Colorado Ski Resorts Guide

Colorado is one of the finest ski areas in the country. There are many resorts located in the Colorado portion of the Rocky Mountain range, which is an indication of the popularity of the sport and showcases the beauty of the area. There are resorts available in every price range, and each one has different specialties to meet the various needs of skiers and vacationers alike.

Inexpensive Colorado Resorts

These lower priced resorts do not lack in style or function. Some of the most charming and least crowded resorts fall into this category and are definitely worth a visit.

Arapahoe Basin Ski and Snowboard Resort: This ski and snowboard resort one of the highest elevation resorts in Colorado. The lift ticket price ranges from $60 - $75. Although novice trails do grace the mountainside, most trails are geared towards the expert skier.
Berthoud Pass Ski Area: This was one of the first ski areas in Colorado. Berthoud Pass closed its doors after the 2000-2001 ski season yet it continues to draw backcountry skiers and snowboarders. These adventurists hike up the mountain to ski or snowboard down the powdery trails. Caution should be taken as there is no ski patrol or avalanche monitoring.
Crested Butte Ski and Snowboard Resort: A regular full day adult ticket is $59 and a regular child ticket is $30. This resort has had a lot of recent updates and most of the trails are geared toward beginners and intermediate ski levels.
Cuchara Mountain Resort: Most trails are for beginners and intermediate ski levels. This resort is the smallest and cheapest place to ski in Colorado, with lift tickets only $39.
Eldora Mountain: This resort claims to be the most convenient and family-friendly ski area in town. Ticket prices range from $65 for adults, $39 for children and $38 for seniors. Children under 5 pay $8. A military discount pass is $39.
Howelson Hill Resort: One of the oldest ski resorts still in operation, Howelson Hill has been home to over 60 winter Olympians. An all day adult pass is only $17, a junior/senior pass is only $12, and a child pass is $6.
Loveland Ski Area: Loveland offers a wide range of ski options, from lift tickets that range between $18 and $59, to a complete rental package that includes ski rental, lift ticket, clothing, and goggles for $89 to $99.
Monarch Ski and Snowboard Resort: Monarch Mountain tries to keep a small town, friendly feel. Tickets range from $20 for children and $56 for adults. Discounted tickets can be purchased from the website.
Powderhorn Resort: Lift tickets range from $15 to $53 dollars. This resort accommodates all skill levels.
Purgatory Resort: Home to the snowbike, this resort is one of the newest in the region. Full day tickets during regular season are between $39 and $65
Silver Creek Resort: This resort is on the smaller side and is great for novice skiers and families. Lift tickets are $54 for adults and $32 for kids. Children under 6 ski free.
Ski Cooper: As one of the newer resorts in the area, adult passes are $42, children ski for $23. Military discounts are available.
Sunlight Mountain: A smaller mountain with shorter lines and cheaper lift tickets, locals consider Sunlight Mountain a well kept secret. Tickets range from $10 to $50. Half day tickets are available.

Moderately Priced Colorado Resorts

Most of these affordable resorts cater to families and provide other amenities besides skiing and snowboarding. These resorts require ticket purchases in advance. Multi day tickets are also available and guests can utilize each mountain with one pass.

Copper Mountain Resort: This mountain is ideal for beginner skiers, yet still provides quality trails for advanced level skiers. Lift Tickets must be purchased at least 7 days prior to arrival and are non-refundable. Tickets cost $79 for adults, $48 for children ages 6 – 12, and children under 5 are free.
Beaver Creek: The majority of trails fall into the more difficult skill range, but there are novice trails on this mountain. Lift tickets must be purchased at least three days in advance and are non-refundable. An adult lift ticket price is $85.
Breckenridge Resort: This resort has the highest chairlift in North America. Tickets must be purchased at least three days prior to arrival and are non-refundable. Average lift ticket price is $85.

Luxury Priced Colorado Resorts

These resorts provide top notch facilities and higher prices. There are also a lot of high end stores and boutiques in these areas to please the non-skiers in the group. Celebrities are often spotted here.

Aspen Mountain: The mountain itself, nicknamed Ajax, has some of the highest lift ticket prices in the area, which range from $58 to $92 dollars per day. This mountain offers world class skiing and is not for beginners.
Aspen Highlands: This is where the locals ski as the mountain is less crowded than others in Aspen. Lift tickets range in price from $58 to $92 per day.
Buttermilk Resort: This resort was the home of ESPN’s Winter X games until 2008. Lift tickets are $58 for children between the ages of 7 and 12, $83 dollars for seniors and youth skiers, and $92 dollars for adults.
Keystone Resort: With three mountains within one resort, lift ticket prices are $85 to $92 for adults, $45 to $49 for children, and $75 to $82 for seniors. This resort has the largest terrain night park and many runs are open for skiing under the stars.
Snowmass Ski and Snowboard Resort: This resort is rated as one of the best family ski resorts in Colorado. It features luxurious accommodations at the bottom of the mountain, which provides ski-in and ski-out access. Lift ticket prices range from $58 to $92 dollars.
Steamboat Ski and Snowboard Resort: This place claims to have the best powder snow around. Ticket prices range from $39 to $97.
Telluride Ski and Snowboard Resort: Regular season adult tickets are $92 and child tickets are $56. Early season tickets are less expensive.
Vail Ski and Snowboard Resort: Claiming to be the largest ski resort in America, is also one of the most expensive. Adult lift tickets are $97 and children’s tickets are $61.
Winter Park Resort: Adult tickets are $92 and child tickets are $49. This is the only major ski area with AMTRAK service from Denver’s Union Station