Colorado's 28 Ski Resorts

The Best Skiing in North America

World-Class Skiing

Why Colorado is a skier's paradise

Colorado's 28 ski resorts range from massive destination mountains like Vail and Aspen to small, locals-only gems. The state receives an average of 300 inches of snow annually, and that famous "champagne powder" - dry, light snow created by Colorado's high altitude and low humidity - makes skiing here unlike anywhere else.

Most resorts operate from mid-November through mid-April, with some high-altitude areas extending into May. The I-70 corridor provides easy access to a dozen resorts within two hours of Denver, while southern Colorado offers less crowded alternatives.

Whether you're looking for family-friendly groomers, steep chutes, terrain parks, or backcountry access, Colorado has a mountain that fits. Passes like Epic and Ikon have changed how skiers access multiple resorts, making it easier than ever to explore.

Mega Resorts

The big names drawing skiers worldwide

VAIL

Vail

5,317 acres of skiable terrain - one of the largest in North America. Famous Back Bowls offer powder days unlike anywhere else. European-style village with world-class dining and lodging. Epic Pass.

ASPEN

Aspen/Snowmass

Four mountains, one ticket: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Legendary terrain, celebrity sightings, and a historic mining town. Ikon Pass.

BRECK

Breckenridge

Five peaks, 2,908 acres, and the highest chairlift in North America (Imperial Express at 12,840'). Historic Main Street keeps the party going. Epic Pass.

STEAMBOAT

Steamboat

Home of "Champagne Powder" (trademarked). Tree skiing paradise with 165 trails. Real cowboy town with hot springs. Ikon Pass.

I-70 Corridor Resorts

Easy access from Denver

KEYSTONE

Keystone

Three mountains, night skiing, and one of Colorado's best terrain parks. Family-friendly with tubing and ice skating. Under 90 minutes from Denver. Epic Pass.

COPPER

Copper Mountain

Naturally divided terrain - beginners on one side, experts on the other. Excellent snow, less crowded than neighbors. Ikon Pass.

A-BASIN

Arapahoe Basin

"The Legend" - highest skiable terrain in North America and latest closing date (often June). No-frills, expert terrain. Ikon Pass.

LOVELAND

Loveland Ski Area

Independent mountain on the Continental Divide. Affordable, no crowds, excellent snow. Popular with locals who skip the big resorts.

WINTER

Winter Park

Denver's home mountain - accessible by train from Union Station. 3,000+ acres, legendary bumps on Mary Jane. Ikon Pass.

ELDORA

Eldora

Boulder's backyard ski hill. 45 minutes from Denver, small but mighty. Night skiing and affordable season passes.

Hidden Gems

Less crowded, more authentic

TELLURIDE

Telluride

Remote box canyon with world-class terrain. Free gondola connects town to Mountain Village. Worth the drive. Epic Pass.

CRESTED

Crested Butte

"The Last Great Colorado Ski Town" - extreme terrain and authentic mountain culture. Remote location keeps crowds away. Epic Pass.

MONARCH

Monarch Mountain

Independent resort with no lift lines. Genuine powder, affordable prices, and cat skiing for experts. Near Salida.

WOLF

Wolf Creek

Most snow in Colorado - 400+ inches annually. No lodging on-site, no crowds, no pretense. Pure skiing near Pagosa Springs.

PURGATORY

Purgatory

Durango's home mountain with 1,600 acres. Affordable, family-friendly, and uncrowded. Great base for exploring the San Juans.

SILVERTON

Silverton Mountain

Expert-only. One lift, ungroomed terrain, avalanche gear required. The most extreme skiing in Colorado. Not for beginners.

Ski Resort FAQs

Planning your Colorado ski trip

Epic or Ikon - which pass should I get?

Epic covers Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte plus Telluride (limited days). Ikon covers Aspen/Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper, A-Basin, and Eldora. Choose based on which mountains you want to ski most.

When is the best time to ski Colorado?

January through March offers the most consistent conditions. December can be thin early in the month. Late March and April bring spring skiing with longer days, softer snow, and fewer crowds. Avoid holiday weeks unless you like lift lines.

How do I avoid I-70 traffic?

Leave Denver before 6 AM or after 10 AM on weekends. Return before 2 PM or after 8 PM. Stay overnight on the mountain. Consider taking the train to Winter Park. Avoid the Sunday afternoon crawl at all costs.

Which resort is best for beginners?

Keystone has excellent beginner terrain and night skiing to extend your day. Breckenridge's lower peaks are gentle. Beaver Creek offers luxury with great instruction. Eldora is affordable for learning.

Which resort is best for experts?

Silverton is Colorado's most extreme - expert only. Crested Butte's extreme limits push boundaries. A-Basin's East Wall delivers. Aspen Highlands' Highland Bowl is legendary. Vail's Back Bowls on a powder day are unforgettable.

Plan Your Ski Trip

Explore Colorado's top ski destinations