15 Best Ski Resorts in Colorado (2023)

Colorado has a lot to offer residents and visitors at any time of the year. It is one of the most beautiful, vibrant and welcoming states in the nation.

However, when someone mentions the Rocky Mountain State, most people immediately think of skiing and snowboarding, even if they are not skiers or snowboarders. It's certainly what Colorado is known for across the country and around the world.

Skiing and snowboarding in Colorado is epic. There are 34 ski resorts in Colorado and more than 1,500 miles of downhill trails served by 332 lifts throughout the state. Due to the quality, variety, and sophistication of these many mountains, Colorado hosted the 1976 Winter Olympics and also hosted 23 of the 28 Winter X Games.

Colorado is a playground for anyone who enjoys the adrenaline rush and relaxation that skiing and snowboarding offers, and is the perfect place to experience world-class mountains no matter your skill level.

Below we have selected 15 of the best ski resorts in Colorado that we would like to share with you. And as you can imagine, some are better than others. But no matter what you're looking for, you'll find your perfect resort on this list.

So keep reading to learn more about the best ski resorts in Colorado. Then you can start planning your Colorado ski and snowboard adventure today. Get ready for the mountains of Colorado - you are going to have the time of your life.

The best ski resorts in Colorado

1. Breckenridge Ski Area

ADDRESS: 1599 Ski Hill Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Ski ticket:epic pass

breckenridge ski areait is one of the most popular ski resorts in the state and the nation. There are many reasons why it tops many "My Favorite Mountains" lists: It's not as far from Denver as many of its competitors, it offers five peaks and 187 hiking trails, and it's genuinely beautiful. Besides the cityBreckenridgeit is historic and charming, has excellent restaurants and nightlife, and offers a wide range of accommodation options in all price ranges.

Breck is a great option for skiers and snowboarders of all levels; There are tracks for beginners, advanced and experts in the five peaks. If you're just getting started or want a refresher or some tips, Breckenridge's tuition and professionally-led programs provideski areathey are top notch.

However, despite all of the above positive attributes, Breckenridge Ski Resort can also get quite crowded, and this is true all season long. People come from all over to ski at Breckenridge.

You'll have to be patient while waiting for the elevators, especially on weekends, but the general vibe at this resort is friendly and laid-back, so you'll likely make a few friends while you wait. Due to its popularity, Breckenridge is one of the most expensive mountains in Colorado, but luckily for Epic Pass holders, it's included in their membership.

Additional downsides to breck have to do with weather and lighting. Because this mountain faces east to northeast, it can get quite windy, sometimes causing the lifts to wind up and the sun to disappear behind nearby peaks around 3:00am. m. With this in mind, it is advisable to hit the Breck slopes as early in the day as possible.

At the end of a long day of fun, be sure to head into town. Breckenridge was founded in 1859 as a mining town and many buildings from the late 19th century remain thanks to historic preservation. You'll love strolling through Breckenridge and exploring the many lively bars and eclectic restaurants.

There is something for every type of traveler and for every taste. Many visitors choose to stay in the city, but there are also many excellent accommodations on the mountain, including many options for skiing.

Everyone loves Breckenridge, and so do you. It's one of those Colorado mountain resorts that has a little bit of everything ski and snowboard travelers are looking for.

See relatives:

2. Winter Park Resort

ADDRESS:85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park, CO 80482

Ski ticket:Pase IKON

Winter Park Resort is one of the closest and most accessible ski resorts to Denver (about 90 minutes), but it doesn't always get the attention it deserves. People who love Winter Park really love Winter Park, but many others seem to ignore it completely.

You'll find many Coloradans in Winter Park, but probably fewer travelers from other parts of the state and the world. But this could be what you're looking for.

Winter Park Resort opened in 1939 and was owned by the City and County of Denver until 2002. With a base elevation of 9,000 feet and a peak elevation of 12,060 feet, Winter Park offers skiers and snowboarders more than 10,000 feet of elevation on its 167 slopes. The complex consists of three interconnected mountain peaks: Winter Park, Mary Jane, and Vasquez Ridge.

