The bustling city of Denver, Colorado, hosts several stunning ski resorts, all nestled along the majestic foothills of the Rockies. Whether you’re looking to make a quick weekend getaway to escape city life or planning to spend an entire week on the slopes, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the 15 best ski resorts in Denver that you must visit at least once.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort
Top on the list of best Denver ski resorts, Colorado is Arapahoe Basin ski resort. Nestled within the Arapahoe National Forest in North America, the resort has some of the most diverse terrain and breathtaking views in Colorado.
Arapahoe boasts approximately 1,400 acres of skiing terrain spread over seven mountain regions that receive an average of 300 inches of snowfall annually. Arapahoe Basin mountain resort has a dozen lifts, one of which is a high-speed quad and more than 100 ski runs for novice, intermediate, and experienced skiers.
Expert skiers will love the black- and double-diamond ski runs, which comprise about 75% of the mountain’s explorable terrain. If skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing sound like your ideal holiday, Arapahoe Basin will not disappoint.
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Copper Mountain Ski Resort
Copper Mountain ski resort is another favorite. The resort is every skier’s dream destination, with 310 inches of snowfall annually and nearly 2,500 acres of skiable terrain. The resort has operated for over five decades and offers several useful amenities to make your stay here pleasant.
Copper Mountain Resort has two dozen lifts, including six high-speed chair lifts and a massive gondola that fits up to eight people. There are more than 100 runs, each offering a wide range of skiing terrain for skiers with all levels of expertise. If you’re an expert-level skier craving a challenge, you will love the resort’s black- and double-diamond slopes known to humble many skiers.
You can go snowboarding, tubing, or ice-skating for a change of pace. If you’re going with young kids, taking them on the Rocky Mountain Coaster will win you some brownie points.
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Crested Butte Mountain Resort
If you’re looking for a family-friendly skiing destination in Colorado, you must visit Crested Butte. This expansive mountain resort has over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain, 16 lifts, and more than 120 ski runs.
Crested Butte has various terrains suited to skiers of different experience levels. While most of the trails cater to intermediate and expert-level skiers, there are a few that beginners can traverse. The Paradise Bowl ski run, for instance, is great for novice and intermediate skiers.
When you’re through with the slopes, head into town and sample what the local restaurants and bars offer. You’ll also enjoy exploring the quaint little shops that are a little reminiscent of Ski Cooper.
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Echo Mountain Ski Resort
Echo Mountain Resort is a fantastic ski getaway that needs to be on your bucket list. It is a 50-minute drive from Denver and is smaller than most mega ski resorts synonymous with Colorado.
Echo Mountain ski resort has over 200 acres of skiable terrain, three lifts, and more than 10 skiing runs. Since it is a smaller resort, it is one of the most affordable skiing destinations in the area, perfect for anyone planning a winter holiday on a tight budget.
There are plenty of things to do at Echo Mountain. You can go skiing during the day and at night, tubing, and snowboarding. If you’re new to these activities, the resort has coaches who would be more than happy to guide you at no extra cost.
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Aspen
While Aspen isn’t in Denver, it is pretty close and deserves mention. It is home to the best ski resorts in the world and is known for its glamorous shopping, dining, and night scene. Aspen’s mountain range comprises four: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.
Aspen Highlands ski resort, in particular, offers many fun winter activities to keep you occupied on and off the mountain slopes when you’re not skiing. You can go snowboarding and tubing or tour to explore the less traversed mountain areas. Before you leave, be sure to go on the Alpine Coaster dubbed the “BreathTaker.” The views from its vantage point are nothing short of breathtaking.
With an Epic Pass to the resort, you can enjoy a wide range of activities and amenities the Aspen Highlands has to offer.
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Eldora Mountain Ski Resort
Located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is the spectacular Eldora Mountain, one of Denver’s most beginner-friendly Colorado ski resorts. It has a dedicated Ski-and-Ride school open year-round and several skiing programs customized for children, adults, and families wanting to take up the sport. If you’ve never skied a day in your life and want to start now, Eldora is one of the best places to do it.
You don’t need to buy expensive skiing gear that you’ll only use once a year during ski season. The Nordic Center within the resort has a shop where you can rent the required equipment.
Eldora offers amazing skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. After a day on the slopes, you can hit up the local restaurants and for some mountainside wining and dining.
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Granby Ranch
The rustic charm of Granby Ranch, its family-friendly atmosphere, and its warm hospitality make this mountain resort one of our favorites in Denver. It has a little over 400 acres of skiable area, with more than 30 runs suited to skiers of all skill levels. It is super affordable, making it one of the best skiing destinations for individuals with a limited budget.
There’s so much to do here. You can go night skiing and then enjoy a fabulous mountainside dinner. You can also go snowboarding or snowshoeing to explore the expansive mountain terrain. If you’re new to skiing and want to learn, there’s a Ski-and-Ride School within the resort where you can learn everything you need to hit the slopes. Once you have some lessons under your belt, you can head to Terrain Park to put what you learned into practice.
