Colorado, the western U.S. state, has a diverse landscape. From Rocky Mountain National Park to Mesa Verde National Park, it offers the opportunity to see ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, beautiful mountains, and more. It is also one of the world's premier ski destinations, offering over a thousand miles of skiing and snowboarding trails. If you're planning to head to this state, you should know that there are many great areas to choose from, ranging from large cities to mountain towns.
Telluride
Telluride, Colorado is the ideal destination for a ski vacation. With 2,000 skiable acres, a beautiful mountain village and 300 days of sunshine a year, it's no wonder that Telluride has long been a favorite with skiers and snowboarders alike.
A family friendly resort with tons of terrain, Telluride is a great place for beginners and intermediate skiers. Beginners will enjoy its double green courses, while more experienced skiers will love the challenging mogul courses. It also boasts three terrain parks, including one with Olympic slopestyle silver medalist Gus Kenworthy.
Vail
Vail, Colorado is one of the best skiing destinations in the country. It offers the perfect combination of family fun and luxury. This mountain town is also a great place for winter and summer sports.
When it comes to Vail's slopes, you can expect a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced ski terrain. For those seeking more challenging terrain, you can go black diamond runs.
If you're traveling with small children, you may want to look into a specialty ski school. Vail has several schools offering a variety of lessons for kids of all ages and skill levels. Having a school near your hotel or condo can make it easier to drop off and pick up your child.
Winter Park
Winter Park, Colorado is one of the best ski resorts in the country. Located along the Continental Divide, it is close to Denver and offers a wide variety of terrain. It is a favorite for both families and advanced skiers.
The largest resort in Colorado, Winter Park boasts over 3,200 acres of skiing terrain. Its terrain parks are perfect for beginners. Some of the area's best terrain can be found on Mary Jane Mountain.
In addition to a large base village and high-speed lifts, the resort features a terrain park with an 18-foot superpipe. You can also find some of the world's most extreme double diamonds on the slopes.
Steamboat
If you're planning a ski vacation to Colorado, then Steamboat, Colorado should be at the top of your list. This mountain boasts some of the best snow in the state, and is considered one of the safest bets when it comes to conditions.
While the Steamboat ski resort is small, it has plenty of terrain to keep skiers and riders busy. It features high-speed lifts and a terrain park, making it a great place to spend a day on the slopes.
There are plenty of things to do off the slopes, too. For instance, you can take in the scenery of the town from the back of a horse-drawn sleigh. You can also explore the natural hot springs of the area.
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain in Colorado is one of the best places to ski in the country. It's got a decent variety of expert terrain, a good snow base, and a mellow vibe. Plus, the apres-ski scenes are fun and exciting.
Copper is divided into three major base areas. You can choose between lodging in the West Village, Center Village, or East Village. Each has its own unique amenities and features. Lodging options range from upscale inns to fancy hotels. Several on-site hotels feature hot tubs.
There are several great learning programs for beginners. The best part is that Copper offers a free snowcat to Tucker Mountain.
Arapahoe Resort
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is a local favorite for skiers and snowboarders. It is one of the closest resorts to Denver, and is known for its long season. This mountain is ideal for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers alike. The terrain is steep and challenging, but offers many deep powder stashes. There are over 100 expertly carved trails to choose from.
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Arapahoe offers breathtaking panoramic views and world-class skiing. With over 1,400 acres of terrain, you can spend your entire day discovering the best runs on this Colorado ski resort.
Loveland
Loveland, Colorado is one of the best skiing destinations in the western United States. It's a smaller, family-friendly ski area, but it rivals the big resorts for snow and value.
Loveland is a great option for a beginner skier. The terrain is packed with snow, and the ski area is uncrowded. In addition, Loveland is located near an interstate highway and offers easy access to Denver. There's also childcare available for kids.
Loveland ski area has two main areas: the Loveland Basin and the Loveland Valley. These are separated by Loveland Pass Road. Each of these areas has its own lifts and terrain.