Colorado’s Top Ski Destinations: Your Ultimate Winter Escape

As winter approaches, people across the country are preparing for another season of skiing and snowboarding. Colorado, widely considered a premier skiing destination, boasts renowned resorts and immaculate conditions. But with so many ideal options to choose from, where should skiers and snowboarders go? Let’s explore Colorado’s top ski destinations to visit for a dream winter escape.

Breckenridge is a gorgeous historic mining town at the base of the Rocky Mountains. This charming city, home to the now-open Breckenridge Ski Resort, is a must-see. The massive resort, spread across five peaks, features incredible runs that wind through breathtaking terrain. 

Pagosa Springs, nestled among the San Juan Mountains, is a picturesque community known for its scenic forests and natural hot springs. The ski season is currently underway at the city’s Wolf Creek Ski Area. It comprises more than 1,600 skiable acres and often receives more snow than most areas in the state.

Steamboat Springs, a charming city in the Yampa Valley, also has renowned mineral hot springs. However, winter visitors primarily flock there for its two famed ski resorts: Howelsen Hill Ski Area, the larger of the two, and Steamboat Ski Resort. 

Frisco, a beautiful little town near Breckenridge, is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. It is near eight ski resorts, all within a four- to 45-minute drive. Copper Mountain Resort, a local favorite now open for the season, features 24 lifts that provide access to more than 140 marked trails. 

Aspen, a resort community nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is Colorado’s world-famous luxury skiing destination. It encompasses renowned upscale lodges, high-end restaurants, and of course, top-notch skiing conditions. Aspen Snowmass is the best-known resort near the community, with four mountains to explore: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.

Vail is widely regarded as one of the top skiing locations in the country. Nestled along Vail Mountain and steeped in natural beauty, this lovely city is home to Vail Ski Resort, now open for the season. This expansive alpine hub, among the largest ski resorts in the country, provides more than 5,250 acres of skiable terrain.

Telluride is a historic Rocky Mountain location known for its Victorian architecture and remarkable natural beauty. Every winter, numerous visitors head to Telluride to experience Telluride Ski Resort, one of the state’s premier winter destinations. Comprising over 2,000 acres and 149 trails, you could spend a lifetime on these slopes. 

The tiny municipality of Winter Park is home to one of the country’s most famous skiing hotspots. Winter Park Resort offers over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, 28 lifts, and 171 runs for all experience levels. It is currently open for the season.

Keystone is a small town whose population swells every winter as throngs of eager skiers head to Keystone Ski Resort, now open. This gorgeous mountain resort has a family-friendly atmosphere and includes three peaks with more than 3,000 acres of immaculate terrain.

Crested Butte perfectly embodies the quintessential image of a dream Colorado skiing destination. This stunning mountain town transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting numerous visitors planning to go to the vibrant Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The mountain, typically uncrowded, offers more than 1,500 acres for skiers of all skill levels.