences are never ending, after snow stops falling.
There are four mountain sports to try at Aspen, with nine location, free overnight equipment transfers, and the best gear around. New skiers and those looking to sharpen their skills should hang with the Daymakers – ski and snowboard school pros there to help you advance. Their professionals provide lessons for all ages, including private lessons and ones for young kids.
As you explore the resort, enjoy artist Rashid Johnson’s mosaics and collages. Beyond the unforgettable experiences, the resort has a contemporary retail and experience brand that offers clothes, rental equipment, and delish food and wine. After renting your gear, check out their wide variety of season passes for skiing in Colorado.
Winter Park Resort
If you’re in Colorado, checking out the “top ski resort in North America” is a must. Winter Park Resort makes every part of your trip easy, starting with arrival. Book your stay with Central Reservations for a car rental, venture around town with the Home James van shuttle straight from the airport.
Annually, this resort receives almost 345 inches of snow and are known to have some of the most consistent snowfall season after season. Winter Park’s base sits at 9,000 feet with 3,060 feet of vertical ride, putting its stunning summit at 12,060 feet. With two distinct mountains, Winter Park and Mary Jane, the skiing adventures are never-ending.
Winter Park Resort is best suited for skiers with some tricks up their sleeve, with over half of the slopes being on the challenging side. The 3,081 acres of ski area includes 166 trails and 1,212 acres of off-piste terrain. There are 23 lifts, including three that are high speed!
Beginners and newcomers shouldn’t be deterred from this ski spot. They offer plenty of lessons, including kids group ski and snowboard lessons, adult ski lessons, multi-week lessons, and specialty clinics. Even after ski season, there is a myriad of activities for the whole family year-round at Winter Park Resort.
Unwind with the mountaintop happy hour, explore with scavenger hunts, or enjoy the stars during a summer astronomy tour. Relaxing after this full day of fun should be no struggle with 31 lodges to choose from. Favorites include Parry Peak Lofts, Zephyr Mountain Lodge, and Fraser Crossing.
Steamboat Springs Ski Resort
Those looking for that genuine, Colorado mountain town feel have got to check out Steamboat Springs. You’ll be steeped in history, surrounded by ranches, barns, horse, and cattle. Not to mention, you’ll be in one of the biggest and best ski mountains in the country.
Flying in is super simple. And once you’re there, use shuttles, rental cars, the Snowstang bus, or the free Steamboat Springs Transit to get from place to place. It’s actually a complete mountain range, with Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge, and Christie Peak.
There are 2,965 acres of permitted terrain that offer a diversity of trails for all levels of skiing ability. As you ride the slopes, expect to reach over 10,000 feet elevation. There’s something for everyone with 14% of their trails for beginners, 42% intermediate, and 44% advanced.
In the winter, expect to enjoy night skiing, snowmobile tours, horseback riding, scenic gondola rides, and ice skating. Sharpen up on your ski skills with their all-age lessons, including a “Happy Camp” for small children! Once summer starts, enjoy hiking and horseback riding, Burgess Creek beach, hot air balloon tours, rafting, and more.
Finding the perfect place to stay for Colorado skiing has never been easier than in Steamboat Springs. There are over 93 lodging options available, with Steamboat Grand being a favorite. If you’re looking for something a bit more spacious, check out the Alpenglow condos and townhomes or Antlers at Christie Base.
