by Michele Kadison

Arapahoe Basin

Summit elevation:1,050 feet
Vertical drop: 2,270 feet
Skiable acres: 900
Trails: 103
Lifts: 7
Trail levels: Beginner, 10% – Intermediate, 40% – Advanced, 25% – Expert, 25%
Average snowfall: 367 inches
Location: US Highway 6 at Arapahoe Basin in Dillon, Colorado, 68 miles west of Denver

Points of Interest
• Nicknamed “A-Basin,” the mountain boasts the highest skiable terrain in the United States.
• Opens in October and usually closes in July

Arapahoe Basin has hosted skiers for the past fifty years who come to experience the beauty of the area, located in an alpine cirque high on the Continental Divide. With its sunny skies and historic trails, the locals as well as tourists are big fans of this laid-back mountain resort. Ideal for families and beginners, the slopes cater to advanced and expert skiers. Take a hike to the Upper East Wall to enjoy the spectacular view, or traverse the Lower East Wall to experience some of the best powder runs. A-Basin offers lots of events, including Telemark clinics, parking lot cookouts, in addition to great restaurants and places to stay.

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resorts

With its two towns and four mountains (Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk), this resort is a favorite with skiers from all over the globe for its infinite variety in ski terrain. Aspen itself comes with a rich culture, dating back to early mining days. Right at the end of Roaring Fork Valley, Aspen offers some of the best dining and lodging in the Colorado Rockies, with 360 degrees of scenery that will boggle the mind.

Snowmass Ski Resort

Summit elevation: 12,510 feet
Vertical drop: 4,406 feet
Skiable acres: 3,132
Trails: 90
Lifts: 24
Trail levels: Beginner, 6% – Intermediate, 50% – Advanced, 12% – Expert, 32%
Average snowfall: 300 inches
Location: 9 miles west of Aspen and 220 miles west of Denver, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Renowned for its wide and well-groomed cruiser and uncrowded trails.

A massive mountain offering many options for great skiing and snowboarding, Snowmass is known as the ‘open-glade cruising capital’ of the Rockies. Known for the Big Burn, Snowmass offers a wide variety of terrain for all levels. A perfect vacation spot for families, 95% of its lodging is ‘ski in, ski out,” making it more than convenient to get to the slopes. And after working up a good appetite in the great outdoors, you can take your pick of the 12 different Snowmass restaurants and cafes.

Aspen Mountain

Summit elevation: 11,212 feet
Vertical drop: 3,267 feet
Skiable acres: 673
Trails: 76
Lifts: 8
Trail levels: Intermediate, 48% – Advanced, 26% – Expert, 26%
Average snowfall: 300 inches
Location: 220 miles west of Denver, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Ideal for advanced and expert skiers, with its challenging glades and double-black steeps.
• World cup races are held on this mountain

Sitting right in the center of Aspen, the mountain offers backcountry Snowcat tours for intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders. Take a guided tour through the natural terrain to learn more about this majestic Colorado Rocky mountain and its environs. Three great restaurants perch high up at 11,212 feet in the Sundeck, which houses an enormous rock fireplace, a café (the Sundeck), a restaurant (Benedicts), and the Aspen Mountain Club, a semi-private members club. Have your equipment transferred to any of the other resorts in the area for a mere $3.00 or store your gear and have it tuned, waxed, or repaired for a small additional charge.

Aspen Highlands

Summit elevation: 11,675 feet
Vertical drop: 3,635 feet
Skiable acres: 1,000
Trails: 125
Lifts: 5
Trail levels: Beginner, 18% – Intermediate, 30% – Advanced, 16% – Expert, 36%
Average snowfall: 300 inches
Location: 3 miles from Aspen and 220 miles west of Denver, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Famous for big mountain skiing
• A mountain where many Olympic medalists practice and socialize

Known as the locals’ favorite peak, this mountain is easily accessible by free shuttle from downtown Aspen. Here you will experience the breathtaking views of Maroon Bells while skiing inside the White River National Forest. Take a Snowcat ride to the first access gate and then hike to the expanded Highland Bowl for a great Rocky Mountain experience.

Buttermilk

Summit elevation: 9,900 feet
Vertical drop: 2,020 feet
Skiable acres: 435
Trails: 44
Lifts: 9
Trail levels: Beginner, 35% – Intermediate, 39% – Advanced, 26%
Average snowfall: 200 inches
Location: 3 miles from Aspen and 220 miles west of Denver, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Beginner trails are easy to manage with their long, wide groomers.
• Large selection of steeps for intermediate and advanced skiers
• Five individual terrain parks, including the Crazy Train Terrain Park, the longest in the world
• Home of the 2003 ESPN Winter X Games

As one of the best mountains for learning how to ski, Buttermilk has some of the least crowded slopes, with an average of 3.7 people per acre. Located within the White River National Forest and only 3 miles from downtown Aspen, this Rocky Mountain resort is ideal for families as well as individuals who want to experience some of the best skiing that Colorado has to offer.

