Hit the Slopes: 15 Colorado Ski Resorts Perfect for Winter Vacation

Colorado ski resorts offer pristine snow, incredible views, and activities for the whole family. From skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling, tubing, and non-ski adventures, Colorado resorts cater to all. Of course, each resort has its own unique features, such as beautiful landscapes ranging from the Rocky Mountains to high desert plains, abundant modern amenities like luxurious lodges with spas, gourmet restaurants, and plenty of après-ski entertainment. 

Those looking for an unforgettable winter getaway filled with adventure and fun can’t go wrong with a ski trip to one of Colorado’s breathtaking ski resorts!

Winter Park Resort

Winter Park Resort is one of Colorado’s most iconic ski resorts and was named the #2 ski resort in North America by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2022. Located 67 miles northwest of Denver, high in the Colorado Rockies, Winter Park offers exciting outdoor experiences for adventurers.

Vacationers can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ski-biking, snowmobiling, tubing, snowcat tours, and ice skating. First-timers can take group or private lessons, while more experienced skiers can enhance their skills with a specialty ski clinic. And after a long day on the slopes, you can relax in luxurious accommodations and lively pubs.

Vail Ski Resort

Vail is one of America’s most popular ski resorts and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. This Colorado ski resort is the ultimate winter playground, with its world-famous terrain, beautiful scenery, and picturesque mountain villages. Vail boasts an incredible 5,317 acres of skiable terrain and offers outdoor winter adventures for all skill levels.

Vail prides itself on having the highest quality of amenities, such as restaurants offering the finest mountain gourmet cuisine, luxurious shopping venues with all the latest gear and fashion trends, and world-class lodging with beautiful views. New additions to the resort include ice bar experiences, signature anniversary cocktails, and private snow bungalows.

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort is one of Colorado’s premier ski destinations, offering unique winter experiences for every skill level. With four different mountains, over 5,000 acres of ski terrain, gorgeous views, and epic winter sports conditions, Aspen is a popular destination for thrill seekers, outdoor lovers, and even celebrities.

From quiet rolling hills perfect for beginners to icy steeps suited only to experts, this Colorado ski resort will challenge even the most avid alpine enthusiasts. Aspen also hosts renowned events such as Gay Ski Week and the Audi FIS Ski World Cup.

Vacationers can choose from various accommodations, including ski-in/ski-out lodges, hotels, condos, pet-friendly properties, and vacation homes. The resort complex has a great selection of dining and shopping options.

Keystone Resort

Colorado is a skier’s paradise with magnificent ski resorts like Keystone in the majestic Rocky Mountains. With over 3,000 acres of terrain, five bowls, and 130 ski trails, Keystone has something to please skiers and snowboarders of every level.

In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, you can also experience night skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and snowmobiling. You can even visit the World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort this year, featuring slides, ice caves, and carvings.

The resort has many cozy accommodation options, from standard hotel rooms to private family condominiums, making it easy for large groups and couples to find the perfect place to stay. Keystone also offers a Kids Ski free program for children 12 and under if you’ve booked a 2+ night stay through the resort.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge Ski Resort, lovingly known as Breck, has been a favorite for winter sports fans and vacationers since 1961. Located two hours from Denver International Airport, Breckenridge is packed with trails and snowparks offering hours of entertainment. Those looking for a challenge can tackle the Imperial Bowl and terrain parks, while more casual skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the breathtaking views.

Off the mountain, vacationers can find various restaurants offering a mix of both local flavor and international cuisine. There’s also nightlife entertainment at multiple bars, pubs, and dance spots within walking distance from lodging options. With its numerous ski-to-town trails and the BreckConnect Gondola, it is seamless to travel into town for other vacation fun.

Beaver Creek Resort

Beaver Creek Resort combines excellent course conditions with top-of-the-line facilities, making it the perfect destination for a Colorado ski vacation. With over 2,000 acres and 24 lifts, Beaver Creek boasts a variety of freestyle terrain parks, groomed cruisers, mogul runs, and some of Colorado’s best backcountry skiing. Vacationers can also enjoy snowshoeing, tubing parks, and cross-country skiing tours.

Beaver Creek combines the rustic charm of Colorado mountain towns with the amenities of modern luxury resorts. In fact, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa was ranked #8 in Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 20 Resorts in the Mountain West 2022. Vacationers can also appreciate the plentiful dining and entertainment options after a long day of winter adventures.

Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort is located in the Durango area and offers various attractions, activities, and opportunities for winter fun. Purgatory Resort boasts an affordable, family-friendly Colorado ski vacation with over 1,600 acres of ski terrain, 105 trails, and four terrain parks. And with their free Power Kids season pass, children 12 and under can ski for free.

This Colorado ski resort offers a full range of experiences, including night tubing, snowshoeing tours, snowmobile adventures, snowcat dining excursions, and an Inferno Mountain Coaster. And If you’re looking for an après-ski experience, you’ll also find a great selection of restaurants and pubs.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort

Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort, known as A-Basin, has one of the longest ski seasons in Colorado and offers some of the most extreme terrains with exceptional views. Ski Magazine ranked A-Basin #4 for the most challenging terrain in the West 2023.

