Skiing in Colorado
Colorado is home to some of the most prestigious ski resorts in North America, if not the world, with some of the most authentic ski towns.
With around 50 mountains over 14,000 feet and most resorts receiving over 400 inches of snow per winter, it is easy to see why Colorado is on many people's lists whew considering a ski holiday. Incredible snow, genuine frontier towns, accommodation for all tastes and budgets, immaculately groomed pistes, and it's easy to access from Denver and regional airports.
Colorado Resorts
Based on our personal experience, we've hand-picked 11 major destination resorts offering everything. From high end luxury to low key local, from powder bowls to perfect pistes, the rugged wild west to world class service, the highest state in the USA offers something for everyone.
Driving
Driving in Colorado is relatively easy with the majority of resorts based off Interstate 70 (I-70). When planning to visit multiple resorts, for example on the Colorado Ski Safari, it makes sense and will save you money to visit those that share the same lift pass.
The Epic Pass products cover Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge & Araphoe Basin, while the Route 40 pass covers Winter Park & Steamboat, located on Highway 40. Many of the resorts are in close proximity to other resorts, for example, Keystone and Copper are within 20 minutes of Breckenridge, and Beaver Creek only 45 minutes away.
Driving at night is a little different to the UK as the roads do not have cats eyes due to the snow ploughing that thankfully occurs regularly in winter. We recommend you plan ahead, and if the weather is bad you look at the road bulletins, know your route and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. If you're lucky, you'll spot wildlife on some of the more remote highways, with lay-bys to stop in and get the camera out.
All of our Colorado resorts can be reached by transfer if you prefer not to drive.
Outlet Shopping
When in Colorado we highly recommend the Outlet Shopping in Dillon & Silverthorne, where you'll find over 70% off well-known brands including Levi’s, Timberland and Nike. Dillon & Silverthorne sits just off the I-70 and is easily reached from many of the resorts - 15 minutes from Breckenridge, 10 minutes from Keystone, 35 minutes from Copper Mountain, 1 hour from Steamboat.
Getting There
Denver International Airport is the main hub and gateway for exploring the majority of Colorado's resorts. Even for resorts four hours away such as Aspen, Snowmass & Steamboat, this can often still be the simplest way to reach the resorts. However, with great links to many regional airports, resorts such as Steamboat, Vail, Aspen, Crested Butte and Telluride are easy to access without having the long transfer or drive, it just means one extra flight.