What Is The BEST Time To Ski In Colorado? + Monthly Analysis
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Wondering when the best time to ski in Colorado is? You’ve come to the right place! With 10 years of skiing experience in Colorado, I can tell you all about the prime times to hit the slopes.
My husband and I enjoyed skiing here so much that we moved to Colorado to make the most of every snow day. So, trust me, I know the ideal and not-so-ideal times to ski in this state.
Best Time To Ski In Colorado
The best time to ski in Colorado is from late January to the end of March. During this period, you’ll enjoy frequent snowstorms, a solid base layer, and most, if not all, of the runs will be open. It’s the prime skiing season in Colorado and my personal favorite time to hit the slopes.
December
Colorado’s ski season usually begins before December, but it’s December when things really start to ramp up. By then, the mountains have already seen several snowstorms, the base layer is building up, and more out-of-state skiers and snowboarders are arriving.
More trails are opening, and the holiday season brings a sense of excitement to the slopes. It’s an excellent time for those looking to hit the slopes “early” in the season.
However, it’s not my favorite time because not all the trails are open yet, and the Christmas and New Year holidays bring larger crowds and higher lodging prices.
January
January is when the ski season is typically in full swing. By this time, it has been snowing for several months in the Colorado mountains, and most of the trails are open.
I recommend avoiding New Year’s and MLK Day because people are off work and out of school, leading to crowded slopes. The best time to ski in January is after the MLK holiday, as you’ll experience fewer crowds and a thicker base layer.
February
If I had to choose one month to ski in Colorado, it would definitely be February. By then, the base layer is excellent, and the state experiences frequent snowstorms. There’s only one holiday to watch out for: Presidents Day.
While I usually suggest avoiding holidays due to long lift lines and crowded slopes, I understand the desire to spend every PTO and holiday on the mountain. Presidents’ Day is one of my favorite holidays for skiing because the conditions are usually great which makes up for the longer lines and congested slopes.
March
March is another fantastic month for skiing. Like February, it’s well into the ski season, so the base layer is excellent, and there are still plenty of snowstorms hitting the Colorado mountains.
Additionally, the weather in March starts to warm up a bit, so you can typically ski with fewer layers. While it’s not quite warm enough for spring skiing in just a t-shirt, it’s nice not having to wear 3-4 base layers.
April
April is when spring skiing really comes in full force, with warmer weather around the Colorado mountains. Despite the milder temperatures, April still brings plenty of snowstorms, giving you the best of both worlds: warmer days and powder conditions.
It’s a really enjoyable time to ski in Colorado, but the conditions can be a bit unpredictable, and some resorts start to close towards the end of the month. It’s wise to check each resort’s website in advance.
For the best spring skiing in April, I usually recommend heading to other states and ski resorts like Mt. Bachelor or Palisades Tahoe, known for their exceptional spring skiing.
The Worst Time To Ski In Colorado
Honestly, skiing in Colorado is amazing no matter when you go. There’s no real “worst time” because of the mountain views and amenities. But, some times are less ideal, like the start and end of the season.
October and November are not the best because few trails are open, the base layer is thin, and the snow is unpredictable, making big trips risky. In May and June, while you might see some snowstorms, the base is melting, leading to more icy conditions instead of powder days.
Tips For Skiing In Colorado
Keep diving in as I highlight a few expert tips for making the most of your time skiing in Colorado.
- Pack Plenty Of Layers- Colorado boasts some of the highest elevation ski resorts in North America, which means the weather can be quite cold. I suggest packing plenty of layers and starting your day with them on. As you ski, you can always remove layers if you get too warm. The key is to stay comfortable and prevent chilly weather from affecting your experience on the slopes.
- Stay Hydrated- Due to Colorado’s high elevation and the physical activity of skiing or snowboarding, dehydration can occur easily. To prevent injuries, headaches, or other health issues, it’s crucial to stay well-hydrated both on and off the slopes by drinking plenty of water.
- Mingle With People On Chair Lifts- My husband and I have had countless conversations with others on lifts, where we’ve learned about the top ski slopes, après-ski spots, and insider tips. It’s a great way to enhance the overall experience and gain valuable insights.