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Keystone Resort
Keystone Ski Resort is another must-visit vacation destination near Denver. Its expansive skiable terrain extends over 3,000 acres and experiences an average of 230 inches of snowfall annually. You can access the mountain using any of the 20 lifts, including six high-speed chairlifts and two gondolas.
Keystone Resort is known for its cost-saving deals with epic pass tickets that give you access to countless winter activities on and off the slopes. You can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. There’s even a tubing hill with multiple lanes and amazing cross-country skiing terrains.
After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy a relaxing spa treatment alone or with your significant other. If you purchase lift tickets, you can also ride the gondola and enjoy magnificent views of the sunset horizon.
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Loveland Ski Area
Loveland ski area is popular with locals and visitors from out of town. It features about 1,900 acres of skiable terrain with close to 100 runs that cater to skiers of all levels. One of the great things about Loveland is the electric snowboarding and skiing atmosphere. You feel from the moment you first set foot in the resort.
If you’re new to skiing, you can enroll in the Ski-and-Ride school within the resort and hone your skills on the slope. Unlike most other resorts in Denver, Loveland has a specially designated skiing area beginners can use dubbed Loveland Valley. You can learn the ropes without worrying about someone zooming past you, which can be intimidating.
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Monarch Mountain
Standing at an elevation of 11,952 feet is Monarch Mountain, located north of the Continental Divide. Like Loveland, Monarch is also a great place for beginners learning how to ski. The terrain comprises a nice mix of easy and complex runs to cater to novice and expert skiers alike.
The newbie tracks have some small bunny hills and green runs you can use to practice before skiing with the big dogs. If you consider yourself an intermediate skier, you will love the blue runs, although many could do with some grooming.
After a day of skiing, you can head to nearby Salida and wind down with amazing food and drinks.
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Steamboat Mountain Resort
Sitting pretty at the heart of Steamboat Springs is Steamboat Mountain which boasts more than 2,900 acres of expansive skiable terrain. Steamboat is a mountain range comprising several peaks, including Christie Peak, Pioneer Ridge, Thunderhead Peak, Storm Peak, Sunshine Peak, and Mount Werner.
This Colorado ski resort enjoys approximately 400 inches of snowfall annually, making it the perfect skiing destination for skiers of all expert levels. Steamboat has more than 150 ski runs that users can access using 24 lifts, including two gondolas and six high-speed quad lifts that fit four people.
When you’re not skiing down the mountain, you can enjoy horseback riding, snowmobiling, ice skating, and mountain tours with the most scenic views.
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Sunlight Mountain Resort
Sunlight Mountain Resort is Colorado’s best-kept secret. If you’re looking for an affordable ski resort to go to with your significant other, family, or friends, Sunlight Mountain Resort has everything you need to have a great time.
It offers the perfect mix of beginner and intermediate ski runs. That’s enough terrain to keep your itinerary full from arrival until your last day here. If you’re an expert-level skier looking for a challenge, Sunlight Mountain’s East Ridge has some impressive double-black runs you can try your hand at. It also offers great snowboarding if you want a slight change of pace.
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Vail Mountain Resort
Vail Ski Resort isn’t your run-off-the-mill Colorado mountain resort. It has a uniquely European ambiance and is chock-full of luxurious amenities to give you the best skiing experience possible. It is worth mentioning that skiing and staying at Vail Resort isn’t cheap. However, it’s one of those places you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. Trust us. It’s worth it.
Vail Mountain experiences an average of 300 inches of snowfall annually and boasts nearly 5,000 acres of skiable terrain. Whether you’re into downhill skiing, tree skiing, or cross-country skiing, Vail has it all.
If you intend to bring your family along, you’ll love the Adventure zones, and the Mogul runs – two terrains designated for families with younger children.
While you’re there, be sure to explore the glades, bowls, and chutes on the mountain. You can also traverse the Blue Sky Basin’s backcountry terrain if you’re up for an adventure.
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Winter Park Resort
Located 66 miles from the teeming city of Denver, Winter Park’s serene, secluded ambiance makes it the perfect getaway for holidaymakers looking to relax and recharge. Winter Park ski resort comprises 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and has two mountains – Winter Park and Mary Jane – that each experience more than 300 inches of snowfall annually.
With more than 150 ski runs, the resort is the perfect playground for intermediate and expert-level skiers looking for a challenge. It even has designated ski areas for these experienced skiers and gentler beginner and intermediate trails on the southern side of the slopes.
After skiing, you can take a nice stroll through Winter Park for exquisite wining, dining, and shopping.
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Wolf Creek Ski Area
While the Wolf Creek ski area isn’t in Denver per se, it deserves an honorable mention. The resort is known for its exceptional terrain, plentiful powder days, ample snowfall, and amazing backcountry experience. It is certainly worth making the drive there from Denver.
Wolf Creek has a wide range of terrains suited to every kind of skier. From cross-country skiing to downhill skiing – the resort has it all. For the advanced skiers who enjoy tree skiing, you’ll love all the steeps, ridges, bowls, glades, and chutes for that authentic backcountry feel.
Wolf Creek is the gift that keeps giving and deserves a spot on your bucket list.
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In the meantime, check out these amazing places to hike in Colorado Springs.