Beaver Creek

Summit elevation: 11,440 feet
Vertical drop: 3,340 feet
Skiable acres: 1,800 acres
Trails: 148
Lifts: 16
Trail levels: Beginner, 19% – Intermediate, 43% – Advanced, 38%
Average snowfall: 310 inches
Location: 9 miles west of Vail, 120 miles west of Denver, and 25 east of Eagle, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Two bowls, three terrain parks, and a half pipe.
• Special programs for families, Nordic skiers, and adaptive skiers

An elegant resort, Beaver Creek offers some of the best accommodations, including gourmet restaurants overseen by world-class chefs, heated walkways, and outdoor escalators. Ski shops are available to help you with all your equipment needs such as purchase and repair. The mountain offers three terrain parks for every level, including Park 101 for beginners, the Zoom Room for intermediate skiers, and Moonshine Park and Pipe for advanced and expert skiers and boarders.

Breckenridge

Summit elevation: 12,998 feet
Vertical drop: 3,398 feet
Skiable acres: 2,350
Trails: 152
Lifts: 29
Average snowfall: 310 inches
Location: On Highway 9, 10 miles from Denver International Airport and 63 miles from Eagle, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Comprised of four of the peaks in Colorado’s ten mile range
• Highest chairlift in the United States
• World-class ski school
• Fantastic historic downtown area offering all the amenities

Each of Brekenridge’s four peaks offers runs that challenge and exhilarate the skier and snowboarder at every level. Included is Freeway Superpark, where many freestyle competitions are held. Freeway has won many awards from magazines and reader’s polls. If you are beginner wanting to learn how to jump, go to Twister, which includes a trailhead on one side and a T-bar on the other to take you to the High Alpine Bowls that rise above Peak 7 and 8. Another good park for beginners who want to learn the basics is Eldorado Terrain Park on Peak 9. Intermediates can practice their moves at Gold King Park where chutes are available at the top of the Mercury Lift.

As the largest historic district in Colorado, Breckenridge offers tourists some of the best nightlife in the region. After a long day on the slopes, enjoy the oxygen lounges, a good micro-brew at one of the many great bars, a fantastic dining experience at any one of the restaurants, a laid back meal at one of the many bistros, and a great night in one of the many nightclubs that abound in this exciting town.

Copper Mountain

Summit elevation: 12,313 feet
Vertical drop: 2,601 feet
Skiable acres: 2,433
Trails: 125
Lifts: 22
Trail levels:
Average snowfall: 280 inches
Location: 209 Ten Mile Circle in Copper Mountain, Colorado, 75 miles west of Denver and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Denver International Airport

Points of Interest
• Known as Colorado’s “perfect ski mountain”
• Naturally separated terrain for each level of expertise
• Known as Colorado’s friendliest resort
• Convenient shuttle service throughout the resort

Copper Mountain sits in the Gore Wilderness and is ideal as an all-year-round vacation destination. This scenic resort offers great dining and lodging as well as shops, conference facilities, and a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Luxurious but affordable, Copper Mountain offers a multi-million dollar athletic club and custom-made packages for families with small children.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Summit elevation: 12,162 feet
Vertical drop: 3,062 feet
Skiable acres: 1,125
Trails: 121
Lifts: 15
Trail levels: Beginner, 23% – Intermediate, 57% – Advanced, 20%
Average snowfall: 240 inches
Location: Southwest Colorado, 4 miles from Denver and under 4 hours from Colorado Springs

Surrounded by the Elk Mountains, Ruby Range, West Elks, and the Maroon Bells Wilderness, Crested Butte has some of the best winter weather in the area. With an average winter temperature of 30F and sunny skies almost all year round, this resort offers programs for children and adults at all levels of skiing and snowboarding expertise. The historic town is charming, providing visitors with a true sense of the Old West.

