The 9 Biggest Ski Resorts In Colorado By Skiable Acres
I visited Colorado so many times for skiing and hiking that my husband and I decided to move to the state. We spend most every weekend during the ski season on the ski slopes and have been to ten different ski resorts in the state of Colorado alone and have goals to hit more of them this season and the years to come.
While we’ve visited many of Colorado’s resorts, big and small, there’s nothing quite like visiting Colorado’s largest resorts, as they offer extensive terrain for skiers and snowboarders, along with a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, shopping, and various hotel options.
Here you’ll find a complete guide of the largest ski resorts in Colorado that are worth exploring.
1. Vail Ski Resort
Skiable Acres: 5,317
Vail Ski Resort is one of the most well-known ski spots in the United States, just 1 hour and 35 minutes west of Denver. It’s also the fifth largest in North America, with 5,317 acres of skiable terrain for all skill levels.
I’ve visited Vail many times as a beginner, intermediate, and now advanced skier, and it’s a fantastic place for ski lessons, intermediate blue runs, and its legendary back bowls. The village at the base of the slopes is another highlight, with plenty of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. If it’s your first time skiing in Colorado, Vail is the resort I’d recommend.
2. Aspen Snowmass
Skiable Acres: 3,332
Next up on the list is Aspen Snowmass. If you’re only familiar with Aspen for its celebrity appeal, let me fill you in. Aspen is the ski capital of the world and actually has four different ski mountains: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands.
The largest of these is Aspen Snowmass, boasting 3,332 skiable acres. While all the mountains offer something special, Aspen Snowmass is an excellent choice for groups since it caters to all skill levels and has the most extensive terrain in the area.
Beyond the slopes, the town of Aspen is a real gem. Not only does it offer some of the state’s most stunning mountain views, but its downtown is also a blast with plenty of shops, restaurants, and accommodations. If you’re after high-end luxury, Aspen is the place to be in Colorado.
3. Keystone Ski Resort
Skiable Acres: 3,149
Next on the list is Keystone Ski Resort, the third largest in Colorado, with 3,149 skiable acres that cater to all skill levels. What I really love about Keystone is its proximity to iconic resorts like Breckenridge and Vail, yet it often flies under the radar, making it feel like a hidden gem in the same prime location, just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Denver.
Besides its fantastic terrain and location, I also appreciate Keystone’s convenient parking options, with several lots that allow you to ski right up to your car.
4. Winter Park Resort
Skiable Acres: 3,081
Next on the list is Winter Park Resort, with an impressive 3,081 skiable acres. I’ve skied here countless times, and what I love most about Winter Park is its two distinct mountain areas: Winter Park and Mary Jane. This setup not only provides more runs for skiers and snowboarders but also helps spread out the crowds.
While Winter Park Resort has terrain for all levels, beginners to experts, what stands out to me now is the abundance of advanced terrain, especially in the Mary Jane area. There are countless black diamond runs, and the best part is the convenient parking at the base of both mountains.
If you arrive early, you can park right at the bottom of the slopes, making it easy to ski straight to your car. The Mary Jane parking lot also has a great local vibe, with people grilling, relaxing in soccer chairs by their cars, and dogs running around, enjoying the day with their owners and friends.
5. Steamboat Ski Resort
Skiable Acres: 2,965
Steamboat Ski Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is one of the most underrated ski destinations in the state and a personal favorite of mine. While it requires a bit more effort to reach; you’ll need to fly into Yampa Valley Regional Airport and rent a car, or land in Denver and drive 2 hours and 40 minutes; it’s absolutely worth it.
Steamboat is famous for its legendary champagne powder, and there’s no better place to enjoy a powder day on this unique, fluffy snow. I’ve had some of my all-time favorite skiing experiences here, which says a lot given how often we ski!
Beyond its incredible terrain and epic snow, Steamboat Ski Resort is a must-visit for its charming village area just steps from the slopes and its vibrant downtown, filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and places to stay. It’s the perfect winter getaway, and it often has fewer crowds than the I-70 resorts like Vail and Breckenridge, thanks to its more remote location.
6. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Skiable Acres: 2,908
Breckenridge is right up there with Vail as one of Colorado’s most famous ski resorts. With 2,908 skiable acres, it’s not the largest in the state, but it ranks sixth in size. What I love most about Breckenridge is the diversity of its terrain, making it a great choice for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
However, what truly sets Breckenridge apart is its town. Unlike Vail, known for its traditional village, Breckenridge has an actual town filled with local houses, businesses, shops, restaurants, and hotels, offering a much more authentic local experience.
I especially enjoy strolling down Main Street, taking in the slope views, dining at spots like Downstairs at Eric’s, and soaking up the atmosphere. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.
7. Copper Mountain
Skiable Acres: 2,538
I’ve skied at Copper Mountain many times and am consistently impressed by its fantastic terrain and stunning mountain views. Beyond these highlights, the resort is also a great destination for park enthusiasts.
It features numerous obstacles to challenge yourself with, including the renowned Superpipe. It’s an excellent spot to ride and try out new features.
8. Beaver Creek
Skiable Acres: 2,082
Beaver Creek is a lesser-known Colorado ski resort that offers fantastic skiing with fewer crowds. Located a bit further down I-70, you’ll pass Breckenridge and Vail on the way, and it’s about a 2-hour drive from Denver.
The resort features 2,082 skiable acres with a great mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. For advanced skiers, Beaver Creek also offers some of the best tree skiing in Colorado.
One unique aspect of Beaver Creek is the resort’s extra touches, like serving warm chocolate chip cookies daily at 3:00 PM in the village and at the base of Centennial Express. It’s a great resort for those looking to enjoy fewer crowds, a local vibe, and amenities that go the extra mile.
9. Telluride
Skiable Acres: 2,000+
Telluride is one of my favorite mountains in the world. It’s well-known for attracting celebrities, with Hollywood stars and famous musicians often hitting its slopes. While it might seem a bit intimidating at first, the experience here is nothing short of epic. Unlike Aspen, Telluride isn’t about lavish shopping, though you’ll certainly notice the multimillion-dollar properties.
Beyond the fancy homes and high-profile visitors, Telluride is legendary for its terrain. Ranked ninth on this list, it still boasts over 2,000 skiable acres, with runs that are truly unforgettable. The resort offers a great mix of terrain for beginners, intermediates, and experts, making it perfect for groups or families with varying skill levels.
While the slopes are the highlight, the breathtaking mountain views are a close second; they’re among the best in the state, surrounded by massive, snow-capped peaks. To top it all off, the après-ski experience in downtown Telluride is fantastic, with charming local shops and restaurants, all set against those stunning mountain views.
But the cherry on top is Telluride’s remote location means smaller crowds compared to the I-70 resorts, giving you a more local atmosphere and shorter lift lines and restaurant waits than you’d find in places like Vail or Breckenridge.
Have You Been To Any Of Colorado’s Largest Ski Resorts?
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