Colorado
The 6 Best Ski Resorts In Colorado
![The 6 Best Ski Resorts In Colorado The 6 Best Ski Resorts In Colorado](https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/651c83d8c3000f06edb794a2/0x0.jpg?format=jpg&crop=802,451,x0,y40,safe&height=900&width=1600&fit=bounds)
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Kim Peiffer, Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
Colorado offers some of the best skiing in the country, thanks to the state’s plethora of world-class mountain towns that attract families and solo travelers alike. Whether you’re looking to embark on an advanced heli-skiing adventure or you’re interested in something a little less risky (bring on the bunny hill), the best ski resorts in Colorado have slopes for every adventure level.
From Vail to Telluride, we’ve selected the Colorado ski resorts with the most to offer, from towns with an abundance of fine dining and nightlife to family-friendly mountains that are great for the little ones. Below, our selections for the best places to shred some powder in the Centennial State in 2024, as well as some of our favorite accommodations to call it a night.
Where To Stay Near The Best Ski Resorts In Colorado:
- Vail: Four Seasons Resort Vail, The Arrabelle At Vail Square, A RockResort
- Aspen: The Little Nell, The St. Regis Aspen Resort, Limelight Hotel
- Beaver Creek: The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort And Spa
- Crested Butte: Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge
- Breckenridge: Gravity Haus, One Ski Hill, A RockResort
- Telluride: Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge
Vail
Vail Mountain Resort in Vail, Colorado.
getty
Vail Mountain Resort
Who Will Love It: Those looking for a picturesque ski town with a European vibe; foodies; world-travelers
Skiable Terrain: 5,317 acres (18% beginner, 29% intermediate, 53% advanced)
All-Star Amenities: World-class dining; scenic mountain chalets
What Not To Miss: Michelin-recognized Japanese restaurant Osaki’s
Where To Stay: Four Seasons Resort Vail; The Arrabelle At Vail Square, A RockResort
As Colorado’s largest mountain resort, Vail is a bucket list ski experience for a reason. Over 5,300 acres of ski and snowboard terrain, including some world-renowned back bowls, makes this a popular destination for ski lovers of all kinds (the terrain is seemingly endless). But Vail also has more to offer beyond just a stellar experience on the slopes. The picturesque locale has all the charm of a European ski town, with cobblestone streets, a Bavarian-themed village with plenty of glittering trees and luxury restaurants at every turn. To round out the experience, call it a night at one of the town’s many five-star accommodations and awake relaxed and refueled, ready to take on another perfect bluebird day.
Where To Stay:
Four Seasons Resort Vail: At the base of Vail Mountain, this luxury resort offers a little bit of everything, from an all seasons outdoor pool to a luxurious spa. For families or those traveling in groups, some rooms feature fully equipped kitchens.
The Arrabelle At Vail Square, A RockResort: From its rooftop pool and hot tubs to its ski-in/ski-out access, The Arrabelle is a great choice for those who favor amenities and location.
Aspen
The resort at Aspen Snowmass
Courtesy
Aspen Snowmass
Who Will Love It: Those who drool over opulence; high rollers; couples; nightlife lovers
Skiable Terrain: 3,342 acres (5% easiest, 48% more difficult, 17% most difficult, 30% expert)
All-Star Amenities: Four ski resorts for all levels; fine dining experiences on-mountain
What Not To Miss: An Afternoon at Snow Beach; Apres-ski experience at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro; a romantic dinner for two at Pine Creek Cookhouse
Where To Stay: The Little Nell; The St. Regis Aspen Resort; Limelight Hotel
Jet-setter and celebrity-favorite hotspot Aspen is beloved for many reasons, from its four different ski resorts that combine to offer some of the most interesting terrain in Colorado, to its extremely luxurious dining, hotel and après scene. Here, where you dine and hang post-slopes is just as important as where you’re carving through powder during the day. Both are a highly coveted part of Aspen lifestyle, and there are plenty of five-star options to boot. To start, pamper yourself with a luxurious stay at The Little Nell, the town’s only ski-in/ski-out hotel, and book yourself a one-of-a-kind experience on-mountain at Aspen Highland’s Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro (if you can snag a reservation, that is.) Legs sore from skiing? Pay a visit to The St. Regis for an incredible afternoon couple’s spa experience; you’ll emerge feeling like new.
