The Top 8 Ski Resorts in Colorado for Everyone from Beginners to Powder Enthusiasts

The blend of champagne powder, endless sunny skies, towering mountains, and a passionate ski culture makes Colorado a legendary skiing destination. With options ranging from groomed runs and tree skiing to expansive back bowls and terrain parks, Colorado ranks among the best and most diverse skiing locations in the country.

With over 30 resorts available, Colorado truly offers a mountain and ski town for every type of skier.

1. Vail

Top Luxury Resort

Vail exudes mountain luxury, boasting unparalleled slopes and a glamorous village. Spanning over 5,200 acres, it’s a true paradise of smooth corduroy runs and expansive back bowls, featuring the iconic Blue Sky Basin.

After the lifts close, indulge in mountainside glamour in Vail’s Bavarian-inspired village, adorned with twinkling lights and heated cobblestone streets (no slush here). Its shops include exquisite restaurants, stylish mountain bars, and upscale boutiques. Elegant five-star hotels grace the village, offering ski valet services, luxurious spas, cozy rooms with fireplaces, and stunning views.

How to Reach Vail: Vail is situated along I-70, a two-hour drive from Denver. Bustang and Greyhound bus services also connect to Vail. Epic Mountain Express and Peak 1 Express provide shuttle services from Denver International Airport. For convenience, Eagle County Regional Airport is just 35 miles west of Vail, with direct flights from several US cities.

2. Breckenridge

Best ski town

While Colorado boasts many fantastic ski towns, Breckenridge stands out for its accessibility, friendly atmosphere, and exceptional mountain resort. Conveniently located in a stunning valley just 80 miles from Denver, it offers accommodations, dining, and shopping options for all budgets. Its charming historic downtown creates a genuine town ambiance that many ski villages lack, so be sure to explore the fantastic Breckenridge History museums.

Breckenridge Ski Resort is a vast and inviting area, featuring a wealth of gentle green and blue runs, alongside enough challenging terrain to satisfy adventurous skiers. Just remember to bring an extra sweater, as it often earns the nickname “Brecken-fridge.”

How to Get to Breckenridge: From Denver, Breckenridge is about a 1½-hour drive via I-70 and Hwy 9. Epic Mountain Express and Peak 1 Express offer shuttle services from Denver International Airport. If you prefer public transport, take Bustang or Greyhound to Frisco, then catch the free Summit Stage bus, which serves the ski resorts of Breck, Copper, Keystone, and A-Basin.

3. Copper Mountain

Best value resort

Nestled in a prime location in the Rockies, Copper Mountain is both a beloved getaway and a local favorite. With its top-tier terrain and modern facilities, including over 150 runs and an Olympic training site, Copper is undoubtedly among Colorado’s premier ski resorts. Yet, it retains the charming, homey feel of a smaller destination, featuring cozy lodges and ample free parking.

In contrast to many high-end resorts, Copper Mountain still provides reasonably priced passes and multipack options, particularly for those who purchase in advance.

How to Get to Copper Mountain: Copper is conveniently located just off I-70, roughly a 1½-hour drive from Denver. Summit Express and Peak 1 Express offer shuttle services that pick you up directly from Denver International Airport. For bus travel, take Bustang or Greyhound to Frisco, then hop on the free Summit Stage shuttle to Copper. On weekends, Snowstang also operates seasonal direct bus service from Denver to the resort.

4. Aspen

Best après

When it comes to après-ski, no place does it quite like Aspen. Here, skiers can indulge in everything from designer cocktails and fine wines to craft beers and shots from a shotski. Pair that with truffle fries, fondue, rosé happy hours, cozy fur blankets, and even a roaming champagne bar on the slopes, and it’s clear that Aspen knows how to wrap up a day on the mountain in style.

Aspen's four sister resorts boast world-class terrain that will challenge even the most seasoned skiers, leaving you craving a refreshing drink afterward. Notable spots include Ajax Tavern, known for its popular mountainside patio, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, a charming Swiss-style cabin atop the mountain, and the former miner's saloon, J Bar. For live music and DJ performances, head straight to The Snow Lodge, a luxurious venue with multiple themes.

Getting to Aspen: Aspen is approximately 200 miles from Denver, accessed via I-70 and Hwy 82, taking about four hours to drive. Roaring Fork Express and Colorado Airport Express offer transport services from Denver International Airport. Additionally, Aspen features a small airport with direct flights from Denver and select US cities.

5. Silverton Mountain

Best resort for experts

Silverton Mountain is for serious big-mountain skiers only. With just one chairlift, no groomed runs, and no marked trails, Silverton Mountain is an expert-only ski area that combines elements of heli-skiing and cat-skiing in a unique quasi-resort environment.

Guides navigate small groups through the resort's vast, untouched runs, requiring hikes up to 12,000 feet to access some of the finest untracked powder in the state. Helicopters can reach more remote areas, but you can expect thrilling face shots virtually anywhere on the mountain. Skiers are required to carry avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels. For added safety, consider renting an avalanche float bag as well.

Getting to Silverton: Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton is only reachable by private vehicle during the ski season, located about 330 miles from Denver. To save time, consider flying into Durango-La Plata County Airport, which is 68 miles to the south, and renting a car from there.

