An unexpected move to Colorado was a snowy dream come true, as the state offers something for every type of traveler. With more than 30 ski resorts in Colorado, choosing one can feel overwhelming. This guide starts with a map of Colorado ski resorts, to help you get a sense of their location relative to the various airports.
Being a local has given me the chance to hit the slopes in nine different resorts, and to get to know the pros and cons of each. I believe there is something for everyone in my home state and winter is an extra special time to visit. Snow-capped mountains, frosted pine forests, and lots of sunshine make it a magical place for a ski vacation.
I’ve also selected my eight favorites and highlighted why I believe each is special: best for families, best for foodies, etc. I hope this guide helps you plan a wonderful ski holiday in Colorado.
Here is a map of Colorado Ski Resorts with nearby airports:
Below is a Colorado ski resorts map, which shows 25 downhill ski resorts that span the state. These ski resorts cover more than 40,000 acres of terrain, beginning at the sky-scraping Continental Divide and unfolding north, south, and west deep into the Centennial State’s majestic mountain ranges. Suppose you’re new or need to learn more about Colorado’s ski resorts and resort towns better. The below map is a great way to get started.
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The below ski resorts map will help you locate ski resorts and provide driving directions. Planning your ski or snowboarding vacation in Colorado is more than just finding the best terrain and snow conditions.
Check out the below Colorado ski resorts map, which shows 25 downhill ski resorts that span the state. These ski resorts cover more than 40,000 acres of terrain, beginning at the sky-scraping Continental Divide and unfolding north, south, and west deep into the Centennial State’s majestic mountain ranges.
Review this detailed Colorado Ski Resort Guide for extensive information, or click on the below skiers shown in the Colorado Ski Resorts map to get a quick snapshot of each destination. If you are a family-minded vacationer, view our list of family resort recommendations. If you’re interested in Nordic skiing. Find more information about more than 30 cross-country ski centers.
Colorado’s world-renowned resorts and accommodating ski towns beckon travelers of all backgrounds, ages, and interests. As every ski resort is unique in its appeal and what it has to offer. From the family of four looking for lessons and a laid-back day on groomed runs to the hardcore backcountry hike-it crowd, there’s a ski resort that will exceed expectations.
Perhaps you want to be able to take a snowy stroll through town, peeping in shops and stopping for a warm drink. In Colorado’s resort towns, you can find boutique lodging usually situated in proximity to many attractions or hotels that offer many amenities in-house. Perhaps a little of both would suit you best.
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Not all towns appear on map. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for accuracy or completeness of maps.
Here's a quick overview of some of Colorado's top ski resorts and their season open dates:
| Resort | Season Open Dates |
|---|---|
| Arapahoe Basin Ski & Snowboard Area | 10/26/2025 - 5/31/2026 |
| Aspen Mountain Ski Resort | 11/27/2025 - 4/19/2026 |
| Beaver Creek Ski Resort | 11/30/2025 - 4/12/2026 |
| Breckenridge Ski Resort | 11/7/2025 - 5/10/2026 |
| Buttermilk Ski Resort | 12/13/2025 - 4/5/2026 |
| Copper Mountain Ski Resort | 11/7/2025 - 5/10/2026 |
| Cuchara Mountain Park | 1/3/2026 - 3/29/2026 |
| Echo Mountain Ski Resort | 12/21/2025 - 4/12/2026 |
| Eldora Mountain Resort | 11/14/2025 - 4/19/2026 |
| Granby Ranch Ski Resort | 11/26/2025 - 3/29/2026 |
| Hesperus Ski Area | 12/26/2026 - 3/14/2027 |
| Hoedown Hill Ski Area | 12/27/2025 - 3/15/2026 |
| Howelsen Hill Ski Area | 12/6/2025 - 3/29/2026 |
| Keystone Ski Resort | 10/25/2025 - 4/5/2026 |
| Monarch Mountain Ski & Snowboard Area | 12/2/2025 - 4/12/2026 |
| Silverton Mountain | 12/27/2025 - 4/12/2026 |
| Snowmass Ski Resort | 11/27/2025 - 4/19/2026 |
| Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort | 12/13/2025 - 4/5/2026 |
| Vail Ski Resort | 11/14/2025 - 4/19/2026 |
My Favorite Ski Resort in Colorado - Steamboat!