Where To Stay:
The Little Nell: As Aspen’s only only ski-in/ski-out hotel, The Little Nell is the hottest location in town, and not only for its VIP spot on the mountain. Here, the who’s who of Aspen floats in and out, from the sunken living room bar, to 5-star dining at Element 47.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort: Upscale, cozy and chic, The St. Regis Aspen Resort boasts relaxation and inviting mountain luxury at every turn. From its highly coveted spa—where you can spend hours unwinding in steam caves, cold plunges, hot tubs, an oxygen lounge and a waterfall pool before your treatment—to its well-appointed rooms and suites, a world-class experience awaits.
Limelight Hotel: Limelight Hotel’s flagship property in the heart of downtown Aspen is a stylish mountainside retreat, featuring well designed rooms with ample storage, making it easy to pack a lot of ski gear in for the whole crew without feeling cramped.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek Resort Winter Skiing at Dusk; a scenic view of village illuminated at night.
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Beaver Creek
Who Will Love It: Luxury seekers; foodies; those who appreciate high-end amenities; families
Skiable Terrain: 2,082 acres (28% beginner, 38% intermediate, 34% advanced )
All-Star Amenities: Warm chocolate chip cookies served daily at the base of the mountain
What Not To Miss: A sleigh ride to dinner at Beano’s Cabin
Where To Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch; Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort And Spa
From meticulously groomed corduroy runs to over 2,000 acres of skiable grounds, Beaver Creek attracts the who’s who of the ski world thanks to its many luxurious offerings, both on and off the mountain. Here, not a single detail is left untied, from the daily freshly baked cookies served at the bottom of Haymeadow and Centennial Express Lifts, to the spectacular culinary program at many of Beaver Creek’s restaurants. Don’t miss a trip to Beano’s Cabin for a bucket-list culinary experiences featuring a gourmet menu and wine list, complete with stunning mountain views via log cabin (you arrive by sleigh ride). A charming alpine village welcomes plenty of off-slope activities, from high-end boutiques to world-renowned hotels (The Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch offers an array of amenities and a concierge team that will make any vacation dream a reality).
Where To Stay:
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch: From its incredible ski-in/ski-out location at the foot of Beaver Creek Resort, to its multitude of upscale dining options, this Ritz property is a no brainer if its luxury you’re craving.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort And Spa: Another great option for ski-in/ski-out access, Park Hyatt calls Beaver Creek Village home. Book slopeside lodging and a private balcony and savor those mountain views, or reserve an oversized fireplace suite with cabin-style décor.
Crested Butte
The historic buildings along Elk Avenue in Crested Butte.
Getty Images
Crested Butte
Who Will Love It: Advanced skiers; adventurers; those who appreciate small town charm
Skiable Terrain: 1,547 acres (14% beginner, 24.6% intermediate, 24.8% advanced, 36.6% extreme)
All-Star Amenities: Breakfast at Highlife Crust & Crafts; dinner at Uley’s Cabin
What Not To Miss: Skiing “Rambo,” considered the steepest lift-serviced tree-cut trail in North America
Where To Stay: Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge
With 561 acres of double-black-diamond terrain that accounts for nearly two-thirds of the mountains overall acreage, Crested Butte is the go-to mountain town for thrill seekers and expert skiers, offering a ton of extreme skiing at every turn with the no-frills charm of an old school mining mountain town (you won’t see a single stoplight in this town). But that’s part of the charm of it, after all.
After thousands of calories burned on the slopes, refueling is an essential part of the equation at Crested Butte, and plenty of options for cozy comfort food and local drinks abound. Paradise Warming House is a go-to spot for a classic ski lodge experience, while a fun après scene is always on the menu at The Umbrella Bar at Ten Peaks, offering sweeping views of Gunnison Valley.
Where To Stay:
Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge: A former saloon-turned European ski chalet, the flagship Eleven Resorts property boasts private backcountry cat skiing and a host of elevated mountain activities, coupled with six unique accommodations and even a saltwater pool.
Breckenridge
The streets at night in the winter with holiday lighting in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Getty images
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Who Will Love It: Families; beginners; friend groups
Skiable Terrain: 3,000 acres (11% beginner, 31% intermediate, 24% advanced, 34% expert)
All-Star Amenities: Nearly the entire town is ski-in/ski-out
What Not To Miss: Sleigh rides; ice skating; tubing
Where To Stay: Gravity Haus; One Ski Hill, A RockResort
Breckenridge is a great family resort just 104 miles from Denver. Thanks to its abundance of green trails and plenty of areas for lessons, it has become a popular place for adult beginners and little ones alike. But that doesn’t exclude those more advanced skiers—187 total trails mean there is something here for every level. One of the coolest and most unique elements of the town of Breck is its direct access to the mountain from Main Street. Ski right from the top of North America’s highest chairlift at the close of the day directly to your favorite après watering hole—nearly the entire town is ski-in, ski-out. Speaking of the town, its historic mining town charm is one-of-a-kind. Here, you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants, sans the stuffy feel of some of the other more expensive ski towns in Colorado.
Where To Stay:
Gravity Haus: This boutique hotel at the base of Peak 9 offers eco-friendly and pet-friendly accommodations with plenty of unique amenities—including a Japanese-inspired Onsen with hot and cold tubs and a dry sauna.
One Ski Hill, A RockResort: For groups, One Ski Hill is a great choice thanks to its condo-style rooms with plenty of space. The resort is nestled at the base of Peak 7 and just steps from the BreckConnect Gondola that shoots you right into downtown Breck in a matter of minutes.
Telluride
Telluride, Colorado and Mountain Village glow beneath the San Juan Mountains on a cold, winter night.
Getty Images
Telluride Mountain Village
Who Will Love It: Advanced skiers; adventurers; those looking for old-school mountain charm mixed with modern amenities
Skiable Terrain: 2,000+ acres (23% beginner, 36% intermediate, 41% advanced)
All-Star Amenities: A 13-minute free gondola ride up to Mountain Village
What Not To Miss: Lunch at famed slope-side restaurant Alpino Vino; shopping on historical Main Street
Where To Stay: Madeline Hotel And Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection; Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge
It may not be the easiest ski resort to get to, but that’s one of the many reasons that Telluride has largely stayed somewhat of a hidden gem. Tucked within the gorgeous San Juan Mountains, under a two-hour drive from the Montrose Regional Airport, this historic mountain town is rich with rustic charm and offers some of the most stunning mountain views you’ll find in the United States. Surrounded by 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks, the town itself is nestled cozily into the canyon and bustling with boutiques, restaurants and unique bars that round out this incredible vacation spot. Up in the mountains, skiers of all levels will find their grove with a wide variety of terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers (plus plenty for this just learning the sport).
Where To Stay:
Madeline Hotel And Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection: This Auberge Resorts property has it all, from stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges to plenty of upscale amenities to help make a ski vacation a seamless experience. Bonus for the gorgeous guest rooms that marry modern design with alpine charm.
Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge: If you’re coming with a group or family, the spacious two- and three-bedroom residences found here are sure to make everyone feel comfy. A great location at the base of Telluride Ski Resort seals the deal.
About Kim Peiffer, Your Colorado Ski Resorts Guide
I have been covering travel for nearly two decades, from reviewing luxury hotels to visiting off-the-beaten path locations throughout the world. I’m always in search of a new ski town, a remote beach and a stellar cocktail (and the perfect spot to sip said cocktail, of course). I’m also always down for adventure on a vacation, whether its doing aerial acrobatics in a fighter jet over the desert or heli-skiing down a glacier in Italy. I’ve been skiing since the age of 6 and have been skiing in Colorado for decades. As Forbes Vetted’s Executive Editor, I oversee our travel and hotel coverage. I’ve also written for Vogue, Robb Report, Travel + Leisure, InStyle, GQ, DuJour, Glamour, Oprah and many others. Follow my adventures on Instagram: @peifferk1.
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Colorado
After video of armed Venezuelan gang shared by local official goes viral, Colorado city takes action
![After video of armed Venezuelan gang shared by local official goes viral, Colorado city takes action After video of armed Venezuelan gang shared by local official goes viral, Colorado city takes action](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/Aurora-Colorado-Mayor.jpg)
Aurora, Colorado Mayor Mike Coffman announced on Friday that the city is starting the process of clearing the apartment buildings where transnational armed gang Tren de Aragua has taken over.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Coffman shared “the Aurora City Attorney’s Office is preparing court documents to request an emergency court order to clear the apartment buildings where Venezuelan gang activity has been occurring by declaring the properties a ‘Criminal Nuisance.’”
“This will require a municipal judge to issue the order with the goal of getting these properties back under the control of the property owners. In the meantime, the law enforcement task force set up to disrupt and arrest Venezuelan gang members in these buildings will continue its operation. I strongly believe that the best course of action is to shut these building[s] down and make sure that this never happens again,” concluded Coffman.
One has already been picked up. In an email to Fox News Digital, Aurora Police Department confirmed that Tren de Aragua leader “Cookie Monster” is currently in custody in relation to a shooting on July 28.
Fox 31 reports that the men seen in the video that has gone viral are armed members of the Tren de Aragua gang, according to Department of Homeland Security sources.
FORMER COLORADO APARTMENT RESIDENT SAYS GOV. POLIS ‘WOULDN’T LAST FIVE MINUTES’ AGAINST ARMED GANGS
The move to apprehend the armed Venezuelan gang members comes after a blitz of national media attention on the city of Aurora thanks to the efforts of Council Member Danielle Jurinsky.
After assisting residents Cindy and Edward Romero on Wednesday, they were able to share a video which has since gone viral online and on the air.
Jurinsky was soon featured on the Ingraham Angle telling the Romeros’ story, and Cindy Romero joined America Reports on Friday to bring attention to the problem.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has come under fire for his handling of the situation, including from Romero herself, saying the Democrat “wouldn’t last five minutes” in the building. His spokesperson, Shelby Weiman, told the New York Post on Thursday that the issue was “largely a feature of Danielle Jurinsky’s imagination.”
After a request for comment from Fox News Digital in response to Romero’s statement on America Reports, the governor’s office responded by saying “Colorado is a zero-tolerance state for illegal activity.”
COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEMBER FIRES BACK AFTER GOVERNOR’S OFFICE DISMISSES ARMED GANG TAKEOVER AS ‘IMAGINATION’
“The Governor hopes that the city of Aurora shares this basic value and will enforce the law. Over the last month, Governor Polis has been in regular contact with the City of Aurora and the Aurora Police Department and has offered all state assistance to support their efforts if requested,” said spokeswoman Shelby Wieman.
“If Danielle Jurinsky has evidence of illegal activity in Aurora that can assist the investigation, it might even be illegal for her to withhold it from the Aurora Police Department and she should file a report immediately. The state has been ready for weeks to back up any operation by the Aurora Police Department needed to make Aurora safer,” the statement concluded.
Colorado’s capital and largest city, Denver, is a sanctuary city. Aurora is a suburb of Denver.
The apartment building has been completely overrun by the alleged gang members, including changing the locks, according to one resident. (Council member Danielle Jurinsky)
Jurinsky noted she isn’t the only local official speaking out, though the governor’s office singles her out in statements. “There’s other council members speaking out on this, like there’s other council members speaking, and they just don’t have the platform that I do to really catch fire. But there are other council members speaking out. It’s not just me,” said Jurinsky in a call with Fox News Digital.
Polis’ office did not respond to a request to clarify whether the governor’s statement was intended to threaten Jurinsky.
Jurinsky celebrated in a call with Fox News Digital, saying “I am happy that what I have been saying is now confirmed. It is a shame that people had to suffer for as long as they did, but I am happy that this gang will now be addressed.”
![Aurora city council member Danielle Jurinsky moves out resident from taken over apartment building](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/Aurora-Danielle-Jurinsky.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky moved out several residents from one taken over apartment building on Wednesday. (Danielle Jurinsky)
“I hope that in the future, I will be taken more seriously and heard the first time I bring something to someone’s attention. Aurora is my hometown and well worth the fight! Thank you to all of the police officers and residents who helped me bring this to light,” Jurinsky added.
It is unclear when exactly the armed gang members will be apprehended and the buildings will be cleared.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Denver did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Colorado
Venezuelan gang activity confirmed by Aurora officials after release of Colorado woman’s surveillance video
![Venezuelan gang activity confirmed by Aurora officials after release of Colorado woman’s surveillance video Venezuelan gang activity confirmed by Aurora officials after release of Colorado woman’s surveillance video](https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/08/30/e7966d20-c529-4379-9708-4b295f64edae/thumbnail/1200x630/4182c56d297e88d4d69ac5b4f687ca5d/apartments.jpg?v=25685eaa472b1a5dbb5bd46ae506d232)
Officials in Aurora have begun to acknowledge the presence of Venezuelan gang activity in their Colorado city after the release of a terrifying surveillance video.
For Cindy Romero, living at 12th Avenue and Dallas Street has become a daily struggle against escalating violence and neglect. Life deteriorated into a nightmarish ordeal, marked by frequent encounters with crime and what she calls a lack of support from the city and police.
She first noticed a gradual increase in crime in her part of the Denver metro area about a year-and-a-half ago. It got worse over the last three months.
“We were constantly forced to take measures to protect ourselves,” Romero said. “I installed more locks, bought additional cameras, and parked further away from the building. Despite all these efforts, the situation kept escalating. We felt like we were being tortured.”
She reported seeing people move automatic weapons and engage in shootouts.
“I’ve seen handguns, rifles with scopes, and other firearms. It got so bad that bullets even went through my friend’s apartment and hit my car,” Romero said.
Despite frequent calls to 911, the police response was nearly nonexistent.
“The police would call me and say they weren’t coming unless it was a severe crime,” Romero said. “When I called the police to report a shooting, one officer asked if I had considered moving. If I could have afforded to leave, I would have.”
Romero installed multiple cameras that captured violent activity over weeks. Doorbell video shows a group of armed men forcing their way into her neighbor’s home. Another night, her camera outside captured two men approaching a vehicle with guns drawn.
Romero criticized city officials for their failure to address the problem.
“You are elected to protect your constituents. You fundraise off your promises, yet you left us to die,” she said.
After a shootout on Aug. 18 Romero was driven to desperation. And this week, her pleas for help were finally answered. By Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky.
“Jurinsky was the only one who really took an interest in our safety and worked to find solutions. It meant a lot to have someone genuinely concerned,” Romero said.
Jurinsky helped her move out and find other housing.
“I went in myself to help people move out. There was a large police presence, and at one point, a gentleman charged up the stairs after me,” Jurinsky said. “It was an eerie feeling. Even as I was helping people move out, others were moving in right in front of me.”
Jurinsky first became aware of the escalating gang activity shortly after a large gathering in Aurora related to the Venezuelan election.
“People were saying that individuals were patrolling their properties with guns and walking through their buildings. They called the police repeatedly, but the response was lacking,” Jurinsky said.
According to her, police leadership had instructed officers that a minimum of three to four officers were needed to respond to such situations. If those numbers weren’t available, officers were told not to respond.
The council member expressed frustration about being one of the few voices raising awareness about the issue.
She says politics is being played with people’s lives.
“There’s human suffering on the other side of some of these doors and these apartment complexes, but there’s a big election coming up, and nobody wants to talk about this. Because if they start talking about this, someone has to admit there’s a problem somewhere,” she said.
On Wednesday, Aurora police said they’re aware that components of TdA are operating in Aurora.
In a statement, APD says in part:
“It would be improper at this time for the city and APD to make any conclusory statements about specific incidents or provide details about law enforcement strategy and operations. Based on our initial investigative work, we believe reports of TdA influence in Aurora are isolated.”
In response to the release of Romero’s video footage, Jurinsky hopes it will bring action.
“The footage is too real to deny,” she said. “There has to be something done now.”
Romero says she survived the ordeal by staying quiet, giving them food and bedbug spray.
Every night, she said she was praying she’d hear sirens.
In her new home, far away, the peace she feels is fleeting. Because for many others, she says there is no escape, no solution and no sign that help will ever come.
“My family lives in Aurora. My daughters live there. I talked them into moving to Aurora. If someone doesn’t do something now, their apartments are next,” she said.
The city and Aurora police established a special task force to address concerns about Venezuelan gang activity.
APD urges all community members, including members of our migrant communities, to please report crimes committed against them to their local law enforcement agencies and not remain silent victims. Crime victims can report crimes anonymously by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). As always, information could change as the investigations continue at the local, state and federal levels.
Colorado
Colorado Senate approves compromise property tax bill at state Capitol
![Colorado Senate approves compromise property tax bill at state Capitol Colorado Senate approves compromise property tax bill at state Capitol](https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/08/29/5dffc5a7-ee36-4fb7-bb12-133e3f72c4eb/thumbnail/1200x630/4b2f2d984e3375eabd5b315a81cb6eea/74c7d4cf3019a6dd3f411532ce900299.jpg?v=25685eaa472b1a5dbb5bd46ae506d232)
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