This is a great resort for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders; 19% of the trails are classified as advanced, 52% as the most difficult and 3% as expert. If you're a beginner, you may want to start somewhere else, as only 8% of Winter Park's trails are rated beginner and only 18% are rated intermediate. This resort also offers plenty of treetop and mogul skiing, both of which are big draws for many experienced skiers.

The road to Winter Park is part of the adventure. The ride over the Berthoud Pass is quite intense and full of steep switchbacks, but also spectacular in terms of scenery. You and your companions will be amazed when you leave the tree line behind and can still see many taller peaks all around you.

Alternatively, take the Winter Park Express train from Denver Union Station directly to the resort. Taking the train eliminates the need to rent a car, taxi or Uber when flying into Denver International Airport. With just one change, you can take the train from the airport up the mountain and alight 100 meters from one of Winter Park Resort's 23 lifts.

You won't be missing much if you're not staying in the city of Winter Park. The focus at Winter Park Resort is on the mountain itself, so you'll want to stay as close to the mountain as possible. The town of Winter Park has some decent restaurants, but there isn't much nightlife or action there in the evenings.

see relatives:Best Restaurants in Breckenridge, Colorado

3. Aspen Snowmass Ski Area

ADDRESS:120 Inferior, Carriage Way, Snowmass Village, CO 81615

Ski ticket:Pase IKON

When it comes to ski resorts in Colorado, Aspen Snowmass comes to mind. And it is a ski resort that every skier should try at least once in their life.

This resort consists of four ski areas on four separate mountains, all owned and operated by the Aspen Skiing Company. The four mountains are Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. All four are accessible with an Aspen Snowmass lift ticket, and Aspen is also included with the IKON pass.

Keep in mind that these mountains are completely separate from each other and each have their own strongholds. For example, Buttermilk, home to the terrain park that hosts the Winter X Games, is great for beginners, but Aspen Highlands is the destination for experts.

Aspen Mountain is close to the city and has a party atmosphere. Large and diverse, Snowmass is family oriented and offers many ski-in ski-out lodging options.

In total, Aspen Snowmass offers 362 pistes served by 41 lifts on 5,527 acres. Together these four mountains offer varied terrain options for all types of skiers and snowboarders, all with great fun and high quality. This area receives more than 300″ of snow per year and the quality of the powder snow is usually excellent. The weather in Aspen Snowmass is also pretty good most of the time.

While Aspen Snowmass is one of the most expensive ski mountains in Colorado, you get what you pay for here. This mountain is well maintained and the facilities are excellent. Aspen Ski School is one of the best ski schools in the country. Whether you want to learn or improve, you must book one or more lessons during your stay.

The city of Aspen and Snowmass Village are beautiful places to visit on your own. Both are packed with quality, unique restaurants and shops, and offer numerous activities including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, spa visits and more.hot Springsfor when you're not on the slopes.

Since this resort is several hours from Denver, visitors must fly into the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. If you do that, you don't need a rental car. There is a free local shuttle service to help you get around the city. Although Aspen Snowmass is popular with the rich and famous, you will find itAccommodation can be found here in a variety of price ranges..

See relatives:

4. Keystone Tourist Center

ADDRESS: 100 Dercum Square, Keystone, CO 80435

ski pass: epic pass

Keystone ResortIt has a very interesting story. In the 1940s, Max Dercum moved to Colorado with his wife to work in the US Forest Service. They bought a piece of land near the town of Keystone and a dream was born.

Max knew his property would be perfect for a ski mountain, so he scoured every inch and made plans. He discussed his dream with an investor named Bill Bergman at a New Year's Eve party in early 1969, and over the next two years they made it come true. Keystone opened on November 21, 1970.

Today, Keystone Resort is made up of three mountains: Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and Outback, all connected by a series of lifts and gondolas. There are a total of 135 runs (19% beginner, 32% intermediate, and 49% advanced) served by 18 lifts on 3,148 acres.

Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a vertical drop of more than 3,000 feet from a height of 12,408 feet. Dercum Mountain is easy and family friendly, while North Peak and Outback offer more challenging rides.

Like most mountains in Colorado, and especially ones that are two hours from Denver like this one, Keystone is quite expensive and can get quite crowded. It's part of the Epic Pass family, so you can save money by choosing one of these.

One of Keystone's biggest attractions is night skiing. It's the largest mountain in the state to offer it, and it lasts until 8 p.m. night.

Popular with families, Keystone Resort has a designated kids' area called Kidtopia if your little ones want to hang out with their peers or are just getting started. This community is also home to an amazing terrain park that thrill seekers will love. Plus, Keystone is just a short drive from Breckenridge, which is also included with the Epic Pass, making it easy to combine a trip to both resorts into one adventure without changing your accommodations.

Speaking of lodging, there isn't much of a town in Keystone, so most people choose to stay in one of themountain cabinsat the foot of the mountain. Others may stay in Silverthorne or Dillon, slightly larger cities just minutes away, or may choose to drive 30 minutes to stay in Breckenridge for more lodging, dining, and nightlife.

5. Kupferberg

ADDRESS:Frisco, CO 80443

Ski ticket:Pase IKON

Copper Mountain is another Colorado ski resort that isn't talked about much, but it's a great mountain for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, and it's also great for families. It is very diverse with a wide variety of hiking trails and is less than two hours from Denver. It also helps that it's right off I-70. Getting to Copper Mountain with arental carIt's easy even if you're not used to driving in the mountains.

Visitors are often surprised to learn that Copper Mountain has 150 trails serviced by 25 lifts on just 2,490 acres. It's about half the size of other nearby ski resorts, but it has just as many slopes. One interesting feature of this resort is that the way it is laid out, the mountain is almost divided into sections for different skill levels.

The easy slopes are on the west side of the mountain, the intermediate slopes are on the east side, and the intermediate slopes are in the middle. This can be frustrating for groups of different abilities looking to ski together, but it can be great for people who just want to focus on one skill level.

There are many activities for children and great classes at Copper Mountain, making it a great experience.excellent option for a family vacation. You'll also likely find that it's less crowded than many of the other resorts on this list.

Although there is no town directly in front of the resort, the resort town is pretty and easy to get around, and you can explore it on foot or by taking the free shuttle. However, if you're looking for a party scene, look elsewhere - Copper Mountain is quiet in the evenings.

Copper Mountain has a few ski-in ski-out lodging options if that's your thing, and plenty of them.Hotel roomand condominiums in the town. Visitors looking for accommodations with more action and amenities can stay in Frisco or Breckenridge to the east, or the historic mining town of Leadville to the south.

See relatives:

6. Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort

ADDRESS:28194 US-6, Dillon, CO 80435

Ski ticket:Pase IKON

No one calls this mountain resort by its full name. Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort is much better known as A-Basin or A-Bay, even to people who have never been there. This mountain is famous for two main reasons: it is one of the closest ski mountains to Denver, just 63 miles away, and it is by far the longest seasonal mountain in Colorado.

Thanks to snowmaking technology and high altitude, the Arapahoe Basin opens in mid-October and stays open until at least June and sometimes even July. Almost all other ski resorts in Colorado and the country close at the end of April each year.

In general, the Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort has the same number of pros and cons. On the bright side of things, it's an affordable mountain that's often not as crowded. It has 145 trails and nine lifts.

This mountain has plenty of technical terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. In fact, 73% of their tours are Black Diamond or Double Black Diamond level.

The highest elevation at A Basin is 13,050 feet and the base elevation is 10,780 feet, making this ski area one of the highest in North America. Also, this resort gets 350 inches of snow each year!

On the other hand, Arapahoe Basin is not really a beginner-friendly mountain. It's not a very familiar mountain either. Not only primarily catering to experienced skiers and drivers, A-Basin is also known for party-goers and aggressive daredevils who aren't always very polite.

Also, lifts are slow and it can be very windy, which can cause the snow to crust a bit at higher elevations. And the amenities at Arapahoe Basin are pretty basic.

