The 6 Best Ski Resorts In Colorado

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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

Reserve At Vail Resorts

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

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

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

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

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 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.