With more than 1,400 acres of skiable terrain along the Continental Divide, vacationers can enjoy gorgeous mountain skiing and snowboarding, snowshoe tours, five terrain parks, and The Beach, a ski-in/ski-out hangout spot. A-Basin boasts spectacular views of the Continental Divide and tasty dining options where you can kick back for some après-ski relaxation after a long day in the snow.

Loveland Ski Resort

Located just 53 miles from Denver, Loveland Ski Resort offers Coloradoans and vacationers over 1,800 acres of skiable terrain. With its picturesque Rocky Mountain views and a wide variety of runs for all skill levels, Loveland is an excellent choice for winter sports enthusiasts. From the back bowls to the glades and a terrain park, this Colorado ski resort offers a thrilling experience suitable for everyone.

Beginners can enjoy the gentle slopes of Loveland Valley, while thrill seekers can get their adrenaline pumping at the Loveland Basin. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, tubing, free snowcat tours, and après-ski cocktails in one of the many restaurants or bars.

Telluride Ski Resort

Colorado ski resorts provide some of the most beautiful and challenging skiing experiences in the United States, with Telluride Ski Resort leading the pack. Telluride is located in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and offers more than 2,000 acres of terrain for everyone from beginner skiers to seasoned veterans. Telluride was ranked as one of the ten best ski towns in North America by USA Today for the 2022/2023 ski season.

The resort features 149 trails, 15 chairlifts, a full-service ski school, and many activities for après-ski relaxation, such as spas, restaurants, and shopping. Telluride Ski Resort will satisfy even the most experienced ski enthusiast with breathtaking mountain views and Colorado sunshine.

Copper Mountain Ski Resort

With 2,507 acres of skiable terrain, a plethora of trails for beginner to advanced riders, and terrain park features, Copper Mountain Ski Resort is an attractive destination for both ski and snowboard enthusiasts. This Colorado ski resort is known for its epic 22-foot Olympic-size superpipe.

Other unique offerings at Copper Mountain include the Rocky Mountain Coaster, a tubing hill, an indoor sportsplex with skate, scooter, and BMX zones, ice skating, a snow maze, and free tours. After a long day of winter adventures, you can relax in a cozy lodge, enjoy on-site spa services, or have dinner and drinks with friends.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Powderhorn Mountain Resort, located in Colorado’s Grand Mesa region, offers a variety of great skiing, snowboarding, and terrain parks. This Colorado ski resort offers incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities throughout the season with its diverse terrain, including steeps, greens, bowls, and glades.

From beginner’s lessons to advanced classes, Powderhorn provides instruction for all levels so guests can take their snow sports skills to the next level. Additionally, with kids’ programs available during peak season, Powderhorn guarantees that little ones won’t be bored while experiencing a day on the slopes.

Sunlight Mountain Resort

Sunlight Mountain Resort is Colorado’s hidden gem of Colorado ski resorts. Located just nine miles from Glenwood Springs, Sunlight offers some of the most thrilling skiing experiences on the front range. Vacationers can also participate in fun activities, including tubing, snowshoeing, and guided backcountry tours.

In addition to the fantastic on-mountain experience, guests can enjoy après-ski entertainment and dining options with stunning views. And after a long day on the slopes, enjoy a relaxing soak in nearby hot springs! Additionally, if you book your stay through the resort, you get access to one kids ski free lift pass per paying adult.

Buttermilk Ski Resort

Buttermilk Ski Resort is an excellent Colorado ski resort for all levels, from novice to experienced skiers. Its abundant beginner and intermediate terrain makes it the perfect spot for families and friends looking to learn the sport of skiing together. Buttermilk also caters to experienced skiers with many challenging runs, bump runs, tree lines, terrain parks, a 22-foot superpipe, and plenty of backcountry-accessible terrains.

Buttermilk has also been home to X Games Aspen since 2002, bringing some of the world’s top skiing and snowboarding athletes together to compete in the cutting-edge competition.

Eldora Mountain Ski Resort

Eldora Mountain is a fantastic Colorado ski resort located 21 miles from Boulder, CO, and 47 miles from Denver, CO. Its slopes have everything from green runs ideal for beginners to challenging double black diamond ski slopes that will put the more experienced skiers to the test.

With three terrain parks featuring jumps, rails, other fun objects, and miles of groomed trails, it’s no wonder Eldora attracts outdoors enthusiasts from all over the country. In addition to skiing and boarding, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and tubing at their own pace – with various lodging options nearby, making any stay comfortable and enjoyable.

Your Colorado Ski Resort Vacation Awaits!

Colorado ski resorts are some of the best in the world, offering stunning scenery and an array of exciting experiences in the winter snow, with hundreds of miles to explore and plenty of trails for all levels, everyone is sure to find something that keeps them entertained on this winter vacation.

From hidden gems secluded from crowds to larger, more well-known resorts with a wide variety of slopes, an adventure awaits you in Colorado! Whether looking to go fast and let loose or test your skills on more advanced trails, unforgettable memories are guaranteed when visiting Colorado ski resorts.

This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex.