Top 8 Colorado Ski Resorts for Adventure and Scenic Beauty

These Colorado ski resorts offer everything from beginner experiences to advanced challenges.

Skiing and snowboarding in Colorado is a truly unique experience. The unmistakable peaks of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the sheer variety of the resorts, and plentiful annual snowfall make this state one of the most coveted winter playgrounds. At these eight Colorado ski resorts, each destination offers something unique, like world-class art exhibits in Aspen, backcountry cat skiing in Crested Butte, or whiskey tastings in Breckenridge, to name a few. Colorado’s best ski resorts, though, have two major things in common: great winter weather (allowing for a longer ski season) and exhilarating terrain that makes for an unmatched skiing experience for all skill levels.

Vail Ski Resort

A little over two hours from Denver, Vail has been a winter haven since it opened in 1962 and has always promised just as much excitement for non-skiers as for the people on the slopes. Up on the mountain, more than 5,300 skiable acres welcome adrenaline junkies, with the longest run clocking in at a whopping four miles. At the base, enjoy a picturesque stroll through the town of Vail, where you’ll find heated cobblestone streets and chalets that wouldn’t look out of place at a European resort. Don’t miss skiing the “Legendary Back Bowls” and enjoying the plentiful aprés-ski and dining options on hand.

Steamboat Ski Resort

When you ski at this northwest Colorado resort, you’re actually traversing a completely independent mountain range with more than 2,900 skiable acres. Steamboat prides itself on being family-friendly, offering free skiing for kids 12 and under with the purchase of an adult lift ticket spanning five days or more. When you’re not on the slopes, warm up those muscles at the hot springs that make Steamboat one of Colorado’s most charming small towns. The resort is currently revamping via its “Full Steam Ahead” initiative — a $200 million, multi-year capital infusion focused on a complete renovation of the resort’s base area; a new, world-class learning area; and an additional 10-person gondola (which will be the longest in North America).

Keystone Resort

For skiers and snowboarders looking to extend their riding experience, this resort is the place to be — Keystone typically opens for the season in October. When you’re not pounding the more than 3,000 acres of powder, hop on a scenic sleigh ride for some festive vibes, or get your cardio in with snow biking (a cross between skiing and downhill mountain biking). Kids and kids at heart will appreciate the daily fresh cookie aprés-ski. Oh, and did we mention that kids under 12 ski free (with no blackout dates) when families book two or more consecutive nights via Keystone Resort?

Telluride Ski Resort

With varied mountain terrain (and nearly 60 percent dedicated to beginners and intermediates), this resort has something for everyone. When you’re not hurtling down the mountain on skis or a snowboard, you can still enjoy the mountain views at Telluride with a guided snowmobile or snowshoeing tour. Looking to combine your adrenaline fix with some history? Head to the Telluride Historical Museum, which offers both indoor exhibits and a twice-weekly walking tour through town. Foodies won’t want to miss two of the best on-mountain restaurants in the state. Accessible only via the town gondola, Allred’s offers impressive views of the San Juan Mountains. But it’s not quite as lofty as ski-in, ski-out Alpino Vino, which perches at a vertiginous 11,966 feet and features an incredible selection of European wines, meats, and cheeses.

Breckenridge

“Breck” is one of the highest-altitude resorts in Colorado. Boasting 2,908 skiable acres spread over five peaks with 187 different trails, the mountain offers something for every skill level. The town of Breckenridge, meanwhile, is a charming village that started as a base camp for gold-rush prospectors in the 1850s. Today, it welcomes visitors with architecture that harks back to the Old West and historical tours that explore the region’s gold-mining past. Check out Breckenridge Distillery, where you can sample award-winning bourbons, whiskeys, rums, and vodkas. Once you’ve worn yourself out on the slopes, hang your hat at Gravity Haus. This 60-room hotel at the base of the mountain was recently named one of Colorado’s best resorts by readers.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for experienced skiers and snowboarders, since about a third of its 121 runs are considered advanced or expert level. Take a guided lesson to explore the mountain’s extreme terrain, or sign up to ski with an Olympian to really test your skills. For the truly adventurous, Irwin Guides can arrange a private, luxury cat skiing experience to help you encounter some of Colorado’s greatest backcountry terrain (averaging 600 inches of snow per year). If you prefer more low-key activities, take a stroll down historic Elk Avenue, where Old West Victorian buildings house small shops and some of the best dining in the state. Be sure to swing by local favorite Secret Stash for unforgettable pizza, Montanya Distillers for cocktails with locally distilled rums, Soupçon for rustic French bistro fare, and The Slogar for skillet-fried chicken.

Beaver Creek Resort

During the 2021–2022 winter season, Beaver Creek Resort debuted the McCoy Park area, adding 250 acres of lift-served ski terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers. This separate, family-friendly zone offers a relaxed experience for newbies with 17 trails of natural, groomable glades alongside fan-favorite snowshoe and cross-country areas. If you’re ready for the big time, hit the mountain’s primary terrain, consisting of 1,800 skiable acres and 150 trails. Intrepid early risers will want to join BC’s First Tracks program for access to untouched, exquisitely groomed corduroy runs starting at 7:15 a.m. Later in the day, lace up your skates and hit the rink in the middle of the village, or take a snowcat to the famous Beano’s Cabin for one of the best on-mountain, off-the-grid alpine dining experiences.

Aspen Snowmass

The chic, celebrity-favorite Aspen ski area is actually four different resorts that combine to form one of the most varied ski and snowboard experiences in Colorado. Check out Buttermilk, where you’ll find the home of the Winter X Games as well as a learning area for younger skiers and riders, or head to Snowmass for more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and runs as long as 5.3 miles. Aspen Highlands is perfect for more advanced skiers and revelers (be sure to snag a hard-to-get reservation at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro). Last, but certainly not least, Aspen Mountain (known as Ajax to locals) is right in the middle of town. After a long day on the slopes, hit some of the area’s high-end aprés-ski options or indulge in a little luxury shopping on the quaint village streets. Dining scene favorites include Italian restaurant Casa D’Angelo and Catch Steak. If culture is your thing, check out the rotating exhibitions at the Aspen Art Museum.