An unexpected move to Colorado was a snowy dream come true. Snow-capped mountains, frosted pine forests, and lots of sunshine make it a magical place for a ski vacation. With more than 30 ski resorts in Colorado, choosing one can feel overwhelming.
Over the years, I have developed my favorites which I am sharing here. I’ll start with one extra-special Colorado ski resort that’s a little further from Denver and worth the trip.
Here's a guide to some of the best snow ski destinations, offering something for every type of traveler.
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. 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.
It’s my favorite place to ski and my first choice for out-of-state visitors because of the lower altitude. It’s both family-friendly and good for beginners. 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.
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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. We have also stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott Steamboat Springs; it’s not fancy but perfectly fine.
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The Rest of the Best Ski Resorts in Colorado
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. Here are some other top Colorado ski resorts, each offering unique experiences:
- 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: We spent a season skiing at Winter Park and it’s where we skied most as a family. I think it’s 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.
Terrain Parks are popular with younger skiers and a feature of many Colorado resorts. Winter Park, CO.
Colorado Ski Resorts - The Details
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?
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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.
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.
Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Historic Charm
Steamboat Springs is set in ranch country in northern Colorado
Steamboat
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. 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. A great activity for the non-skiers as well.
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.
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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
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.
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. 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. 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 ...
Ski Resorts Near Airports
Winter travel is unpredictable at best when you factor in surprise storms, unexpected delays, canceled flights, snow-covered roads, and road closures. However, you can dodge many of those headaches by picking ski resorts near airports with direct flights on major airlines. Pairing the right ski resort with the right airport can limit missed connections, eliminate lengthy white-knuckle drives, and make travel less stressful.
Here are some ski resorts and the nearest airports:
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
- Salt Lake City Resorts: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Vail and Beaver Creek: Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)
- Big Sky: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
- Vermont Ski Resorts: Burlington International Airport (BTV)
- Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Village: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
- Palisades Tahoe: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
- Sun Valley: Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN)
- Mammoth Mountain: Bishop Airport (BIH) and Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH)
- Telluride: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)
- Steamboat Resort: Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN)
- Whitefish Mountain Resort: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
Best Ski Resorts in Europe
No two ski resorts are the same. Of course, some are better than others, but often it’s not always the best-known - the likes of Val d'Isère, St Moritz or St Anton - that are actually the best to ski in.
Here's a pick of some of the best ski resorts in Europe:
- La Plagne, France: Best for beginners.
- Cervinia, Italy: Best for intermediates.
- Les Arcs, France: Best all-rounder.
- Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy: Best for non-skiers.
- Livigno, Italy: Best value.
- Lyngen Alps, Norway: Best luxury destination.
Ski Resorts with Additional Activities
Given my preference, I'll always choose a secluded ski resort, where the emphasis is strictly on skiing - really great skiing - and a few top-end restaurants. If I have that, and a nice hotel room (and, oh, maybe a hot tub), my family and I are going to be happy. The reality, though, is that many families have a member or two (or more) who aren't crazy about skiing, and that's one of the biggest challenges when planning a ski vacation. Does your destination offer enough diversions away from the slopes?
Here are some ski resorts that offer something more:
- Park City, Utah: Offers art galleries, theaters, top-flight restaurants, and even a superior whisky facility, High West Distillery. Also, horse-drawn sleigh rides, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, an alpine coaster, and hot-air ballooning.
- Stowe, Vermont: This quaint village, including the iconic Trapp Family Lodge, is the quintessential New England ski town. The Spruce Peak Village Center has a brand new skating rink. There's also indoor climbing at Stowe Rocks, part of the Stowe Adventure Center.
- Whistler, British Columbia: Considering that Whistler had some of the best terrain anywhere on God's good earth, that's quite a standard. There are still a number of great après ski spots, including GLC and Merlin's Bar & Grill which are a testament to Whistler's epic reputation.
- Breckenridge, Colorado: In that regard, it's the archetypal Western ski town, home to the largest historic district in Colorado. In fact, it's all but impossible to separate the ski resort from the town, and part of me believes that's how it should be.
- Bretton Woods, New Hampshire: The Mount Washington's opulence, superb dining options, and peerless service creates an unmistakable Great Gatsby atmosphere. For non-skiers, the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour is a year-round zip-line course.
- Taos, New Mexico: Massive infrastructure and base village improvements have resulted in a spectacular on-mountain experience. Less than 40 miles outside Taos, the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa has 11 sulfur-free mineral pools, private outdoor pools with kiva fireplaces, a full-service spa, and a restaurant and wine bar.
- Telluride, Colorado: True, Telluride isn't cheap, but it has a wonderful array of diversions to keep your non-skier happy. Start with the Telluride Adventure Center, where top-notch guides can bring you into the San Juan backcountry for a snowshoe trek.
- Mount Snow, Vermont: Add the spine-tingling year-round Tipper Ripper Mountain Coaster, a snow tubing park and cool outdoor skating rink, and a very fun and funky town in Ludlow, and you've got plenty of ingredients for a rich ski country stew.
- Mont Tremblant, Quebec: Roughly 80 miles northwest of Montreal, Mont Tremblant - voted Ski Magazine's No. 1 resort in eastern North America - stands at 2,871 feet, but honestly feels bigger, rising up dramatically from Lake Tremblant.
- Jay Peak, Vermont: But Jay Peak has added a number of really cool facilities, including fairly new NHL-size Ice Haus skating rink and the smile-inducing Pump House Indoor Water Park, featuring a spine-tingling 65-foot drop, La Chute.