Ski resorts across Colorado provide something for everyone. Ranging from destination megaresorts with large hotels at their core to small independent areas.
Telluride, located in southwest Colorado, boasts an expansive footprint and challenging terrain unlike that found at Front Range resorts. Additionally, Telluride provides an unique lodging experience across a slopeside base village and historic mountain town.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a hidden treasure of Colorado’s Elk Mountain Range, famous for being one of America’s highest and hardest resorts – yet beginners still find plenty to love here!
Mountain is an excellent location to take a ski lesson or rent equipment, with numerous trails catering to skiers of all levels of experience and dry and powdery slopes thanks to high altitude of the mountain and special grooming technique that “farms” snow. Additionally, Telemarking (using two skis with poles) can also be enjoyed here!
There is plenty of activity to keep visitors occupied in Crested Butte and its surroundings, including hiking and biking. Crested Butte itself is an historic yet charming town filled with shops, restaurants and bars; providing an ideal hub from which to explore its surrounding mountains. Cosmic Cruisers or Lucky Cat Dog Run offer exciting dog sled tours for unforgettable adventures that you won’t soon forget!
Crested Butte provides the ultimate Colorado skiing vacation experience, boasting a diverse selection of terrain, an inviting town with a long history, and an eclectic atmosphere that welcomes adventurers from across the globe. Surrounded by towering peaks and high-elevation lakes, it makes an idyllic backdrop for skiing adventures!
Once on the mountain, however, you’ll quickly realize it was well worth your while. Skiers and riders who prefer smaller resorts such as Crested Butte for its terrain and town often opt for larger ones like Summit County, Aspen or Vail because these have easier access.
Ski resorts tend to have an image as places for experts, with an emphasis on extreme terrain and an audacious “Why not?” attitude. Yet this resort also serves as an excellent destination for beginners, offering wide open green and blue runs as well as lift-served intermediate terrain – and runs of similar difficulty tend to congregate into mountain pods, making it easy for both experts and beginners alike to navigate without spending all day navigating it!
Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek Resort can claim “The Most Snow in Colorado.” Located within the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests between Pagosa Springs and South Fork, this relatively small skiable footprint of over 1,600 acres boasts easy navigation with terrain for all levels ranging from steep cliffs, expert double-black chutes and glades – as well as being home to “The Most Snow in Colorado.”
For those seeking a challenge, the resort offers tree-defined trails and high alpine bowls as well as several treeless runs and high alpine bowls for those wanting a bit of variety in their ski experience. While it lacks a large freestyle terrain park, many gentle blues and greens await beginners or anyone simply out to cruise and have some fun on skis and snowboards. Its snow has an unusual light texture reminiscent of champagne powder.
At this resort there are multiple lift options, including two that serve the mountain’s expert terrain. A 2018 beginner expansion essentially doubled the number of green trails; however, many remain difficult to access without first traversing intermediate or harder runs first. Furthermore, its remote location reduces crowding issues compared to Front Range resorts.
Skiing and snowboarding are the primary activities at this high-altitude mountain, offering seven lifts and 50 trails with downhillers enjoying varied terrain. A ski school caters to both children and adults as well as rental gear is available from two small shops located nearby.
Ski Resort of Pagosa Springs does not provide on-mountain accommodations and can only be reached by car; however, there are various lodging options in nearby towns of Pagosa Springs and South Fork that provide lodging facilities. Visitors should bring plenty of sun protection as it’s often windy at higher elevations.
Wolf Creek Resort provides more winter activities than just skiing and snowboarding, such as snowmobiling, cross country skiing and sleigh rides. There is also a network of 10 kilometers (6 miles) groomed trails dedicated to Nordic skiing and snowshoeing that open for Nordic skiing or snowshoeing – and snowcat tours which allow groups of visitors to discover hidden areas around Wolf Creek!
Winter Park
Winter Park combines mountain fun with small town charm, making it the ideal family destination, offering plenty of activities in both winter and summer to keep everyone occupied and engaged.
Colorado’s Premier Ski Resort”, this resort features two mountains with over 41 snowy trails for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Beginner terrain can be found on Winter Park side while Mary Jane and Vasquez Cirque offer more advanced trails. Winter Park also provides guided backcountry skiing tours so guests can explore terrain not accessible via lift.
Winter Park Resort is just 90 minutes from Denver and features a free ski shuttle bus running year-round between its town and Winter Park Resort, making accessing its slopes simple from anywhere within Colorado. As such, Winter Park is a favorite spot among locals looking to escape its busyness for day trips or weekend getaways.
Winter Park offers visitors to the area both historic and modern ski villages to stay. Situated within driving distance from Winter Park Resort’s base, Winter Park Village features many restaurants and shops that provide guests with everything they need for an enjoyable visit.
Skiing and snowboarding are undoubtedly popular activities at this resort, but there is so much more to experience here. A variety of trails with differing degrees of difficulty exist here as well as an experienced ski and ride school available for beginners.
Guests visiting during the summer can participate in numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking and fly fishing. There is even a ropes course for those seeking an adventure! Plus there’s Colorado’s longest alpine slide – popular among both adults and children!
Moffat Tunnel is another favorite tourist spot close to the resort. Conceived and built by a railroad pioneer, Moffat Tunnel provides visitors with an incredible experience as they view Colorado’s spectacular terrain from beneath it all. Additionally, Moffat Tunnel provides stunning views of the Continental Divide as well as providing visitors with another perspective of Colorado.
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Summit County offers an enjoyable skiing experience for the whole family, including activities for kids like mini golf, go-karting and wall climbing while adults can experience Colorado cuisine via bars and restaurants serving delicious cuisine.
Ski-in/ski-out hotels and condos provide convenient lodging at the resort. Some cater to younger crowds while others provide more upscale experiences – some are even within walking distance from bars and restaurants!
Skiers looking for an economical ski experience can find great thrills at Copper Resort. There is ample beginner terrain as well as the Main Vein Superpipe and Woodward at Copper Terrain Park to test out before moving up into more difficult terrain.
At 12,312, this mountain offers skiers of all levels an extensive variety of slopes and trails to meet their skiing and snowboarding needs. Additionally, seasonal youth and adult ski schools assist progression while there are mellow groomers and plenty of family activities that everyone will love!
Copper also offers free mountain tours from mid-December to April that provide guests with an opportunity to learn about its history, wildlife and geography with expert guides. Furthermore, guests can experience snow crunching beneath their feet on an Ambassador Snow Shoe Tour!
Mountain is also an excellent place to take in the sights with numerous scenic hiking and biking trails, plus an on-site spa offering massage services or other relaxing services. Additionally, thrill-seekers can ride Rocky Mountain Coaster, one of North America’s longest alpine coasters!