There are hostels and even some bars, but no overnight accommodation on the mountain. Henearest cymbal sockets Athey are in Keystone, six miles away, or down the road at Dillon or Silverthorne.

Still, the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is perfect for people who love it, and it's very popular with Colorado locals.

7. Vail Ski Resort

ADDRESS:Blue Jay Way, Vail, CO 81657

Ski ticket:epic pass

Vail Ski ResortIt is legendary. It is the third largest single mountain ski resort in the United States (after Big Sky inMontanaand Park City in Utah) and is the fourth largest ski area in North America after Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, Park City and Big Sky.

People come from all over the world to ski in Vail, and most who have skied once keep coming back for more. Not only is it one of the best ski resorts in Colorado, it's one of the best ski resorts anywhere by any measure.

Vail consists of three sections: Front Side, Blue Sky Basin, and Back Bowls. There are all kinds of trails in the three sections. The resort has a total of 31 lifts and a total of 195 trails that offer a good percentage of terrain for beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders.

In total, there are 3,450 vertical feet available for skiing and riding at Vail Ski Resort, from a peak elevation of 11,570 feet to a base elevation of 8,120 feet. The resort receives an average of 350″ of snow per year, which is wonderful.

Like Copper Mountain, Vail is right off I-70, making it very easy to get to from Denver, which is 100 miles to the east. It is interesting to note that this town and resort did not exist before I-70 crossed the state. Unlike most of the other ski towns on this list, Vail was built in direct response to the large number of ski tourists that began pouring into the state after the completion of the mountain road.

This means that the main towns of Vail Village and Lionshead are comparatively new. That might be something you're looking for, but don't expect to find much historic charm here.

Instead, you'll find fine dining, planned development, upscale shopping, and many hotels and condominiums with heavy Bavarian decor and accents, all built in the last 60 years. If you can take a day off the slopes, there are plenty of things to do in the city for all ages and interests. Vail is one of the most modern and active ski resorts in the area.

Sure, Vail can be expensive and yes, it does get crowded. Some experienced and even intermediate skiers and riders may argue that other mountains have more to offer them.

But if you want to ski or ride an epic, beautiful, special, famous mountain that you'll always remember, you have to come to Vail. It's amazing in so many ways, and you'll be glad you tried it.

See relatives: Everything you need to know about flying on skis or snowboarding

8. Telluride Ski Resort

ADDRESS:565 Mountain Village Boulevard, Telluride, CO 81435

Ski ticket:epic pass

If you're looking for a Colorado ski resort and ski town that has it all, you'll love Telluride Ski Resort. In fact, the only negative we can say about Telluride is that it's a little out of the way, so it's hard to get to without a problem.

However, this scam is also a pro because it keeps the masses at bay to some degree, even though Telluride today isn't the secret it was a decade ago. Well, that and the fact that it's quite expensive.

However, Telluride Ski Resort is full of positives. First, Telluride has won countless awards for being one of the best resorts in the nation and the world, up against some pretty tough competition (no pun intended). It offers 2,000 hectares of skiable terrain, 127 slopes and 18 lifts.

There are three amusement parks on site. The highest elevation of the mountain is 13,150 feet, and its vertical feet, served by lifts, are 3,845, but that number increases to 4,425 feet if the walkable area above the lifts is counted. As for the slopes, there are plenty of challenges for intermediate skiers, but there is also enough terrain for beginners that new skiers won't feel left out or bored.

And the town of Telluride is spectacular. Founded in 1878, this charming and historic gold rush town is well preserved. The city sits in a box canyon with towering peaks all around it, and the views are incredible no matter where you are in the city.

A free gondola takes residents and visitors to Mountain Village, Telluride's new twin city at 9,545 feet. Tourists like to stay in both parts of the city. While Telluride is full of charm and great restaurants, the Mountain Village hotels and condos have better amenities.

You will love Telluride. As soon as you arrive you will see why it is popular with so many.

