Tips for Your Colorado Ski Vacation
There’s very good reasons for Colorado to top the lists for the best state to ski every year. Colorado ski resorts are some of the best in the country. The state brings in over 14 million visitors annually during the winter ski season. From the steep slopes of Crested Butte to the notorious Vail back bowls, Colorado’s ski resorts are legendary. Colorado’s popularity lies primarily in its high altitude terrain with some resorts topping out at 14,000 feet. Add in 300+ inches of fluffy, dry snow annually and spectacular Rocky Mountain views and you’ve got the perfect ski destination. Colorado boasts 26 ski resorts across 15 different mountain ranges, making it a fantastic choice for your next ski trip.
If you know you’re heading to Colorado, choosing which ski resort to visit out of so many fantastic choices can be a challenge! Most visitors fly into the Mile High City of Denver, where they can easily access many of the state’s most popular ski resorts. Heading to other parts of the states like the southwest will give you access to some of the least crowded resorts. Difficult decisions… but we’ve got your back. Read on for recommendations on our favorite Colorado ski resorts, plus tips on how to make the most of your Colorado ski vacation.
Select the best ski resort in Colorado based on how far you want to drive
Ski Resorts near Denver (2-3 hours drive)
Denver is the largest city in Colorado. It has a large international airport, hosting flights on all the major airlines from most major domestic cities and many international as well. Many ski and snowboard enthusiasts fly into Denver because of its proximity to a large number of world-class ski resorts. These resorts are likely to be busier than ski resorts in other parts of the state because of the convenience of flying into Denver and easy access via I-70, but most of these resorts also have a ton of terrain to spread people out.
Ski Resorts: 3+ hours from Denver
There are many wonderful ski resorts in Colorado that are a bit farther of a drive from Denver. These are typically located off the “main drag” of I-70, and if you are willing to make the drive, you will typically see fewer people and less lines at these resorts. Our favorite ski resorts that are a 3+ hour drive from Denver are located in some of our favorite Colorado ski towns.
Southwest Colorado Ski Resorts
Southwest Colorado is home to some of the state’s most rugged terrain and high peaks. It also has some of the best ski resorts in Colorado. The resorts here aren’t connected by an interstate; instead you find yourself traveling on state highways like Highway 550 (also known as the Million Dollar Highway) that take you through breathtaking mountains with an abundance of scenic vistas. There are a couple of different airports that you can choose to fly into to access these resorts, including Durango-La Plata County Airport, Montrose Regional Airport and Telluride Regional Airport. Flying directly into Telluride may be more expensive, so Durango or Montrose is typically a less costly option, but requires a bit more driving. The lack of proximity to a large international airport means the resorts in this part of the state are also less crowded.
Consider taking a lesson to improve your skills
If you are new to skiing or snowboarding, or looking to improve your skills, you may want to consider taking a lesson at the ski resort. Most resorts offer lessons for all levels, both group and private. It’s a great way to ensure you and your group stay safe, improve your skills, and make the most out of your trip to Colorado. You can also use a lesson to help you feel more confident on the mountain – whether it’s tackling the black diamond runs, the terrain park or those daunting moguls.
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding and are taking a group trip, consider taking a lesson at a ski resort close to where you live if it’s possible. For example, if you live in Atlanta and have a ski trip coming up in Colorado, you can visit a smaller resort in North Carolina to take a lesson in advance. In most cases, these lessons will be less expensive, and you’ll get the hang of the sport before going out with your group. It will make you more confident, you’ll get used to your gear and the ski lifts, and get through all of the early learnings of getting into the sport.
Take a shuttle to the resort (or at least rent a 4×4)
Winter driving in Colorado can be unpredictable even along the interstates. I-70 isn’t your normal interstate, it goes right through the mountains with high elevation passes and frequent snowstorms. We recommend taking a shuttle from the airport to avoid having to worry about driving, or rent a 4×4 or AWD vehicle to ensure your safety. You can even take a train right from downtown Denver to Winter Park Ski Resort!
Many roads, including I-70, require 4×4, snow tires and/or chains on vehicles while it’s snowing. You don’t want to miss out on a day of skiing because you didn’t have the right vehicle. Most ski towns are easily walkable and/or have ski shuttles within the town and to the ski resort, so vehicles aren’t typically needed once you arrive.
Prepare for the weather and altitude
Colorado can be a land of extremes so it is important to be prepared! Before visiting, track the weather and temperatures and consider the activities you have planned. Packing layers is important for all outdoor activities, and helps to ensure you can adjust your attire accordingly based on the weather and your activity level. It can get quite chilly in the mountains and if you aren’t prepared with what to pack for your ski trip, you will may miss out on some of the best adventures!
To get ready for the high elevation, increase your cardio activities pre-trip, because the better cardio shape you are in, the less likely you will feel negative effects from the elevation. You can prepare yourself and your lungs for that “out of breath” feeling at higher elevations when you don’t have as much oxygen to work with. More hydration is also necessary at higher elevations, especially when you are active. Drinking more water leading up to your trip is smart so that you get in the habit of it before you will really need to.
Rent gear in advance, and choose delivery
Let’s face it, ski and snowboard gear is expensive and can be a hassle to transport. Especially if you only ski a couple times a year or less. When you rent equipment at your destination, you can save yourself the headache of transporting and maintaining gear, and you get to try out the newest equipment on each trip. With delivery options available almost everywhere, ski rental is a breeze. Book your gear easily online and have it delivered to your accommodation the evening before your first ski day. Remember that availability can be tight, especially during holidays and peak times, so book your rental gear online as far in advance as possible.
Buy lift tickets online to save time and money
Lift ticket prices have skyrocketed in recent years, but there are still great ways to save your hard earned dough. The closer you get to your ski date, the more expensive lift tickets will be. Buying lift tickets online in advance will give you a much better deal, plus less of a wait at the slopes! If you are skiing more than 1 day, another great way to save is to buy a multi-day lift ticket, which typically costs less per day than buying individual single day tickets.
Include a day off of skiing in your trip itinerary
When planning your trip, include an extra day in your itinerary so you can enjoy other winter activities. Most ski destinations have plenty of other winter activities like snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating, ice climbing, hot springs and more. Taking a break from shredding the slopes can allow you to look for wildlife, enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature, or take up a new activity you’ve never tried before!
Care for Colorado
TripOutside is a member of the Care for Colorado coalition and Leave No Trace. The coalition promotes the seven Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles, which were created as a direct response to concerns about visitor impacts on our cultural and natural resources. Our goal is to encourage widespread adoption and awareness of these principles by communities, residents, and visitors, empowering everyone to protect the experiences they love in Colorado. Please follow Leave No Trace principles during your visit and Do Colorado Right!
No matter where you decide to ski in Colorado this winter, you are bound to have a great time. Remember to recreate responsibly, and follow leave no trace principles to ensure our wilderness areas stay pristine for generations to come. Whether you are staying close to Denver or getting off the beaten path in the southwest, Colorado will make a wonderful destination for your next ski trip.