For me, Steamboat stands out in a state full of stand-outs. Steamboat has a special place in my heart. It is a stunning resort with a historic town dating to the late 1800s, full of Western charm, and champagne powder. It’s my favorite place to ski and my first choice for out-of-state visitors because of the lower altitude.
To me, it retains the “wild-west” charm you might hope to experience in Colorado, yet also offers enough choice of luxurious hotels and dining, if that’s what you are looking for. In 2024, Steamboat added a 650-acre expansion to its terrain - Mahogany Ridge. The addition makes it Colorado’s second-largest resort after Vail. There’s also a new gondola going in which will be North America’s longest and fastest. While it’s slightly further from Denver than some other Colorado ski resorts, if you are coming for a vacation, that doesn’t really matter.
It’s both family-friendly and good for beginners. What it’s not is cheap, but that’s true of much of Colorado. The skiing is amazing - it’s known for its ultra-light champagne powder and gets close to 300 inches a year. You’ll find luxury accommodation yet it doesn’t feel overly fancy like Vail can. It is also family-friendly with lots of activities beyond alpine skiing. We loved taking the gondola to the top of the hill for dinner.
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Steamboat Springs is set in ranch country in northern Colorado. I’ve already said I think Steamboat has it all: the historic mountain town of Steamboat Springs, a Western flair, and all of the activities you could dream of, on and off the hill. A great activity for the non-skiers as well.
Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs
As for accommodation, there are lots of super deluxe, and expensive, options in Steamboat. With a larger budget, the Steamboat Grand offers a great location and amenities. I also like the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas for families. Rooms comes with a kitchen and living area. For a moderate-priced option, we loved the Inn at Steamboat. It offers great value for money - it is charming, has a nice breakfast, and a heated outdoor pool which my kids and husband enjoyed after skiing. I was in the hot tub. We have also stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott Steamboat Springs; it’s not fancy but perfectly fine.
Icon Legend - Colorado Ski Resorts
- A ski resort built around a historic Colorado town, most of them dating to the mining rush of the mid to late 1800’s. These are some of my favorites.
- A resort destination known for luxury: upscale accommodations, special amenities, exceptional dining and a wide range of activities… lots to do beyond skiing.
- A destination that is ideal for a family ski vacation. It offers a range of family-friendly accommodation and diverse activities, to keep everyone happy.
- A good place to learn to ski; the ski school is well run and there is a nice variety of terrain for beginners.
- My favorites for a ladies’ getaway: great skiing, delicious food and a variety of activities and amenities, including spas and nightlife.
- This resort and/or ski town is especially known for a variety of excellent restaurants, ideal for foodies.
- These resorts are slightly less expensive than some of Colorado’s best-known ski destinations. Still not cheap.
The Rest of the Best Ski Resorts in Colorado
I go into more detail further on about each of these best ski resorts in Colorado, and what makes it special. In the interest of efficiency, for those who don’t want to read the whole article, I am starting with this list and short overview of my eight Colorado favorites.
- Vail has incredible terrain, back bowls, and luxurious hotels. Plus an incredible dining scene - it’s ideal for foodies! Instead of a Western flare, it feels like you’ve arrived in a Swiss Village.
- Telluride offers stunning scenery, a charming town and incredible terrain. Also, potentially lighter crowds. The downside is the distance from Denver.
- Breckenridge has a charming historic town, a great ski school and varied terrain. The downsides are it can be windy and is at a higher altitude than others. Take time to acclimate.