9. Steamboat Ski Area

ADDRESS:2305 Monte Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Ski ticket:Pase IKON

Steamboat Ski Resort is one of the more isolated and secluded resorts on this list, but for many, Northwest Colorado is well worth the trip. Opened in 1963, it sits atop Mount Werner, a mountain named after local Olympic gold medalist and alpine skier Buddy Werner.

Like Copper Mountain, it has a large number of trails in a relatively small area. It offers 170 trails serviced by 21 lifts on 2,965 acres. The trails offer a balance of difficulty levels, with 14% classified as beginner terrain, 42% intermediate terrain, and 44% intermediate terrain.

Many are surprised to learn that Steamboat Ski Resort receives up to 300″ of snow per year. However, this mountain is one of the lowest elevation ski mountains in the state: the summit is 10,568 feet and the foot is only 6,900 feet, making the season in Steamboat shorter than anywhere else in Colorado. However, the lower elevation may be a breath of fresh air for some, as visitors to Steamboat are rarely affected by symptoms of altitude sickness.

In general, this mountain is popular because it is versatile, popular, and known for producing and delivering Olympians.perfect setting for family vacations. Parents will be happy to know that children 12 and under ski for free when accompanied by a parent or grandparent, which is a huge money saver when planning a vacation.

Lift tickets are expensive in Steamboat despite its off-the-beaten-path location, so all visitors are advised to purchase their tickets prior to arrival. Night skiing is also offered at Steamboat Ski Resort, so you can get the most out of your lift ticket if you play your cards right.

Affectionately known as "Ski Town USA", the town of Steamboat Springs is charming and there are plenty of activities to try if you're not into skiing or horseback riding, and there are also some great restaurants and bars to visit. Don't miss the year-round strawberry hot springs.

There's always something going on in Steamboat and it's a fun little town. You'll find plenty of free transportation and transportation options, so you don't need a car if you don't want to rent one. There is also plenty of ski-in ski-out accommodation on the mountain.

See relatives: The Best Things to Do in Estes Park, Colorado

10. Loveland Ski Resort

ADDRESS:I-70, Dillon, CO 80435

Ski ticket:Loveland Package

Anyone who has ever driven through Colorado on I-70 has seen it.Loveland Ski Area. It is located just off the highway just before entering the east entrance of the Eisenhower Tunnel. The Eisenhower Tunnel stands at 11,158' and is one of the highest vehicular tunnels in the world, so it should come as no surprise that the adjacent ski area, which is higher than the street, is one of the highest in the nation.

Its summit is 13,010' and at 12,697' it is the site of the second highest serviced area of ​​elevation in North America. Like the nearby Arapahoe Basin, Loveland Ski Resort has a very long season (usually October through May) due to its elevation and snow cover and is popular for this reason. It is also one of the closest and most accessible ski resorts to Denver.

Loveland Ski Resort gets a LOT of snow, up to 422″ per season. That alone is reason enough to give it a try, but there are other good reasons as well. First, Loveland is much cheaper than many of the other Colorado ski resorts on this list, but it's also usually a bit less crowded than the others.

This ski resort has excellent terrain for experts, especially those who enjoy hiking, but skiers and non-hikers alike can enjoy 94 slopes served by 10 lifts with a good mix of options for beginners, intermediates and advanced. It also offers a separate beginner area that can be accessed by free shuttle, which can be a great convenience for inexperienced skiers who aren't quite ready to take the lift to the top just yet.

As for the negatives, Loveland Ski Resort has some of them too. Due to its altitude it can be very cold and windy and riding the rather slow lifts in these adverse conditions can be quite brutal. The wind can also make fresh snow quite crisp at noon.

Also, Loveland does not offer accommodation, so you will have to drive a bit to find accommodation. Historic Georgetown is the next option and it is very picturesque. Silverthorne, Keystone and Frisco are also not far away for even more options.

11. Monarchberg

ADDRESS:23715 US-50, Exit, CO 81201

Ski ticket:Monarch-Saisonpass

Monarch Mountain is one of the smaller ski resorts on our list. It's just 670 acres of skiable terrain and just 1,162' of vertical. There are also only 63 slopes, two small amusement parks, extreme terrain, and 5 lifts.

