SKI LIKE NEVER BEFORE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF COLORADO!
When we think of Colorado the ski It's the first thing that comes to mind... And how could it not be? It's impossible not to associate one with the other! Its mountains full of reliefs and natural bowls seem to have been specially created so that lovers of this and other snow sports could slide down them at full speed.
Let's get the ski goggles because soon the time is coming ski season and it's time to feel the adrenaline and the fresh air! And it's precisely skiing in colorado There is no comparison, because the truth is that visiting its peaks, which are the highest in the Rocky Mountains, screams out an adventure story that every skier should be a part of.
The Centennial State, also known as the State of the West of the United States, can experience severe blizzards due to its altitude and weather conditions, but between the months of November and April it receives thousands of skiers who are looking for adventure in its different snow resorts and attractions.
DISCOVER THE BEST SKI RESORTS IN COLORADO
ASPEN
The city of Aspen is located in Pitkin County, Colorado, and emerged as a skiing mecca after World War II with the creation of the Aspen Skiing Company, turning this city over the years into an important center of sporting and cultural activities revolving around this sport.
Aspen is made up of 4 different centers with no connection between them and we assure you that it is a city where skiing is possible even if your budget is not the highest, and also if you do not have much skiing experience, since everything will depend on the ski center you choose to visit, and the season in which you go.
Beginners will find the Buttermilk resort and the lower part of Snowmass resort ideal. If you have intermediate skills, you will find the Highlands and Snowmass resorts at their higher levels very useful. And if you are already an advanced or professional skier, opt for Aspen Mountain, although you can't miss the bowl at 'Highlands' station.
Join us to learn more about the ski resorts that make up Aspen!
Aspen Mountain (Ajax)
Located north of the city, Aspen Mountain was the first ski resort in this town, and it has a very particular feature that sets it apart from the rest, and that is that its slopes are of very high difficulty. In fact, they do not offer slopes for beginners at Aspen Mountain. It is made up of multiple intermediate, advanced and expert slopes, so it can be quite exclusive in this sense. It has a total of 76 slopes that are connected by about lifts, and its base is very close to the city itself.
Aspen - Buttermilk
For its part, the Buttermilk station is made up of “easy” and “intermediate” slopes, especially recommended for getting started in the world of skiing, practicing your skills or enjoying the pipes (trick tubes) and Snowparks (snow parks). In addition, its particularities also make it a very family-friendly center, especially for children. It is located north of Aspen Highlands, and has a relatively low altitude.
Aspen - Highlands
You'll find it north of Aspen, located on Highland Peak and Loge Peak.Aspen Highlands stands out from the rest for offering high-mountain skiing (not recommended for intermediates or beginners) that offers its reliefs and natural bowls adapted for the sport: the Highland Bowl, the Olympic Bow and the Steeplechase. So, if you are looking for an extreme experience, this is definitely the place for you.
Apen - Snowmass
Located near Snowmass Village, this resort is undoubtedly one of the most popular in Aspen, and is also the largest of the 4. It has a wide range of slopes for all levels that make it a spot Snowmass is ideal for beginners and family visits, but don't be fooled by this, it also includes high-level runs that are a challenge for more advanced skiers. Snowmass resort has a great atmosphere, hotels, restaurants and shops to shop at.
Aspen as a ski resort is designed to offer an unparalleled experience, able to adapt to the needs of each traveler and their reasons for travel (adventure, family, romance or learning). You can certainly visit all of its resorts, but now you will know which one best suits you.
In addition, the entire space is very well adapted to tourism, and the experience is more pleasant, safe and comfortable, from offering comfortable transport systems, to storage and boot changing spaces so as not to carry extra weight and so you can concentrate your energies on the real reason why we are there... skiing!
COPPER MOUNTAIN
Copper Mountain Resort is a great place to stay, filled with tourists and locals alike, with plenty of trails for all skill levels. Located west of Denver (Colorado's capital), Copper Mountain Resort has 77 easy trails, 50 intermediate trails, and 25 difficult trails, for a total of 152 trails waiting for you. As it is only 8 miles from Frisco (Summit County), you can choose from accommodation options in this nearby town if you want to cut your accommodation budget during your trip, a city that also has tourist fun options such as snow parks, museums, and hiking areas.
However, Copper Mountain Resort itself has its own entertainment facilities, hostel and restaurants that will blow you away, spread across three locations: East Village, The Village at Copper and West Village.
Its bowls are the delight of the most expert in the sport, formed naturally between the mountains, and adapted for the enjoyment of visitors, with numerous slopes available, both groomed and ungroomed.
Please note that the altitude of this station is around 3,000 metres, so you should be prepared to accept this and not let it spoil your trip.
WINTER PARK
Also known as “Colorado’s Favorite,” Winter Park Resort is a resort primarily geared toward advanced and intermediate skiers, although there are some trail options for beginners. Located near the Front Range (about 90 minutes from Denver), Winter Park is perfectly positioned along the Continental Divide, which gives it the advantage of receiving and catching winter storms from almost all sides. What does this mean? Storms will be trapped and add more layers of snow for you to enjoy.
The resort has three peaks (Winter Park, Mary Jane and Vasquez Ridge) that are interconnected and connected by trails and lifts, and can accommodate more than 10,000 people per day of skiing.It has mountain lodges, hotels, and condominium options ranging from the most economical to the most luxurious. And don't be surprised if you find some lodging rooms hidden among the forest of the downtown Winter Park!
In addition, this resort has the great advantage of being adapted to receive people with almost any type of physical disability, who will have the opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard at the National Sports Centre for People with Disabilities (NSCD) located there.