6. Crested Butte

Best ski town for couples

Crested Butte is a charming alpine getaway. With just 12 lifts, the cozy resort is enveloped by forests and offers stunning views of the Continental Divide. While CB is renowned for its double-black diamond runs, couples will discover a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels.

The town of Crested Butte is equally enchanting. Explore its art galleries and boutique shops, or plan a romantic outing with a farm-to-table dinner at Soupçon or a rum tasting at Montanya Distillers. Wrap up your evening with a cozy sleigh ride or a moonlit snowshoe adventure, hand in hand.

Getting to Crested Butte: Crested Butte is located at the end of Hwy 135, approximately a 4½-hour drive from Denver. Bustang offers bus service from downtown Denver. Colorado Mountain Transportation provides private transport from Denver International Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, 30 miles to the south, where Alpine Express operates a shuttle service to the town.

7. Winter Park

Best resort for families

When you talk to skiing families in Colorado, you'll likely find that Winter Park is their top choice. It ticks all the boxes for parents: easily accessible, an outstanding ski school, affordable lift tickets and passes, plus fantastic skiing and snowboarding. The resort offers a perfect mix of groomed runs, chutes, tree skiing, terrain parks, and, in the Mary Jane area, the best bumps in the state. It's large enough to keep everyone entertained but still manageable for kids and families.

With free parking, comfortable lodges, and a variety of accommodation options, it’s no surprise that it’s a family favorite.

Getting to Winter Park: Winter Park is located 65 miles west of Denver, and the turnoff from I-70 comes well before the frequently congested Eisenhower Tunnel. Driving is straightforward, but Bustang offers daily bus service, and on winter weekends, Winter Park Express provides a fun rail alternative. Home James Transportation Services and Grand Mountain Rides offer convenient door-to-door shuttles from Denver International Airport.

8. Wolf Creek

Best resort for powder hounds

One of Colorado’s hidden gems, Wolf Creek Ski Area boasts the highest average annual snowfall in the state, hitting an impressive 430 inches. This family-run resort features 1,600 skiable acres, offering everything from expansive bowls to challenging tree glades. Visit after a significant storm for waist-deep powder and an unmatched skiing experience on a pristine white carpet.

Perhaps best of all, Wolf Creek’s remote location and absence of on-site accommodations keep it blissfully secluded, resulting in short lift lines and abundant chances to make fresh tracks.

Getting to Wolf Creek: Located about 250 miles southwest of Denver, the resort can be accessed via a private shuttle from nearby Pagosa Springs, though driving is the preferred option. It takes roughly 4½ hours to drive from Denver, or you can fly into Durango-La Plata County Airport, which is 81 miles away, and rent a car.

Should I buy a ski pass or lift ticket?

Colorado resorts provide daily lift tickets, season passes, and multi-day packages, typically valid for three to five days. The more days you intend to ski or snowboard, the more beneficial a package or pass becomes. With single-day tickets nearing $299 at some locations, you’ll quickly reach a tipping point.

Most Colorado resorts are managed by Vail or Aspen companies, and various Epic and Ikon passes can often be used across multiple resorts at a reduced price. Just be sure to check the fine print for any restrictions and blackout days. The best deals are usually available from the end of the previous season up until Labor Day. Consider pass insurance and installment plans for added peace of mind and convenience.

Should I rent or bring my own equipment?

Bringing your own gear is more feasible now that many airlines have eliminated oversized luggage fees and no longer mandate hard-shell cases. However, all resorts offer rental equipment, from basic to high-performance options, as do local ski shops like Christy Sports, Epic Mountain Gear, and Larson Ski & Sport.

While experienced skiers and snowboarders often prefer their own gear, renting is usually easier for kids, beginners, or anyone skiing for just a day or two. Make sure to reserve your rentals in advance, especially during holidays and school breaks. That said, if there’s one piece of your own equipment to bring, it’s boots. Rentals rarely fit as well as your own, and sore feet on the slopes can ruin the fun.

Essential tips to know before hitting the slopes in Colorado

• Skiing at high altitudes is serious business, especially in Colorado, where most resorts range from 9,000 to 13,000 feet. If possible, allow yourself a day or two to acclimate before skiing – take it easy and stay hydrated! If you feel severe nausea, headaches, or dizziness, see a doctor or descend to a lower elevation.

• For optimal skiing conditions, plan your visit between January and March, when the snow is fresh, deep, and the mountains are fully operational.

• If you’re looking to save money, skiing early or late in the season (before December 15 and after April 1) often brings discounts on day passes and accommodations, but be prepared for potentially patchy snow and fewer trails open.

• On the mountain, skiers below have the right of way – remember they can’t see you, so give them ample space. The exception is when merging onto a run; always look uphill to avoid cutting someone off.

• Don’t duck under ropes! They are in place to protect skiers from avalanche risks and hazardous terrain, as well as to prevent people from getting stranded without access to a lift.

• While cannabis is legal in Colorado, using it on the slopes is prohibited and can be dangerous for you and others.

• Traffic on I-70 can be heavy, particularly on winter weekends. Leave early for smoother travel; check COtrip for live road updates.