But don't be fooled by its small size! There are many great things to be said about Monarch, and it is a mountain not to be overlooked.

Monarch is quite a ways off I-70, which means you won't find many crowds on this mountain despite its small size. As soon as you arrive, you'll find that Monarch has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that welcomes experienced skiers and beginners alike.

It is one of the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado and is ideal for families due to its small size. It snows a lot in this part of Colorado, so you'll find fresh powder almost every day. And there are plenty of slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, but there are also some fun areas for experts, especially if you fancy a little hiking.

Monarch's Lodge is quite limited, but there are plans to expand the facilities and services there. There is no accommodation in this complex; Most people who visit Monarch choose to stay in nearby Salida, which is beautiful and also quite affordable. Others make the journey furtherPagosa Springs for luxury lodgingand soak in the eponymous hot springs after a long day on the slopes.

Monarch Ski Area is smooth, friendly and pure. You will love it. And you'll especially love the amount of money you save there.

See relatives:

12. Crested Butte Mountain Resort

ADDRESS:12 Snowmass Rd, Crested Butte, CO 81225

ski pass: epic pass

Crested Butte Mountain Resortis another ski area that is far from the beaten path traveled by most tourists and even most Coloradans. But that's part of its charm, and it keeps its loyal fans coming back year after year.

This small mountain town is very down-to-earth, laid-back, and friendly, and prides itself on being nothing like the big crowded, upscale, super-popular ski resorts near I-70 and Denver. The city is historic and attractive, and in every way more authentic than most of these other places.

While Crested Butte is much larger than the Monarch Ski Area described above, when it comes to Colorado ski areas, it's smaller. It only offers 1,547 acres of skiable terrain, but it has 16 lifts and 121 trails to try. The maximum height of this mountain is 12,170' and the base height is 9,115'.

This mountain has a good mix of tracks for all levels. On the one hand, it offers steep and rocky sections, tree skiing and, in some areas, mandatory cliff jumping for experts. On the other hand, it also has many routes for beginners and intermediates and is quite family friendly.

Unfortunately, the seasons can be a bit inconsistent in Crested Butte. Some years are good, others are not, and that fact has been a challenge for this ski resort since it opened in 1960. Sometimes the expert areas close for lack of snow or avalanche danger, and that can be a real shame if skiing was the reason you traveled all the way.

Still, there are plenty of things to do away from the mountains in this unassuming little town if conditions aren't quite what you expected one day. It really is one of the best towns to relax, explore and enjoy near a ski mountain in the entire state.

There are plenty of affordable accommodations in town that visitors love, but you'll also find high-end mountain accommodations, some with ski-in ski-out options, in the Mount Crested Butte area. There's a free shuttle between the two areas, so you'll never feel isolated.

13. Beaver Creek Spa

ADDRESS:210 Beaver Creek Plaza, Beaver Creek, CO 81620

Ski ticket:epic pass

Beaver Creek Resort is another large, popular, and well-known ski resort in Colorado that is located just off I-70. It is not far from Vail and is operated by Vail Resorts. Beaver Creek Resort consists of three villages: Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead.

It offers 2,082 acres of skiable terrain and 167 trails and four terrain parks. That's a lot of racing in an area less than half the size of its neighbor Vail.

It also has 25 elevations and 3,340 feet of verticals from its highest elevation of 11,440 feet to its base at 8,100 feet. Beaver Creek Resort receives about 310″ of snow annually.

This resort comes complete with slopes for all levels of skiers, but it does lean a bit more towards the beginner than the expert. However, there are many wide, well-groomed trails andbeautiful views that make this placeA great skiing and horseback riding location for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Beaver Creek Resort is one of the most expensive mountain and ski resorts in Colorado. This Colorado ski resort is an excellent choice for those looking for top-notch service, glitz and glamour. The lifts on the mountain are fast and so is the service at all the restaurants and shops.

