Best Ski Resorts in Colorado 2026
Colorado is the undisputed king of American skiing, home to 28 ski resorts spanning from the famous Summit County to the remote San Juan Mountains. Whether you're chasing champagne powder, epic terrain parks, or family-friendly slopes, the Centennial State has your perfect resort.
Top 10 Colorado Ski Resorts
1. Vail Mountain
Epic Pass | Vail Valley
Stats:
- 5,317 skiable acres (largest in Colorado)
- 195 trails
- 31 lifts
- 3,450 ft vertical drop
Why It's #1: Vail's legendary Back Bowls offer 7 square miles of open-bowl skiing found nowhere else in Colorado. The front side delivers perfectly groomed cruisers, while the mountain's sheer size means you can ski for days without repeating a run.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced skiers seeking variety
Crowd Tip: Ski the Back Bowls midweek for empty powder runs
Explore Vail →
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2. Aspen Snowmass
Ikon Pass | Roaring Fork Valley
Stats:
- 5,527 total acres (4 mountains combined)
- 362 trails
- 41 lifts
- 4,406 ft vertical (Snowmass)
Why It's Special: Four distinct mountains—Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Highlands, and Buttermilk—offer everything from family terrain to extreme steeps. Snowmass alone is one of America's largest resorts.
Best For: Advanced skiers, families with varied abilities
Value Tip: Buttermilk is excellent for beginners and less crowded
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3. Telluride
Epic Pass | San Juan Mountains
Stats:
- 2,000 skiable acres
- 148 trails
- 18 lifts
- 4,425 ft vertical drop
Why It's Special: Colorado's most vertical drop combined with the charming historic town (and free gondola connecting mountain village). Remote location means smaller crowds.
Best For: Expert skiers, couples, photographers
Must-Do: Plunge and Palmyra expert runs
Explore Telluride →
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4. Steamboat
Ikon Pass | Yampa Valley
Stats:
- 2,965 skiable acres
- 169 trails
- 18 lifts
- 3,668 ft vertical drop
Why It's Special: Trademarked "Champagne Powder®" describes Steamboat's famously light, dry snow. The tree skiing is legendary, and the town maintains authentic Western character.
Best For: Powder hounds, families, tree skiing enthusiasts
Local Secret: Morningside Park for untouched powder
Explore Steamboat →
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5. Breckenridge
Epic Pass | Summit County
Stats:
- 2,908 skiable acres
- 187 trails
- 35 lifts
- 3,398 ft vertical drop
Why It's Special: Five peaks, excellent terrain parks, and the most accessible world-class skiing from Denver (80 miles). The historic Main Street is one of Colorado's best.
Best For: All ability levels, groups with mixed experience
Warning: Can be very crowded on weekends; start early
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6. Copper Mountain
Ikon Pass | Summit County
Stats:
- 2,490 skiable acres
- 140 trails
- 23 lifts
- 2,738 ft vertical drop
Why It's Special: Natural terrain separation—beginners on the right, experts on the left—makes Copper ideal for families and groups. More affordable than Vail/Breck.
Best For: Families, budget-conscious skiers, terrain park riders
Value: Often has great lodging deals
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7. Winter Park
Ikon Pass | Grand County
Stats:
- 3,081 skiable acres
- 166 trails
- 24 lifts
- 3,060 ft vertical drop
Why It's Special: Denver's closest major resort via the Amtrak Winter Park Express train. Mary Jane terrain challenges experts with moguls and steeps.
Best For: Denver locals, mogul enthusiasts, value seekers
Unique: Take the train from Denver Union Station
Explore Winter Park →
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8. Arapahoe Basin
Ikon Pass | Summit County
Stats:
- 1,428 skiable acres
- 147 trails
- 9 lifts
- 2,530 ft vertical drop
Why It's Special: Latest closing in Colorado (often into June), no-frills authentic ski experience, extreme high-alpine terrain. The legendary "Beach" parking lot tailgate scene.
Best For: Locals, spring skiing, expert terrain seekers
Pro Tip: East Wall hike-to terrain is bucket-list worthy
Explore A-Basin →
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9. Keystone
Epic Pass | Summit County
Stats:
- 3,148 skiable acres
- 128 trails
- 20 lifts
- 3,128 ft vertical drop
Why It's Special: Colorado's largest night skiing operation (lights until 8pm), excellent terrain parks, and family-friendly programs.
Best For: Families, night skiing, terrain park riders
Unique: Ski and ride after sunset
Explore Keystone →
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10. Crested Butte
Epic Pass | Gunnison Valley
Stats:
- 1,547 skiable acres
- 121 trails
- 15 lifts
- 3,062 ft vertical drop
Why It's Special: "The Last Great Colorado Ski Town" lives up to its tagline with extreme terrain, quirky character, and remote beauty. The Extreme Limits terrain rivals any in North America.
Best For: Expert skiers, ski-town culture lovers
Warning: Long drive from Denver (4+ hours)
Explore Crested Butte →
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Colorado Ski Pass Comparison
| Pass | Price (~) | Colorado Resorts | Other Perks |
| Epic | $979+ | Vail, Breck, Keystone, Beaver Creek, Telluride, Crested Butte | Park City, Whistler, European resorts |
| Ikon | $1,199+ | Aspen, Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper, A-Basin | Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Alta/Snowbird |
| Indy | $359 | Indie resorts (Loveland, Monarch) | 80+ independent resorts nationwide |
Best Time to Ski Colorado
- Peak Powder: January - February
- Spring Skiing: March - April (sunny, corn snow)
- Value Season: Early December, April
- Avoid: Christmas week, Presidents' Day weekend (most crowded)
Colorado Ski Trip Planning Tips
- Altitude Adjustment: Take it easy day one. Consider overnighting in Denver first.
- Denver Flights: Book Southwest for ski bag policies
- Drive Times: Factor in I-70 traffic (especially Sunday returns)
- Book Early: Popular lodging books 6+ months out
- Midweek Magic: Slopes are dramatically emptier Tuesday-Thursday
Ready to plan your Colorado ski trip? Browse all Colorado resorts →