- Enjoy The Apres Ski Scene- One of my favorite things to do in Colorado is to enjoy après-ski after a day on the slopes. Make sure to visit a place for a good drink and appetizer, it’s a rewarding and fun experience, with an unparalleled community spirit.
- Head To The Slopes EARLY- If you’re driving from Denver, aim to be on the road by 5:00-5:30 AM. Trust me, the traffic on I-70 can be intense, so it’s wise to set your alarm early and hit the road to avoid getting stuck in hours of congestion.
My Favorite Colorado Ski Resorts
If you know for sure you want to head to Colorado for skiing or snowboarding, I’m so excited for you! If you’re confused about which resort to head to, I get it. Fortunately, I’ve been to countless resorts in Colorado and below I’ve outlined my favorite for you!
1. Aspen
Aspen is known as the ski capital of the world and one of my absolute favorite resorts. It’s home to four different ski resorts: Aspen, Snowmass, Highlands, and Buttermilk, each offering unique terrain and experiences.
Aspen is perfect for a luxurious getaway with stunning mountain views, upscale shopping, and top-notch accommodations. However, it can be pricey and getting there isn’t the easiest unless you’re willing to drive a bit farther or take a flight.
📌 Where To Stay: St. Regis Aspen Resort
2. Telluride
Telluride, much like Aspen, is known for its remote location, spectacular mountain views, and luxurious vibe. It’s a personal favorite of mine because of its charming downtown and breathtaking scenery. The skiing is excellent, and because it’s secluded, there are usually fewer crowds.
However, unlike Aspen, Telluride doesn’t offer luxury shopping options and isn’t as conveniently located as resorts closer to Denver such as Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone.
📌 Where To Stay: Inn At Lost Creek
3. Vail
Vail stands out as one of the world’s most iconic ski resorts. Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy its legendary back bowls, picturesque Vail Village, top-tier amenities, and excellent accommodations.
It’s truly a remarkable experience, but due to its renowned status, crowds can be overwhelming and costs for lift passes, lodging, and dining can be high.
📌 Where To Stay: The Arrabelle At Vail Square
4. Breckenridge
Breckenridge shares similarities with Vail as both are renowned resorts with excellent ski terrain. Breck is famous for having North America’s highest chair lift, the Imperial Express Lift. Its charming town area, while different from Vail Village, offers a delightful and authentic local experience. However, like Vail, Breckenridge also attracts large crowds due to its popularity.
📌 Where To Stay: One Ski Hill, A RockResort
5. A-Basin
One of my other favorite places to ski and snowboard in Colorado is Arapahoe Basin, affectionately known as A-Basin by locals. Here, you’ll find excellent conditions and a more laid-back atmosphere. For a chance to connect with locals, park in the front row of the parking lot along the slopes where they gather for cookouts, drinks, and socializing on “The Beach.”
One downside for visitors flying in is the lack of slopeside lodging, so you’ll need to stay in Dillon, Frisco, or even Denver and drive to the resort. Unlike Vail, Breckenridge, and many others, A-Basin doesn’t offer ski-in, ski-out accommodations.
📌 Where To Stay: Best Western Ptarmigan Lodge
FAQs About The Best Time To Ski In Colorado In Winter
Continue reading below as I answer a handful of frequently asked questions about skiing in Colorado.
Is March too late to ski in Colorado?
March is not too late to ski in Colorado, it’s actually one of the best months to ski in the state.
When can you start skiing in Colorado?
Depending on the snow, you can ski in Colorado as early as October.
Is October too early to ski in Colorado?
While skiing in Colorado is sometimes possible in October, it’s generally considered too early in the season. The conditions may not be ideal, so I recommend waiting until November, and preferably December, for a better experience.
Final Thoughts On The Best Time To Ski In Colorado
From late January to the end of March is the prime time to ski in Colorado. During this period, you’ll find excellent base layers, most trails open, frequent snowstorms, and an unmatched snowy atmosphere.
Colorado is one of my favorite skiing destinations in the world, and if you’re planning a major ski trip, I highly recommend scheduling it between these months for optimal conditions and a memorable experience.