VAIL (VAIL SKI RESORTS)
This resort is the largest in the entire state of Colorado and the third largest in the entire United States. It is located in Eagle County, next to the city of Vail. It will undoubtedly be one of the best vacation experiences you can opt for, since it offers practically everything in its three sections (The Front-Side, Blue Sky Basin, and Black Bowls). It includes slopes mostly for advanced levels, which is why many ski experts come to this resort, but it does offer excellent options for intermediates and beginners that will not disappoint you in the least.
In addition, there are some very picturesque and colonial towns and cities in the Vail Valley, but you will see that the shopping and nightlife are really luxurious! You will find hundreds of lodging alternatives (inns, hotels, houses/cabins and condos) that will adapt to all budgets and tastes due to its wide variety of options, although it is true that it can be one of the most expensive centers in Colorado. If you have the opportunity to invest in this snow experience, it is highly recommended! Although you can also choose to stay in towns close to the station just a few kilometers away.
Fun fact: The town of Vail itself was built after the ski resort opened for business in 1962!
In addition, Vail Ski Resort is comprised of three other resorts, which are considered independent but are operated by Vail Resorts:
- BEAVER CREEK RESORT
You'll find it just 20 minutes from Vail, near the town of Avon. Beaver Creek is synonymous with luxury in every sense, from its brand name stores to the art galleries you come across as you stroll around, making it one of the most elegant, premium and exclusive options.
The ski centre is relatively small compared to other resorts, with one ski mountain made up of three villages. It mostly has slopes for intermediate levels, but there are options for advanced and beginner levels. There is also an ice skating rink that you can't miss!
- BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT
Colloquially known as “Breck,” it is made up of 5 peaks spread throughout Summit County, one of the most visited in the United States each year. The experience in Breckenridge does have a more picturesque, village-like feel, but it does not interrupt in any way its excellent services and accommodation alternatives for all tastes.
It is an extensive snowy terrain that mostly has slopes for expert, advanced and intermediate levels, although you can also find slopes for beginners with a ski school to learn.In addition, you can enjoy parks free-style for the more adventurous, with boxes and railings to slide and jump at full speed, and where you could even come across some renowned professionals practicing for their next competition.
- KEYSTONE RESORT
Keystone Ski Resort is located in the city of the same name in the state of Colorado, very close to Denver, and is also currently operated by Vail Ski Resorts. Its ski complex is made up of 3 mountains, mainly with slopes for advanced and expert skiers, but with options for intermediate and beginner skiers so no one is left out! Keystone is especially nice for its Night Skiing (night skiing) since many of its slopes are specially adapted for this at night.
At Keystone Resort you will find exquisite restaurant options and a variety of shops, as well as more than a thousand accommodation options that will suit your tastes and preferences, from the most cozy and really affordable, to the most luxurious private houses and mountain condos.
In addition, there are areas for horse riding, golf courses, a mountain bike park, spaces for presentations and conferences, and a nearby lake that turns into an ice skating rink when frozen, just a few minutes away.
ARAPAHOE BASIN
Also called “The Basin” or “A-Basin,” Arapahoe Basin is a resort located in the White River National Forest in Colorado. It is a destination especially designed for ski and snowboard experts, as it is mostly made up of advanced level slopes, although it does offer intermediate and beginner slope options, with a learning school. In addition, it is a resort where you can ski until the beginning of June (it could even be extended until July), so on many occasions it is open three months longer than other resorts and this does give it added value.
Please note that there is no accommodation of its own, so you will have to opt for accommodation at the Keystone Resort or in the surrounding towns just 20 minutes away from the ski area, such as Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne and Breckenridge.
LOVELAND
You will find it very close to the city of Georgetown in Colorado, made up of the areas of Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley, which are connected to each other by a bus ride away. Skiers and riders The most extreme types of skiers flock to Loveland, seeking out its 400-inch, traffic-free snow runs and steep slopes that lead into open bowls—much more snow than other ski resorts in Colorado.
However, beginner skiers find great options at this resort, with slopes just as steep, specifically in the Loveland Valley area. It is usually one of the resorts that opens its doors first in the year, with seasons that run from October to May. The accommodation options are quite wide, with alternatives from simple hotels to condos adapted with all the comforts. However, you can opt for lodging in the town of Georgetown, which also has excellent options.
These are some of the best resorts you can visit on your next ski trip to Colorado. Each one is unique in its own way, and you can visit more than one if you wish.
REMEMBER: The ski season is generally between the months of November and April.
As we mentioned earlier, Arapahoe Barin and Loveland are the two resorts that tend to stay open longer than the rest, but the truth is that the opening and closing of the ski seasons is subject to the jurisdiction of each resort.
They generally make their decision based on the amount and level of snow that has fallen during that year.
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN COLORADO
Colorado is a beautiful state that is home to not only skiing, but you can also take advantage of the trip to enjoy other amenities while letting your body rest from so much adventure and adrenaline.
You can also enjoy other unforgettable experiences by visiting the city of Denver and the state of Colorado in general, which are full of interesting places to visit:
- Bike rides
- The Denver Zoo
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- Snowmobile rides in the mountains
- Ice skating on frozen rivers
- Kayaking in Confluence Park
- Washington Park Pedal Boat
- The RiNo ART District
- Shopping
- Pubs and restaurants
- Sports meetings of local teams
…among many other forms of entertainment that Colorado offers.
Remember that when going on ski trips you should always be well prepared for low temperatures, with the appropriate clothing and the necessary equipment, whether your own or rented at the resorts. You should also bear in mind that adventure sports in the snow always involve a degree of risk to consider. That is why it is important to always be well informed, prepared and maintain a good state of alert.
But this ski trip to Colorado promises maximum fun, freedom and adrenaline!
Now that you know a little more about the experience of skiing in Colorado, you can choose the best season and resort for your needs. So don't hesitate any longer and experience for yourself this adventure trip that will mark your life forever!
