Your ultimate guide to Colorado ski resorts
Where to ski, stay, and play this winter
Powder mornings, bluebird afternoons, and twinkly alpine evenings—Colorado’s ski resorts deliver the full winter daydream. From Vail’s legendary Back Bowls to Steamboat’s Champagne Powder® and Aspen’s luxe-meets-laid-back vibe, there’s a perfect mountain for every style.
Let’s break it down.
Choosing a pass? Here’s a quick list showing which Colorado resorts are included in the Ikon and Epic ski passes, so you can plan multi-mountain trips and maximize value.
Tip: Always double-check your pass blackout dates and partner resort day limits before booking.
Why go: Four mountains, each with a personality—party-friendly Aspen Mountain, expansive and family-fantastic Snowmass, steep-and-deep Aspen Highlands, and progression-perfect Buttermilk. World-class dining and a walkable town elevate the whole trip.
Don’t miss:
Where to stay: Condos in Snowmass and chic downtown Aspen condos for those who want to walk to dinner.
Why go: Legendary tree skiing and consistent powder, plus a friendly ranch-town spirit. Great for intermediates who love soft, surfy turns.
Don’t miss:
Where to stay: Ski-in/ski-out rentals near the gondola, and spacious homes a short shuttle ride from the base for big groups.
Why go: Two sides to adventure in—Winter Park (cruisers, parks, family zones) and Mary Jane (bumps, trees, steeps). Easy to reach from Denver without I-70 tunnel chaos.
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Where to stay: Condo near the Village at Winter Park or cabins in Fraser for added space and value.
Why go: Naturally separated terrain means beginners aren’t dodging experts. Solid parks and a mellow, family-friendly village.
Don’t miss:
Where to stay: Center Village condos for walkability and East Village for quick Super Bee lift access.
Why go: High-alpine gem with big views and tiny crowds, no-frills focus on skiing and riding, and one of Colorado’s longest seasons.
Don’t miss:
Where to stay: Base yourself in Keystone, Dillon, or Silverthorne for easy access.
Why go: The Boulder-area local hill in the Front Range—lower-key, quick day trips, and surprisingly good glades when storms hit.
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Where to stay: Stay in Nederland or Boulder and day-trip up the canyon.
Why go: Massive terrain variety and the storied Back Bowls. Upscale everything—dining, lodging, spas.
Don’t miss:
Where to stay: Slopeside condos in Lionshead or luxe village condos for walk-to-everything convenience.
Why go: Immaculate grooming, top-tier ski school, and a polished base village. Perfect for families seeking comfort and ease.
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Where to stay: True ski-in/ski-out at Bachelor Gulch or Beaver Creek Village.
Why go: A Victorian mountain town with five connected peaks and a lively après scene. High-alpine bowls deliver when storms roll in.
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Where to stay: Walkable in-town condos; larger homes near Peak 8/Peak 9 for families and groups.
Why go: One of the most family-friendly layouts in Colorado, frequent deals, and night skiing on select dates.
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Where to stay: River Run Village condos for easy lift access; private homes for extra bedrooms and kitchens.
Why go: Some of the Lower 48’s steepest in-bounds lines—and beginner/intermediate zones that keep mixed groups happy.
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Where to stay: Base-area condos for quick first chairs; homes with hot tubs for après ski soaks.
Why go: Cinematic scenery, a refined food scene, and terrain that feels truly “big mountain.”
Don’t miss:
Where to stay: Choose ski-in/ski-out for convenience; downtown Telluride for Victorian charm.
Looking for Colorado ski vacation rentals that keep the crew close to the action? Aim for:
Beaver Creek, Keystone, Copper, and Buttermilk (Aspen Snowmass) have excellent green/blue terrain and top-notch ski schools.
Steamboat is known for consistent light powder; Crested Butte and Vail score big during storm cycles; A-Basin can be terrific late season.
Yes—Aspen Snowmass offers Ikon access (typically with limited days). Check your pass for specifics and blackout dates.
Yes—Telluride is an Epic partner resort with limited included days. Verify details before booking.
January–February for consistency; March for sunshine + surprise dumps; April can be great at high-elevation mountains (A-Basin, Breck).
Not necessarily. Many resorts offer shuttles from nearby airports and free in-town transit. Parking reservations may be required at select mountains on peak days.
No-car options: Book shared shuttles to major resorts; once in-village, most areas are walkable or have free buses.
There’s so much more to winter besides skiing and snowboarding. The mountains hold adventures and activities for all ages and interests.
Alpine adventures for all:
