Known for its amazing snow, picturesque views, and upscale resorts, every year nearly 12 million people travel to Colorado during ski season. Normally home to over 5 million people, the ski season brings adventure seekers from all over to experience what the state has to offer. From families to intermediate and even expert skiers and snowboarders, Colorado is an exciting place to be during the winter months!
Colorado is often ranked the nation’s number one ski and snowboarding destination. From family friendly slopes to intense slopes for experts only, there is something for everyone. Colorado is also home to some of the largest resorts around, many of which open earlier and close later than other states. At the peak of winter, you can find 32 different resorts around the area, all known for their amazing amenities and wonderful skiing locations.
The ski season in Colorado often ranges from December to March, with January usually featuring the light fluffy snow that Colorado is known for, however, that depends on the base that was received during November and December. If you want to hit the slopes but avoid the frigid temperatures, March is the month to make the trip. Although the state is not home to the tallest mountain in North America, it is home to the highest ski lift, the Imperial Express, which brings skiers to an elevation of 12,840 feet in Breckenridge. Colorado is also home to 41 State Parks and 11 National Parks to offer ways to get onto the snow without putting on a pair of skis.
Snowsports are a huge way of life for locals of major ski cities such as Aspen, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, and Vail. Many festivals and events take place during the winter months to celebrate the ski season and the many people who flock to the area. The X Games is a popular event in Aspen where the world’s top athletes compete in the biggest snow sports event of the year. The Birds of Prey World Cup at Beaver Creek, is a legendary ski race that takes place on Beaver Creek Mountain, and in Vail, Snow Days, is a four-day festival that celebrates the winter season where the whole family can come out and enjoy the festivities.
While visiting Colorado during ski season has proven to be a popular thing to do, some people are deciding to buy their very own ski retreat. Inventory in Aspen is down 63% while the average single-family home price is up 9% compared to this time last year. In Breckenridge, the median sales price over the past year was up almost 7% and the number of homes sold was down, likely due to the very small amount of inventory available in the area. Vail Valley also saw an increase in average sold price, almost 17% more than this time last year, and the average days on market dropped by almost 40 days. Like many other parts of the nation, housing inventory is low in Colorado, especially in desirable ski towns, making demand and competition all the more evident.
Skiing, snowboarding, and snow sports, in general, are some of the things the state of Colorado prides itself on. People come from all over the nation to experience the world-class skiing, award-winning restaurants, luxurious resorts, and breathtaking views that the state has to offer. Breckenridge is continually ranked number one for the best ski vacation in the United States and Vail is known for having some of the best ski and snowboarding resorts in the nation. For those looking to indulge in winter sports without having to leave the country, it’s clear that there is no better choice than Colorado.