Accommodation is exclusive and luxurious, and most are ski-in ski-out, giving you easy access to the slopes and lifts. There is free transportation between towns and Vail is a short and inexpensive bus ride away.

Although Beaver Creek isn't known for its nightlife, this is a fun mountain for vacations in general, and you'll find it's much less crowded than Vail. If money is no object and you like pampering and sophistication, then you will love Beaver Creek.

See relatives: The Ultimate Ski Touring Packing List

14. Resort Purgatorio

ADDRESS:1 place for skiers, Durango, CO 81301

Ski ticket:power pass

Purgatory Resort is often overlooked because it is small and somewhat isolated compared to the larger resorts. However, as with Monarch, these factors are positive traits. Purgatory is a mountain of locals, and you'll usually be surrounded by Coloradans as you explore its 1,500 acres of ski slopes, 105 trails, 5 terrain parks, and ride its 12 lifts.

This mountain is small and affordable, and accommodations in nearby Durango are reasonable as well. Combine these factors with the fact that kids 12 and under ski free with the Power Kids Pass and you're looking at oneski holidayfor the whole family that won't break the bank.

The races in Purgatory are good for beginners and intermediates, but there are also some decent Black Diamond options, though most of them have moguls, so be careful. The snow parks are awesome and there is also a great halfpipe. Accommodations at the resort are quiet and cozy, perfect for families or anyone looking for a quiet weekend skiing or snowboarding.

Purgatory Resort's elevation is low compared to most of the resorts on this list. It's just 10,822' above and 8,793' below, which means it's only 2,029' vertically.

Due to this lower elevation, Purgatory receives less snow than other Colorado ski areas. However, you can expect pleasant temperatures and blue skies most of the time at this Colorado ski resort, which is a big plus for many.

The city of Durango offers a party atmosphere during the ski season and there are many things to do in and around it. It also has a more relaxed western vibe than many of the other Colorado resorts mentioned here, so you may want to bring your cowboy hat and boots if you plan to head into town. But even if you don't, the locals are friendly and welcoming and will make you feel right at home after a long day of outdoor adventures.

15. Ski Cooper

ADDRESS:232 CR 29, Leadville, CO 80461

ski pass: Ski Cooper Season Pass

Ski Cooper is often overlooked. This smaller, more family-friendly mountain is somewhat dwarfed by Copper Mountain, Vail, and Keystone, but for people who go to Cooper to avoid the crowds, that's a very good thing.

In fact, there are people who live in Colorado who haven't even heard of this mountain, even though it's been in business for seven decades, and that means you probably won't have to fight the crowds if you go there. At Ski Cooper you'll find easy parking, few to no lift lines, and plenty of quiet space to enjoy on your own. For many, Ski Cooper is a skiing and horseback riding dream come true.

Yes, Cooper is small. It's the smallest resort on our list with 470 acres of skiable area accessed by lifts. It only has 60 slopes, two chair lifts and three drag lifts, and all the lifts are pretty slow.

The vertical at Ski Cooper is 1,200 feet (despite being a high altitude resort!), and the average snowfall here is only 250″ per year. There are also no luxurious cabins or amenities.

These numbers and factors sound ridiculous compared to other entries on our list. But Ski Cooper is awesome. The views of Mount Massive and Mount Elbert are spectacular.

The 60 trails are split evenly between beginner, intermediate, and intermediate/expert. Everyone is friendly, polite and welcoming. Tuition, rentals, and lift tickets are half or less than most neighboring resorts.

The relaxed atmosphere at Ski Cooper makes the whole mountain feel calm. The drag lift at the back of the mountain has lots of potholes and trees, and the terrain at the front is attractive. That is why people love this mountain, even if it is small. It is also close to Leadville, one of the most interesting and historic cities in the state.

There you will find many affordable and pleasant accommodations. Don't sleep in Ski Cooper. You will love this little complex. It is a hidden gem.

similar resources

• New Mexico vs. Colorado: Which is better?
• Colorado's Most Haunted Hotels to Visit
• Best places to visit in Colorado in winter