Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

Colorado is renowned for its snow-capped mountain peaks, diverse terrain, and vibrant ski towns. With over 30 top-notch ski resorts in the state, there are numerous options to consider. Here are some of our top picks.

• Base elevation: 8,120 feet.

• Highest elevation: 11,570 feet.

• Skiable terrain: 5,317 acres.

• Daily lift ticket cost: $221 to $295, varies by date.

With 5,317 skiable acres and 3,450 feet of vertical drop, Vail Ski Resort is the largest mountain resort in Colorado. Second only to Big Sky in Montana, Vail is also the second-largest ski resort in North America.

Unlike the mining towns of Aspen and Breckenridge, Vail started as a ski town. Seasoned skiers and snowboarders as well as first-timers will have plenty of trails — 278 to be exact — for carving out the best day ever on the slopes.

• Base elevation: 10,800 feet.

• Highest elevation: 13,010 feet.

• Skiable terrain: 1,800 acres.

• Daily lift ticket cost: $119.

Loveland Ski Area is divided into two mini-resorts: Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley, the latter being a separate area for beginners with green and blue runs, making it one of the best places to ski in Colorado for first-timers.

Loveland Valley chairlift operators have experience with loading novice skiers and snowboarders, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the slopes.

At $50 per adult ticket for Loveland Valley-only access, it’s one of the more affordable mountains for practicing your skiing skills. Loveland is also conveniently located just 53 miles west of Denver, providing easy access to the city for après-ski activities.

• Base elevation: 10,520 feet.

• Highest elevation: 13,050 feet.

• Skiable terrain: 1,428 acres.

• Daily lift ticket cost: $63 to $140.

For this category, we chose Arapahoe Basin near Keystone, Colorado, a resort that offers a good price-to-quality ratio. With about 73% of the terrain classified as advanced to expert, Arapahoe Basin provides some of the most challenging terrain in Colorado at an affordable price.

Multi-day packs come in three-day, four-day, and five-day options, costing $259, $309, and $339 respectively, reducing your daily cost to as low as $68.

A-Basin boasts the longest ski season in the state, with a typical season lasting from October to June.

• Base elevation: 8,604 feet.

• Highest elevation: 12,510 feet.

• Skiable terrain: 3,342 acres.

• Daily lift ticket cost: $179 to $264, varies by date.

For a luxurious experience, head to Aspen Snowmass, a four-mountain resort catering to skiers and snowboarders with discerning tastes.

Frequented by A-list celebrities, Aspen Snowmass offers top-notch amenities and some of the best skiing in Colorado.

The resort features four interconnected mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. While a lift ticket grants access to all four resorts, it’s advisable not to attempt skiing all four in one day due to the distance between them.

Aspen Mountain, closest to town, offers high-end dining and shopping options for a luxurious après-ski experience.

• Base elevation: 8,725 feet.

• Highest elevation: 13,150 feet.

• Colorado Resorts Ski