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Image courtesy of Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
Whether you're chasing the thrill of the slopes or savoring the après-ski scene, the best ski areas in Colorado deliver. This guide helps you navigate all your options, from acclaimed resorts like Aspen and Vail to lesser-known but thrilling choices like Breckenridge and Beaver Creek. We’ll also provide hotel recommendations and other essential tips to elevate your trip — all sourced from Fora travel advisors.
For personalized planning and insider expertise, connect with a Fora Advisor. They’ll help you choose the perfect ski area for your Colorado vacation, secure accommodations that fit your travel style, arrange ground transportation and suggest unique activities to enhance your time off the mountain.
The best Colorado ski areas: Aspen, Snowmass, Vail and Telluride
Most travelers visiting Colorado ski areas choose one of the big four resorts: Aspen and/or Snowmass, Vail or Telluride. These four offer a greater variety of slopes for skiers of all skill levels, plenty to do beyond the slopes and many of the best places to stay in Colorado, including world-class ski-in/out hotels.
Aspen Mountain & Snowmass
Image Courtesy of The Little Nell
Aspen and Snowmass are often lumped together because of their proximity. There are four distinct ski resorts within the greater area: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Each caters to different skill levels and preferences, but collectively, the area is renowned for its sophisticated charm.
Aspen Mountain, sometimes called “Ajax” and widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in Colorado, is popular among advanced skiers for its challenging terrain and iconic runs. The resort also has a great array of hotels, restaurants and other amenities in a European-themed village setting. Aspen Highlands has a sharper focus on the skier, with similarly challenging slopes and a toned-down après-ski atmosphere. Buttermilk is a favorite for beginners and hosts the annual Winter X Games. Snowmass, the largest of the four, offers extensive terrain suitable for all levels, with family-friendly runs, terrain parks and backcountry experiences.
If you want to balance skiing with activities off the slopes, Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are the better choices. Both have a vibrant après-ski scene, world-class dining, high-end shopping and a rich cultural calendar. And the lodging options in Aspen and Snowmass are as diverse as the ski terrain.
Related guides & articles: Travel Guide to Aspen, Colorado, in December & The Best Aspen Restaurants: Fora’s Travel Guide
Where to stay in Aspen for skiing
Image courtesy of Hotel Jerome
Aspen is home to some of the most luxurious accommodations in the region. Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resorts Collection property and Fora Reserve partner, is a stunningly restored historic property that blends modern luxury with Gilded Age refinement. The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a five-star retreat with elegant rooms and prime access to Aspen's world-class skiing and vibrant downtown. (Check out Fora Advisor Rochelle Hathaway‘s overview of The St. Regis Aspen Resort.) The Little Nell is one of the top après-ski lodges around the world and well known for its impeccable service and ski-in/ski-out access.
Fora Advisor Genny Montgomery recommends MOLLIE Aspen, which has more of a chic, boutique hotel vibe: “The design-forward lobby feels like you're in your most fashionable friend's living room.” She also suggested asking your Fora Advisor to request a higher floor for “the best views of the slopes.”
Fora Perks at Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at The St. Regis Aspen Resort:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at The Little Nell:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, complimentary air and concierge services, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at MOLLIE Aspen:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily & upgrade whenever possible.
Related article: 7 Luxurious Aspen Hotels
Where to stay in Snowmass for skiing
Image courtesy of Viceroy Snowmass
Snowmass offers a laid-back atmosphere with a variety of lodging options, from the upscale Viceroy Snowmass to cozy mountain condos perfect for families. The former is a sophisticated and serene mountain resort with ski-in/ski-out access, while the latter can be anything from cozy cabins to luxe retreats. A Fora Advisor can help you sort through all your options (in Aspen, Snowmass or anywhere). Chat with an advisor to get started.
Fora Perks at Viceroy Snowmass:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, complimentary air and concierge services, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Vail Ski Resort
Image courtesy of Sonnenalp Hotel
Vail Ski Resort is one of the largest and most prestigious ski destinations in the world, offering over 5,300 acres of diverse terrain that cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. In particular, the resort is famous for its legendary Back Bowls, which span seven miles and provide expansive, open skiing experiences that are unmatched in North America.