Durango Mountain Resort

Summit elevation: 10,822 feet
Vertical drop: 2,028 feet
Skiable acres: 1,200
Trails: 85
Lifts: 11
Trail levels: Beginner, 23% – Intermediate, 51% – Advanced/Expert, 26%
Average snowfall: 260 inches
Location: Purgatory Mountain at #1 Skier Place in Durango, Colorado

In the San Juan Mountains of the southwest, Durango has been given a #1 ranking in North America for its winter climate. The mountain is considered to have some of the best grooming in the Colorado Rockies, sporting a wide range of signature runs on the front and back sides. With its two terrain parks, skiers of all levels have a wide and exciting choice of how to spend their day. The town of Durango is full of shops, restaurants, nightlife, and resort activities. Relax at one of the many cafes or pubs as you watch the sunset over the magnificent scenery that surrounds you. Choose from some of the many non-skiing activities that abound, such as a dinner sleigh rode, snowmobile tours, gambling, and snow-tubing. Book your stay in Durango at one of the luxurious mountain condos or in the charming town itself.

Eldora Mountain Resort

Summit elevation: 10,800 feet
Vertical drop: 1,600 feet
Skiable acres: 680
Trails: 55
Lifts: 12
Average snowfall: 300 inches
Location: Nederland, Colorado, 21 miles west of Boulder and 47 miles from Denver, Colorado

Ideal for families, Eldora offers a wide range of activities for children at the Children’s Center. With slopes that accommodate every level, skiers and snowboarders find their days full on the well-groomed slopes and in the four terrific terrain parks. With its hidden tree runs, the mountain always offers fresh snow for the intrepid skier. On the side of the mountain you will find a Nordic center with a wide array of marked and groomed trails.

Keystone Resort

Summit elevation: 12,408 inches
Vertical drop: 3,128 inches
Skiable acres: 2,870
Trails: 117
Lifts: 19
Average snowfall: 230 inches
Location: 90 miles from Denver International Airport in Keystone, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Open for evening skiing

Comprised of three unique mountains, Dercum, North Peak, and The Outback, Keystone Resort offers some of the best ski terrain in the Colorado Rockies. With steeps, bumps, bowls, glades, hits, and rails, the area is ideal for skiers and snowboarders alike. The Outback offers wooded glades with great powder stashes that allow for fresh run skiing long after the snow is packed on other trails. Keystone offers the best nighttime skiing in Colorado for those who want to enjoy runs under the stars. Snowshoeing, hiking, skating, stagecoach rides, and sleigh rides are some of the other features you can enjoy when staying in Keystone. The town offers a plethora of great dining, lodging, and nightlife features, with outdoor concerts and great DJs spinning in the clubs. Stay out late in Keystone, sleep late in the morning, and enjoy your skiing at night!

Loveland Ski Area

Summit elevation: 13,010 feet
Vertical drop: 2,410 feet
Skiable acres: 1,365
Trails: 71
Lifts: 11
Average snowfall: 400 inches
Location: 12 miles east of Silverthorne and 53 miles west of Denver in Georgetown, Colorado

Points of Interest
• The 10th largest ski resort in Colorado
• Closest ski area to Denver
• Day care facility at the basin
• Ski school at Loveland Valley
• Beginners can receive a free season pass after completing three beginner lesson packages

Consisting of two ski areas connected by a horizontal lift and a shuttle bus, Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley are ideal for skiers of all levels. Loveland Valley is for beginners with its easy terrain and expert teachers. Loveland Basin is great for advanced and expert skiers, with its hair-raising black diamonds. Intermediates will love the mountain as well, with its groomed runs and bowls and prime powder. Stay in Georgetown, Dillon, Idaho Springs, or Denver and don’t forget to head out to the factory outlet stores off I-70 in Silverthorne, only 20 minutes away.

Monarch Mountain

Summit elevation: 11,952 feet
Vertical drop: 1,162 feet
Skiable acres: 800
Trails: 54
Lifts: 7
Average snowfall: 350 inches
Location: Highway 50, 137 miles southwest of Denver in Monarch, Colorado

Points of Interest
• On-site daycare facility
• Ski programs available

Tucked into San Isabel National forest, Monarch Mountain makes great company with the aspen and pine trees that abound. PSIA-certified teachers offer clinics in Alpine,
Telemark, backcountry skiing, and snowboarding, along with special programs for children. Affordable lodging can be found in the nearby town of Salida and the town of Monarch itself offers fine dining, galleries, live music, and an excellent sports shop for gear and souvenirs.

Powderhorn Resort

Summit elevation: 9,850 feet
Vertical drop: 1,650 feet
Skiable acres: 600
Trails: 47
Lifts: 3
Average snowfall: 250 inches
Location: Highway 65 in Mesa, Colorado, 35 miles from Grand Junction, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Home of The Children’s Learning Center” with ski programs for kids 3 to 7 years old
• Visit the Colorado National Monument nearby
• Visit the Colorado Wineries 20 miles away

Located in western Colorado on the side of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, Powderhorn is popular with skiers and snowboarders for its clinics and competitions. Powderhorn boasts two very good restaurants, the Wildwood Restaurant and the Sunset Grille, as well the Inn at Wildwood, with its excellent ski in, ski out lodgings.

