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
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