The Best Ski Resorts in Colorado
Whether you're seeking a glamorous local mountain village or a chilled-out party scene to accompany your days on the slopes, you'll find what you need to make your ski vacation special in Colorado.
Whether you're seeking a glamorous local mountain village or a chilled-out party scene to accompany your days on the slopes, you'll find what you need to make your ski vacation special in Colorado.
A 2018 survey by Ski magazine awarded Telluride the fifth spot in western U.S. ski resorts, and Vogue magazine has recognized the resort as one of their best places to eat on a ski vacation. Located at the southwestern edge of Colorado in Mountain Village, with a skiable area of some 2,000 acres, the resort offers year-round vacation possibilities. In winter, enjoy terrain with over 100 trails split almost equally between expert, intermediate, and amateur levels. Furthermore, you and your family can make the most of the town of Telluride itself, which is notable for its Victorian architecture. Even better, a free gondola connects the historic mining village with the mountain village above.
Eagle County, Colorado is home to this pristine ski resort with a reputation for luxury. At over 5,000 acres and 193 trails, Vail is also the third largest alpine ski resort in America. The nearby Vail village lets you enjoy a balanced getaway, offering ample opportunities for dining, a night out, and retail therapy. In particular, Vail's spa facilities as well as its reputation for great après-ski are much beloved by repeat visitors.
This laid-back resort, which recently added another 468 acres of terrain, offers over 100 well-maintained runs stretching the vast area covered by the basin. Although 60 percent of the runs here are rated and reserved for experts, you'll still find something for every level. The terrain is also served by efficient lift systems connecting all the resort peaks.
Where are the best ski resorts in Colorado? From Breckenridge to Beaver Creek, HomeToGo has done a deep dive into the cost of skiing at 11 resorts across The Centennial State, factoring in the latest prices for 2023/2024. By comparing the price of skiing at a range of top-rated resorts, we're making sure that every skier finds a world-class snow destination that fits their budget!
Our Colorado Ski Price Index includes the price of a lift ticket and the cost per person for an overnight stay at a nearby ski accommodation. We took up-to-date pricing for lift tickets from the resorts, and used HomeToGo's own accommodation pricing data to determine the most affordable ski spots in Colorado for the upcoming season.
Most affordable mountain getaway: Purgatory Resort is the most affordable Colorado ski destination in this year's report. A nearby accommodation and lift ticket will cost approximately $229/skier for the 2023/24 season.
Most affordable lodging: Vacation homes near Winter Park Resort are the most affordable in this ranking according to the median nightly price per person on HomeToGo.
Purgatory offers diverse terrain, from groomed runs to challenging steeps, making it appealing for skiers of all skill levels. It's known for its breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and a vibrant apres-ski scene.
Skiers visit Crested Butte for its legendary steeps, abundant powder, and charming, historic town. It's a haven for advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking challenging terrain and a laid-back, authentic atmosphere.
Winter Park appeals to skiers with its extensive trail network and consistent snowfall. It's family-friendly, with excellent amenities and a wide range of slopes, making it perfect for all levels of skiers.
Keystone is a top choice for those seeking night skiing, terrain parks, and an active nightlife. The resort offers various trails, and the A51 Terrain Park is a major draw for freestyle enthusiasts.
Copper Mountain is known for its well-maintained slopes, terrain variety, and accessible backcountry areas. It's a great destination for those who appreciate a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on skiing and snowboarding.
Ski areas were selected based on the most searched Colorado ski destinations on HomeToGo for the 2023-24 season. From those top searched destinations, a short list of 11 ski areas was created based on those with 44 miles of ski slope or more.
To rank these destinations, HomeToGo used two data points to gauge affordability: the prices of peak-season lift tickets, provided by the resorts, and accommodations, found through HomeToGo’s own data.
Lift ticket: Prices for lift passes were collected from the ski area websites. The lift pass price is for a full day’s skiing for an adult during the 2023-24 ski season. When date selection was required for ticket purchases, February 17, 2024 was selected as the date. These prices were researched in October of 2023 and may include discounts that are offered to customers who buy in advance.
Lodging is based on the median nightly price per person to stay in a vacation rental found on HomeToGo within 2 miles of the ski area between the dates of December 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024.
(*) Prices marked with an asterisk are based on the latest available lift ticket prices for 2023
All prices in USD. Please note that this is a forecast and that prices may change between now and the upcoming season. Prices exclude sales tax.
For additional information, please contact [email protected].
Some Colorado resorts outdo themselves in the provision of family-friendly services and skiing opportunities for junior and beginner skiers. Everything from junior trainers, daycare facilities, and specialized kids' activities for the young ones are provided, much to parents’ delight. Here are three such resorts that are remarkably family-friendly.
Want to go skiing in Colorado and still have plenty to do with your whole family? Keystone's mantra is “skiing and snowboarding are just the beginning.” After you hit the slopes, take a day off and explore the largest known snow fort, or soar downhill on the resort's tubing hill as you take in magnificent views all around you. The vibrant nearby village offers dining and shopping. Furthermore, the resort offers childcare for little ones starting at two months old and going up to six years of age, and kid-friendly events through its Kidtopia program.
Although expert skiers certainly frequent this resort, the trails and runs are clustered according to skill level. Your entire family can easily hit the more child-friendly slopes without worry. The Copper Ski and Ride School also offers award-winning instructors, so your little ones can get comfortable on the slopes in no time. Youth Lessons are offered for three to 17-year-olds, grouped by age, and limited in class size so your child gets plenty of individual instruction. You can also walk from the resort's lifts to the restaurants and shopping of the three nearby villages, where you'll find a spa, cardio center, and ball sports facilities, in addition to kid-friendly events.
At this family ski resort in Colorado, great runs are dotted across the mountain for skiers of all skill levels. The many restaurants and other amenities in this historic Western town ensure your breaks are occupied by fun, food, and drink. What’s more, the established ski school provides great instructors that are trained to bond and help kids perfect their skiing skills. The Kids' Vacation Center offers group lessons for children aged 2.5 years to kindergarten. You can also book a private lesson for your whole family. Even better, skiing here covers a massive amount of terrain, as the resort is spread across six peaks and 3,000 acres.
📏 Average home size | 221 m² |
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💳 Highest rates | in March |
🛏️ Popular home types | Apartment rental and House rental |
🌡️ Hottest months | 72 °F in July and June |
❄️ Coldest months | 3 °F in January and December |
🌧️ Rainiest months | January and February |
January and December are when the temperature is at the lowest in Colorado - something worth bearing in mind when booking your ski trip.
We would advice browsing our incredible selection of Apartment rental and House rental for Skiing in Colorado.
The average price for a vacation rental in Colorado is usually around $336 and $599 per night.
in Colorado, large groups should consider House rental since they usually fit 8 people.