Silverton Mountain
Summit elevation: 13,487 feet
Vertical drop: 3,000 feet
Trails: open for advanced and expert levels only
Lifts: 1
Average snowfall: 400 inches
Location: Outside of Silverton, Colorado, 6.65 miles up Highway 110, 52 miles from Durango, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Backcountry ski areas with guides are available to groups of eight
• Angles in Silverton reach 55 degrees, with the easiest run at approximately 30 degrees
• Won the #1 Steeps and Powder rating in the U.S., the Top Ski Resort, and Top Extreme Experience from many industry magazines.

As a new advanced and expert area for skiers and snowboarders, Silverton has some of the steepest and most powder-rich skiing in the Rockies. In the heart of the San Juan Mountains, winter comes on early and strong, providing incredible conditions for visitors looking for an exciting experience. Editors note: Be sure to get your daily avalanche report and bring along a beacon, shovel, probe pole, and a Colorado hiking pass when venturing into the backcountry regions.

Ski Cooper

Summit elevation: 11,700 feet
Vertical drop: 1,200 feet
Skiable acres: 400
Trails: 26
Lifts: 4
Average snowfall:
Location: In Leadville on Highway 24, 125 miles from Denver International Airport

Points of Interest
• Opened in 1942 as a training location for the 10th Mountain Division Special Forces that fought in the Alps during WWII.

Right in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Ski Cooper provides a family-friendly atmosphere as indicated by its accessible slopes and many activities. Located in the San Isabel National Forest, skiers can enjoy the slopes as they go up and over the Continental Divide. In addition, Alpine skiing, telemarking, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, skating, and snowmobiling are other ways to enjoy the spectacular terrain. And once you’ve tired of the slopes, explore the historic town of Leadville where you can take a sleigh ride, visit the museums, go shopping, or relax in one of the numerous bistros, bars, and restaurants.

Sol Vista Basin

Summit elevation: 9,202 feet
Vertical drop: 1,000 feet
Skiable acres:
Trails: 35
Lifts: 5
Average snowfall:
Location: 2 miles south of Granby, Colorado and 87 miles northwest of Denver, Colorado

Right next to the Continental Divide, SolVista is ideal for beginner and intermediate level skiers and snowboarders. Beginners have their own area, allowing them to learn the sport without the pressure of more advanced skiers and boarders around. Sign up at the SolVista Ski School for group or private lessons. Granby, Grand Lake, and Winter Park are the nearby towns where you can enjoy great restaurants along with a wide choice of entertainment each and every night.

Steamboat Ski Resort

Summit elevation: 10,568 feet
Vertical drop: 3,668 feet
Skiable acres: 2,939
Trails: 164
Lifts: 20
Trail levels: Beginner, 14% – Intermediate, 42% – Advanced, 44%
Average snowfall: 334
Location: 2305 Mt. Werner Circle, Steamboat, Colorado, 157 miles northwest of Denver, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Famous for its dry, fluffy “Champagne Powder’ that has 70% less moisture than average snow
• Developed the Kids Ski Free program in 1982 for children under 12 when a parent purchases a five or more day lift ticket
• The Steamboat Ski School is one of the best in the world, offering a full roster of programs for all ages and abilities
• Reputed to be the home of more Winter Olympic athletes than any other town in North America

Steamboat Springs is located in the Routt National Forest. With its authentic western flavor, the town boasts working cattle ranches around the periphery as well as a laid-back atmosphere and a true west hospitality. With hot springs all around, the town is ideal for unwinding after a long day on the slopes. Head out to Strawberry Park Hot Springs, just seven miles outside of town to bathe in the natural minerals that rejuvenate and relax the body. With a wide range of slope-side condos and hotels, many lodging options in town, and a great number of excellent restaurants, Steamboat makes an excellent travel destination any time of year.

Sunlight Mountain Resort

Summit elevation: 9,895 feet
Vertical drop: 2,010 feet
Skiable acres: 470
Trails: 67
Lifts: 4
Average snowfall: 250 inches
Location: Four Mile Road in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 160 miles from Denver and 90 miles from Grand Junction, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Super Tot is a childcare service for returning guests where you are offered equipment rental, a 2 hour ski lesson, and lunch
• Indoor childcare is provided for children age 18 months to six years old

Sunlight Mountain has its summit on Compass Mountain where you have breathtaking views of Mount Sopris along with the entire Elk Mountain Range. Here you will find a very relaxed atmosphere, with runs to accommodate all levels of proficiency. Ride through the White River National Forest on a snowmobile to appreciate the magnificent views from the ridge tops. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also offered on trails that are designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Just ten miles from Sunlight Mountain you will find the historic town of Glenwood Springs where you can enjoy the world’s largest Hot Springs pool as well as excellent restaurants, great shopping, and affordable lodgings.

