The Rocky Mountains are home to some of the best ski areas in Colorado. So it’s no surprise that the state boasts some of the best ski resorts in the world.
What’s surprising is how some of the best ski resorts in the world are in Denver. The city of Denver is set along the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, offering easy access to a wide range of significant ski areas.
Plenty of ski areas near Denver are great for people looking to try out for the first time. These areas are also important for families with kids.
The article covers the best ski resorts in Denver, Colorado.
Where Is Denver, Colorado?
Denver is located in the state of Colorado and is the most populous city in the state. According to the census results released in 2020, its population had increased by 19.22% since the previous census.
It boasts a population of over 710,000 people. It is also one of the most urbanized cities in the country.
The city of Denver is situated in the Western United States. It is located in the South Platte River Valley near the High Plains and the Rocky Mountains.
Its central district is near the South Platte River and Cherry Creek confluence.
See Also: Best Ski Resorts in Vail, Colorado
Best Ski Resorts in Denver, Colorado
Below outlined are the best ski resorts in Denver, Colorado.
1. Loveland Ski Area
One of the best ski resorts in Denver, Colorado, is the Loveland Ski Area near Interstate 70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel.
It features over a hundred trails and is only a short drive away from Denver. However, the area is strictly a ski area and does not have a base.
Most of the runs at the resort are for experienced riders and skiers, but it also has plenty of options for those new to the sport.
This area features a small ski area called the Loveland Valley. This allows beginner skiers to access the site without dealing with speedsters.
2. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Another small resort that is located in Denver is called A-Basin. It features a wide range of trails and is designed for experienced riders and skiers.
However, it also has a few runs suitable for beginner skiers. This facility is one of the smaller resorts in the area and has limited dining options.
Located around an hour and fifteen minutes from Downtown Denver, A-Basin is an excellent alternative for those looking for an extreme experience.
It also has a postal address that’s close to Dillon. So while it may not be the best choice for a typical family ski trip, A-Basin should not be overlooked.
3. Echo Mountain Resort
The smallest resort in Denver is Echo Mountain. It is only a couple of hours away from Downtown Denver and is situated south of Idaho Springs.
Unfortunately, this facility only has one chair lift and nine runs. This means that it doesn’t have the same variety of terrain that other resorts in the area have.
Echo Mountain is an excellent alternative for those who are looking for a more affordable option when it comes to skiing and snowboarding.
It features a varied terrain that is designed for experienced riders and beginners. It also has night skiing, a rare occurrence at some resorts.
4. Winter Park Resort
The Winter Park resort is one of the oldest continuously operating facilities in the state. It was previously a city park, and the City of Denver ran it until the 2000s.
The Howelsen Hill resort in Steamboat Springs is North America’s oldest continuously operating ski area.
Another oldie, Monarch Mountain, first opened in 1939. Unfortunately, it has changed its ownership several times and closed down before it could reopen.
5. Eldora Mountain Resort
One of the area’s most popular resorts is Eldora, located in the foothills southwest of Boulder. It is only a few hours away from Denver and is situated in a remote area.
Eldora has less than 700 acres of terrain and is not as large as some of the more extensive facilities in the area.
It also doesn’t have the same variety of shops and restaurants as larger resorts. Nevertheless, it is one of the best ski resorts in Denver, Colorado.
6. Copper Mountain Resort
The Copper Mountain resort is located about an hour and fifteen minutes west of Denver.
It features over 2,500 acres of terrain, and it has 140 trails. It has plenty of diverse terrain for both snowboarders and skiers.
This facility is laid out so that the runs that are rated fairly are grouped.
This layout ensures that both the skiers and boarders have a similar skill level, but it also limits the number of time beginners can spend on the mountain.
7. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breck’s town is located south of Dillon, just a couple of hours away from Denver. It was founded in 1859 after gold was discovered in the Blue River. The city quickly grew to more than 1,600 residents during the gold rush.
When the ski resort in the town of Breckenridge first opened in 1961, it brought new life to the area.
Due to the resort’s success, several historic buildings in the town have been preserved.
These buildings now house various shops and restaurants. As a result, this ski resort deserves a spot on our list of best ski resorts in Denver, Colorado.
8. Keystone Ski Resort
Colorado has two types of resorts: those that cater to a more refined experience and those that cater to a more extreme setting.
Keystone is one of the extreme resorts, and it is located just east of the town of Breckenridge.
The resort has over 3,100 acres of terrain and six peaks. The town of Keystone is also located near the resort.
This area has a variety of commercial shops and restaurants. The Keystone Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Denver, Colorado.