- Beaver Creek does luxury incredibly well and the ski school and beginner terrain, McCoy Park, are terrific. If you have the budget for BC, it’s a fine choice for avid skiers or beginners, parents and kids alike.
- Keystone was made for families and is relatively close to Denver. It is the one I would suggest for anyone who is on a budget or is new to skiing. They are also known for a fantastic terrain park and night skiing at no extra charge.
- Crested Butte is the under-the-radar gem that still feels like Colorado used to - before all the development. It has a cute town, an earthy vibe and challenging terrain.
- Winter Park is a great resort for beginners and it’s more affordable than many others on this list. The mountain pass you have to drive over to get here can be a bit intimidating and it does occasionally close.
When I am asked by friends for a Colorado ski resort recommendation my answer depends on several things. Who they are going with and what style of ski holiday are they imagining - a family vacation or a luxury couples trip? Are they beginners or avid skiers? In this guide to Colorado ski resorts, each listing has symbols that reflect what it is best for, to help you pick a ski resort that matches your group’s interests.
Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Historic Charm
Breckenridge
Fans of Breckenridge are true fans - they return again and again and absolutely love it. Like Vail, Breckenridge is a huge resort. There is seemingly limitless terrain to enjoy, almost 60% of it for advanced skiers. It is also known for its terrain parks. And, like all the big Colorado resorts, the ski school is excellent. It also has a cute and historic town with lots of delicious restaurants and a good aprés-ski scene. And there’s lots to do besides downhill skiing. I cross country ski here often and it is fantastic.
The only negative I can report is it can be very windy and the altitude at the top is the highest so keep that in mind if you are coming from sea level (stay hydrated). So “Breck” has everything you could want in a ski holiday and I’ve had a great time there. For families, I do prefer Steamboat. I think its northern Colorado “ranch country” setting gives it more character. But Breck is a little closer to Denver and also has a great town with historic interest.
Where to Stay in Breckenridge
I like the budget-friendly Residence Inn Breckenridge, with its suite-style rooms with kitchens. The location in town is ideal for dining and meandering along the charming Victorian streets. Note that budget-friendly is a relative term in Colorado ski towns, especially over the holidays. We also stayed at the Marriott Mountain Valley Lodge some years ago. It offers more amenities than the Residence Inn; rooms are either studios or 1-bedroom suites. Both are very comfortable and come with kitchens. With a big budget, I would choose the new Carlin Breckenridge.
Budget tip: you may find more affordable accommodation options in the nearby town of Frisco. (It’s a charming mountain town located between Breckenridge and Copper Mountain). I will be staying at the AC Hotel Frisco over the holidays in 2023 and will update you after my stay with my thoughts.
Telluride
Telluride Ski Resort Review: Report Card & What You Need to Know
I haven’t been to Telluride - it’s the furthest from Denver - but it’s at the top of my ski holiday wishlist. Telluride gets glowing reviews as a secluded gem and is a favorite Colorado ski resort of many, so I had to include it here.
The scenery here is arguably the best of all the ski resorts in Colorado with a dramatic backdrop of the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains. The historic mountain town dates to 1875 when it was a mining camp called Colombia. It is overflowing with Victorian cowboy charm; Butch Cassidy apparently robbed his first bank here.
Although the terrain is not as big as Vail, Steamboat and Breck, the skiing is ideal for everyone and anyone, with close to 60% of the terrain for beginners and intermediates. And its location means it will almost always be less crowded.
The food scene is said to be amazing. here at Alpino Vino, located at almost 12,000 feet. The casual dining is supposed to be exceptional as well. While it is a very long drive from Denver it’s possible to fly into Telluride, with a connection at Denver International. Cities, on American, Delta and United. I’ll meet you in Telluride!