Telluride Ski Resort

Summit elevation: 12,255 feet
Vertical drop: 3,530 feet
Skiable acres: 1,700
Trails: 84
Lifts: 16
Trail levels: All
Average snowfall: 309 inches
Location: Telluride, Colorado, 7 hours from Denver and 2 ½ hours from Durango, Colorado

Points of Interest
• Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank in Telluride
• The town was an original mining camp in the 1870s and incorporated in 1878
• Deemed a National Historic District in 1964
• Giuseppe’s Restaurant is the highest placed restaurant in the Colorado Rockies at 11,890 feet.
• Free gondola connecting the historic town of Telluride with the luxury resort area of The Mountain Village.

Telluride is a small mountain town, population 1,600, combining historic charm with some of the best skiing in the Colorado Rockies. Most accommodations are liftside or within walking distance of Station Telluride, the area’s gondola, or the Coonskin and Oak Street chairlifts. Just over the ridge lies The Mountain Village where you can dine, shop, or stay in one of the beautiful local hotels.

Vail Ski Resort

Summit elevation: 11,570 feet
Vertical drop: 3,450 feet
Skiable acres: 5,289
Trails: 193
Lifts: 32
Trail levels: All
Average snowfall: 348
Location: In Vail, Colorado along I-70, near the Vail/Eagle County Regional Airport and Denver International Airport

Points of Interest
• Famous for its powder skiing
• Rated number 1 ski resort in the United States 14 times in the last 19 years
• Seven natural bowls measuring six miles wide
• Powder-filled glades
• The most groomed terrain found in any North American ski resort
• The largest number of express quad chairlifts in the world
• Classes available for students with adaptive needs
• Free bus system for easy access to all areas

With its varied terrain, excellent snow conditions, and challenging trails, it is no wonder that Vail is one of the most famous ski destinations in the world. Check out the Back Bowls, consisting of 2,96 acres of open skiing terrain, as well as Blue Sky Basin which boasts 645 acres of big nature to enjoy. Vail has one of the most foremost skiing and snowboarding schools, with more than 800 instructors available to teach any level, any age, and in a great many languages for international visitors.

The town of Vail is designed like an Alpine village. Here you will find over 250 shops, over 100 restaurants and bars, and a plethora of lodging choices as well as activities to suit all ages and tastes.

Winter Park Ski Resort

Summit elevation: 10,700 feet
Vertical drop: 1,700 feet
Skiable acres: 2,762
Trails: 134
Lifts: 24
Trail levels: All
Average snowfall: 359
Location: 1 ½ hours from Denver in Winter Park, Colorado.

Points of Interest
• One of the largest ski resorts in Colorado, ideal for novice to expert skiers.
• A plethora of powdered snow, ridges, and bowls to keep everyone excited on the slopes

With the most consistent snow in the Colorado Rockies, Winter Park also boasts one of the highest percentages of sunny days in the state. Famous for its varied terrain, the resort is perfect for beginner to expert level skiers and snowboarders. With five interconnected mountains and three terrain parks, you are sure to have an amazing time at this activity-filled Colorado Rocky ski destination. There is plenty of lodging, with lodges, motels, condos, and bed & breakfasts everywhere, and at prices that correspond to everyone’s budget. Relax in a hot tub, dine at one of the wonderful restaurants, watch the sunset from one of the local bars, and your day will be complete.

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Summit elevation: 11,904 feet
Vertical drop: 1,604 feet
Skiable acres: 1,600
Trails: 77
Lifts: 7
Trail levels: Beginner, 20% – Intermediate, 35% – Advanced, 25% – Expert, 20%
Average snowfall: 465 inches
Location: 23 miles east of Pagosa Springs, Colorado on Highway 160, 80 miles from Durango, Colorado

Wolf Creek boasts a pristine wilderness that includes exciting black diamond runs along with great intermediate terrain for challenging navigation skills. The area is filled with groomed runs and traditional trails that lead to the base of the mountain. With continuously good powder conditions, Wolf Creek is ideal for skiing and snowboarding during the entire winter season. Take private or group lessons at the ski school to perfect your skiing or snowboarding. All ages and levels are welcome.

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