See Also: Ski Resorts in the US For Families
9. Beaver Creek Ski Resort
One of Colorado’s most luxurious ski areas is the Beaver Creek resort. It is located near the town of Avon and is under two hours away from Denver.
This facility features over 1,800 acres of terrain and is known for its impeccable accommodations.
The resort also has several hotels and restaurants known for their impeccable service.
The resort features over 800 acres of terrain and is known for its diverse terrain.
It has plenty of options for everyone. It features several runs that are designed to accommodate varying abilities.
10. Granby Ranch
One of the last family-owned ski areas in Colorado, Granby Ranch, is located south of Granby. It features over 400 terrains and is about 20 miles from Winter Park.
This facility also has a small mountain village and a couple of runs. Granby Ranch is smaller than other resorts on this list, with only 38 trails and two peaks.
The trails at Granby Ranch are generally categorized into skill levels, and they feature varying terrains that are easier on East Mountain and more challenging on West Mountain.
As a result, this area is an excellent choice for families looking for a more relaxing and enjoyable ski getaway.
It also has night skiing, which is perfect for those who enjoy the slopes after dark.
11. Ski Cooper
The official statistics for Ski Cooper show that it has over 400 acres of terrain, 41 trails, and a 1200-foot vertical.
However, these numbers are expected to increase with the addition of new terrain.
The resort’s base is similar to other small ski areas and features a cafeteria-style dining establishment and gift shop. This is also one of the best ski resorts in Denver, Colorado.
12. Vail Ski Resort
One of the best ski resorts in Colorado is Vail, known for its beautiful mountain villages and diverse terrain.
This area features over 5,300 acres of terrain and is also known for its impeccable service.
This playground for all types of skiers and snowboarders is an excellent choice for families looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
13. Blacktail Mountain
Another ski resort located in the American Rocky Mountains is Blacktail Mountain. This facility has 24 marked runs served by five different ski lifts.
This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a variety of options when it comes to skiing.
The resort also has a Snow Park, ideal for intermediate and expert skiers. Blacktail Mountain is at an elevation of 5,236 feet, and the snow cover is generally reliable.
14. Elk Meadows
Elk Meadows has an elevation of 9,843 feet. This facility has 36 marked runs served by six different ski lifts.
This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for other options when it comes to skiing. This ensures that all types of activities are available throughout the season.
15. Lake Tahoe
The area has 11 ski resorts and over 161 miles of trails. These facilities include Diamond Peak, Heavenly, Mount Rose, Kirkwood, Sugar Bowl, and Sierra-at-Tahoe.
With over 30 lifts, this area is an excellent choice for those looking for various activities and skiing.
The Lift Pass that you can use to access these areas allows you to enjoy different activities throughout the season.
16. Sugarloaf
This ski resort has over 55 miles of downhill skiing and has 129 marked runs served by 15 different ski lifts.
This facility is located at a relatively low altitude, and the snow cover can vary. This resort is constantly rated as one of the best ski resorts in Denver, Colorado.
17. The Snowy Range
With four lifts and an elevation of nearly 10,000 ft, the resort can provide its guests with a variety of options when it comes to skiing.
This ensures that all types of activities are available throughout the season.
18. Aspen Buttermilk
The family-friendly Buttermilk is an excellent choice for those looking for various activities and skiing.
This facility features a wide variety of terrain and is known for its easy-going and fast-moving lifts.
The parking area is also very convenient. This resort serves as the backdrop for the Winter X Games.
19. Aspen Mountain – Ajax
The name Aspen has been associated with skiing for a long time, and it has defined the way other areas in North America view their ski resorts.
Despite the various changes that have occurred in the industry, Aspen remains one of the most prominent resorts on the continent. This earns it a place on our list of best ski resorts in Denver, Colorado.
20. Aspen Highlands
One of the most popular areas in Aspen is the Highlands Bowl, which is an excellent choice for those looking for various activities and skiing.
This area features varied terrain and is known for its inbound hiking trails. The long, steep runs featured in this area are ideal for those looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.
See Also: Best Ski Resorts on the East Coast
21. Aspen Snowmass
The area feels like a free-standing resort due to its diverse terrain and the development of its village.
This area is also known for its wide variety of blue cruisers. This is an excellent choice for families who are looking for a variety of activities and skiing.
Best Time to Visit Denver, Colorado
The best time to visit Denver is during the spring and autumn season. The city’s shoulder seasons also favor tourists as fewer people visit during summer.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Denver, Colorado?
The average cost of a seven-day trip to Denver is around $1,700 for a single individual and $3,024 for a couple.
A family of four will spend $5,670. Most vacation rental units cost around $200 to $440 per night.