Known worldwide for its stunning Rocky Mountains, Colorado is a winter sports playground and boasts world-class ski resorts everywhere you look. Skiers and snowboarders worldwide flock to Colorado every winter to enjoy the copious amount of snow, incredible views, superb skiing, and fantastic snowboarding.
If you’re a fan, whether you’re just starting or a certified expert, knowing where to go in the Centennial State to enjoy yourself is key. To help, SecureCare Self Storage, the Colorado storage experts, put together this ultimate guide to the best ski resorts in Colorado. If hitting the slopes and having some wintertime fun is your goal, read on.
The Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Colorado
Below are the four ski resorts in Colorado that are considered to be the best in the state. Of course, they also come with a higher price tag and, because of their popularity, longer lines and more crowded slopes.
1. Aspen
Notable for its exciting and vibrant town, Aspen has become synonymous with world-class skiing in the United States. It includes 4 mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. All 4 provide terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to experts. After the snow-centric fun, Aspen also boasts upscale dining, nightlife, and shopping. Plus, Buttermilk offers one of the top ski schools and gentle, easy-to-learn slopes for beginners and families.
2. Vail
Boasting over 5300 acres, Vail is one of the biggest ski resorts in the U.S., with diverse terrain and beautifully groomed slopes. There are also plenty of dining and shopping options in their charming alpine village, and, for nighttime skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, plenty of slopes to enjoy after the sun goes down.
3. Breckenridge
Once a historic mining town, Breckenridge is now one of the best ski resorts in Colorado, with 5 peaks and incredible, awe-inspiring views and terrain. It’s also a fantastic resort for beginners as they offer lessons and slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
4. Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs fits the bill perfectly if you’re looking for the quintessential Colorado ski town. Their famous tree skiing is one reason why, as well as their wide variety of child-friendly amenities, night skiing, and ~ not to be missed ~ spectacular hot springs. They also offer a vibrant après-ski scene that you’ll find irresistible.
Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Colorado
While it certainly can be said that all of the ski resorts in Colorado are “family-friendly,” the resorts below genuinely fit that description, offering activities for even the youngest members of your family.
1. Keystone
This Colorado ski resort is known far and wide for its family-friendly amenities and activities. One of them is KidTopia, an area dedicated to events and activities just for ~ you guessed it ~ kids. They also have a wide variety of skiing and snowboard lessons for beginners and children and plenty of night skiing and dining options. If your children are afraid of the ski lifts, they also provide a gondola for the main mountain!
2. Monarch Mountain
Monarch Mountain is far less crowded than most ski resorts in Colorado, which is also one of the more affordable places to ski and snowboard in the state. Their Family Ski + Ride Center is an excellent value and a great place for beginners and intermediate skiers wanting to learn on a budget.
3. Winter Park
Winter Park ski resort offers “The Parkway,” geared towards children and beginners. They also offer several fun activities, including snowcat tours and a fantastic tubing hill for children (and adults) who want to have fun without having to strap on skis or a snowboard.
4. Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain is one of the best choices for families in Colorado, with an indoor training facility and several family-friendly activities, including ice-skating. (It also has an easy-to-navigate village so that nobody gets lost.)
Affordable Colorado Ski Resorts
If we’re being honest, skiing is not exactly an affordable sport, no matter where you go. Equipment, lift tickets, and accommodations at ski resorts in Colorado can be quite pricey. That said, the ski resorts below are more affordable than most.
1. Loveland Ski Area
Well-known in Colorado for being an affordable ski resort, Loveland Ski Area offers a wide range of lift tickets, options, and discounts, including a very affordable season pass. It’s also great for families and beginners and is more amiable and laid-back compared to some resorts.
2. Eldora Mountain Resort
Close to both Boulder and Denver, Eldora Mountain Resort is one of the best budget-friendly skiing and snowboarding options in the state. They have discounted lift tickets all season, especially on weekdays. Like Loveland, they also offer a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
3. Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Affordable, family-friendly, and relaxed, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a good choice for budget skiers and snowboarders. They also offer some fantastic events, including “Uley’s Cabin Family Sledding” and “Night Skiing & Riding.”
Ski and Snowboard Rental in Colorado
Every ski resort in Colorado rents and sells skis, snowboards, and skiing equipment. However, purchasing your gear before arriving is usually more economical. (Think of it like buying things at the airport. It’s always much more expensive there.) The good news is that there are plenty of brick-and-mortar and online options to purchase quality ski and snowboard equipment in Colorado and other states.
When Does the Ski Season Begin (and End) in Colorado?
Depending on the resort and its location in Colorado, the ski season usually begins in late October or early November. Some resorts open a bit later, while others open near mid-November. As far as the end of the ski and snowboard season, that usually depends on the snow conditions but can extend into May in some places.
According to skiing and snowboarding experts, the top three ski towns in Colorado are Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail. They all offer unique atmospheres, world-class skiing, and top amenities. All 3 are also consistently ranked among the top choices for ski towns in the United States.
Rely On SecurCare to Store Your Ski and Snowboarding Equipment safely and Securely
When the ski and snowboarding season ends, and you need to store your ski equipment and gear safely, you can rely on SecurCare Self Storage. With 21 first-class self-storage facilities in Colorado, finding storage for your ski and snowboard equipment should be no problem.
The best part? When the next ski and snowboard season begins, all your ski and snowboard equipment will be ready for the slopes! Reserve your Colorado storage units online today with SecurCare Self Storage, and be ready when the skiing season starts!