Best Luxury Colorado Ski Resorts
Beaver Creek
At the base of Beaver Creek is one of the most luxurious hotels in Colorado, the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, and just for fun, I once looked up the prices to stay there over Christmas. Let’s just say you could buy a car for what it would have cost for a week. I have stayed there in fall when it is more affordable. It is stunning and highly recommend if you have the budget. This gives you an idea of the vibe at Beaver Creek; it is a beautiful and luxurious place to ski.
They also have great programs for families and kids, especially with the 2021 opening of McCoy Park, a beginner-friendly area with 17 new trails and two new lifts. This bowl-shaped area is also protected from the wind to keep tots, and parents, happy. Like Vail, located just down the road, Beaver Creek is a beautiful ski resort. But it’s not historic, there’s no old mining town. It and the town of Avon next to it where mostly built in the 1960s and 1970s.
Vail
Vail is a world class ski resort by any measure. It is the largest in Colorado with over 5000 acres of terrain and 195 runs. The back bowls of Vail are an amazing experience - a vast open winter wonderland above the tree line. After years of skiing, I finally got the hang of skiing powder at Vail. It was a blustery day, with the snow dumping down on us, and I experienced that rhythmic floating sensation as I swooshed through the powder. It was also the first place I ever skied in Colorado, so Vail holds a special place in my heart. I also love to eat and the food scene here is excellent, perhaps parallel to Aspen but with more options, because it’s bigger.
So why not always recommend Vail for a Colorado ski holiday? There is no historic town here, as there is in Steamboat, Aspen and Telluride. Vail was built in the 1960’s and has seen enormous development since. It’s a scene. That said, anyone would have a wonderful Colorado ski vacation here and I especially like it for a girls getaway or a couple trip. If I am skiing with other women, it’s where I go most often.
Where to Stay in Vail
I’ve stayed at the Grand Hyatt Vail, formerly the Vail Cascade Resort. It was wonderful then and has since had a massive renovation. You can ride the same chair down at the end and of the day, and into the arms of a ski valet. Ski valet, you ask? A staff member meets you as you exit the lift and takes your skis and poles and puts them in storage for you. If you have small children with you, this will be the single best moment of your day.
The Grand Hyatt is removed from the busier areas of Vail, which I like, but that would not be for everyone. It has a lovely pool which looks out over Gore Creek, a beautiful spa and huge attached fitness center which I did actually use. Looking back I have no idea why I felt the need to exercise, after a full day of skiing. It also has a basketball court and other amenities.
Aspen Snowmass
I’ve been to Aspen a few times and really enjoyed myself, although I did not ski. The restaurant scene is fantastic and there are lots of luxurious amenities and beautiful hotels. It’s come a long way since it was founded as a camp for silver miners in the 1880’s. While this is definitely “lifestyles of the rich and famous”, the western charm of the original town helps to moderate the fancy vibe, in a good way.
The skiing is comprised of four mountains, with the one set at the town of Aspen known as Ajax (note that it is short on beginner terrain.) So Aspen has a lot to recommend it, yet I rarely do. Unless you specifically want to experience Aspen. I would choose other resorts. For a big-budget ski holiday it would be Telluride. For families, I would choose Steamboat or Breck. For a ladies’ ski trip I would go to Vail.
So when would I recommend Aspen? If luxury was the priority, I would suggest it, along with Vail and Beaver Creek. And I always say it is a worth a visit to the town of Aspen if you are nearby. Have lunch or dinner at the French Alpine Bistro.
Where to Stay in Aspen
If you do stay in Aspen, I quite liked where we stayed on our last visit: The Aspen Square Hotel has a great location, nice mountain views from the pool and the prices were moderate for Aspen.
Best Ski Resort for Old Colorado Vibes
Crested Butte
I’ve skied here only one day and the weather wasn’t very good - bad luck. But Crested Butte is a favorite of many people I know. It is a charming resort with incredible scenery and fabulous skiing. It is known for its challenging terrain, so it’s a great place for expert skiers. Crested Butte is considered a sort of holdout, a resort that feels like Colorado used to before ...