One portion offers meticulously groomed runs perfect for beginners and intermediates, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the resort’s expert terrain, including tree runs and mogul fields. Vail also boasts a state-of-the-art lift system, minimizing wait times and maximizing time on the slopes. And the resort’s two main villages, Vail Village and Lionshead, provide a mix of luxe hotels, fine dining, upscale shopping and top-tier après-ski options.
“Vail is an amazing ski spot for families and couples,” Fora Advisor Theresa Baumann said. She also highlighted Vail Village, noting that it has some of the best food of any of the Colorado mountain towns. “La Nonna Vail is my absolute favorite for Italian: Get an espresso martini — and I have not found a pasta dish I didn't like!”
Vail is also part of the Epic ski pass program, which provides varying tiers of unlimited access to dozens of resorts in North America and globally. Connect with a Fora Advisor for more details on the Epic Pass (or the perks of the Ikon vs. Epic passes).
Where to stay in Vail for skiing
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort And Residences Vail
Vail’s accommodations rival Aspen’s. Our favorites include The Sonnenalp, which offers a charming European-inspired retreat with personalized service, cozy alpine décor and an award-winning spa. Grand Hyatt Vail is a contemporary, ski-in/ski-out resort nestled along Gore Creek, featuring amenities like a heated outdoor pool area. And Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail combines mountain elegance with spacious accommodations, another world-class spa and exceptional dining. Each option is only moments from Vail Village and the slopes.
Fora Perks at Sonnenalp Hotel:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Grand Hyatt Vail:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Resort And Residences Vail:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Related article: Where to Stay in Vail, Colorado: Luxury Hotels & Boutique Ski Resorts
Telluride Ski Resort
Image courtesy of Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
Telluride Ski Resort, secluded in a picturesque box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, boasts stunning scenery, diverse terrain and a quaint, historic town. The resort offers more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, and is friendly to skiers of varying experience levels, with the legendary Gold Hill Chutes and Palmyra Peak rounding out the more difficult (and famous) options.
Telluride's unique lift system provides quick and easy access to the entire mountain, with minimal crowds and short lift lines. In fact, Telluride tends to be the least crowded of the four main ski areas in Colorado. The resort also features one of the highest elevations in Colorado, ensuring excellent snow quality throughout the ski season.
Off the slopes, Telluride's Old West town offers a blend of high-end accommodations, gourmet dining and a vibrant arts and culture scene. The vibe is adventurous, but refined.
Fora Advisor Theresa Baumann said Telluride is her favorite spot to ski in Colorado. She noted that the resort is a little more difficult to get to than the others; Telluride is the only major ski resort that’s out of day-trip range from Denver International Airport (DEN), but it offers amazing skill runs and the town is “perfect and picturesque.” If you’re looking for dining recs (or a place to grab drinks), Theresa suggested Alpino Vino: “The views are amazing but the dishes even better.”
Related guides: Powder on a Budget: How to Get the Best Ski Deals in Telluride & Discover Telluride, Colorado: A Guide to Mountain Adventure and Charm
Where to stay in Telluride for skiing
Image courtesy of Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
Madeline Hotel & Residences, another Auberge Resorts Collection property, is our choice for staying in Telluride. The hotel offers a luxe alpine retreat in the heart of Telluride's Mountain Village, with ski-in/ski-out access, elegant design and stellar views. Expect top-tier amenities, including a full-service spa, a heated outdoor pool and gourmet dining options. A Fora Advisor can provide more suggestions in Telluride or Mountain Village.
“Staying in town or Mountain Village are both great options because you can take advantage of the free gondola between both areas,” Theresa added.
Fora Perks at Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Related article: Where to stay in Telluride: Your Full Guide
Ski areas in Colorado that are lesser known, but still great
Beyond the big four ski areas in Colorado, there are a handful of popular options that offer a more focused or casual experience. These resorts are still great ski destinations, and most still offer solid — even excellent — amenities (hotels, facilities, restaurants…), but perhaps not at the grandiose scale the resorts above are known for. Chat with a Fora Advisor for more details on any of the following — or to plan and book your ski trip, of course.
Beaver Creek Resort
Beaver Creek Resort offers a laid-back skiing experience with well-groomed slopes, excellent service and family-friendly amenities, including a dedicated beginner area and the famous Birds of Prey downhill course.
“While Vail may get all of the attention, drive about 15 minutes further [and you’ll arrive at] Beaver Creek,” Theresa said. She noted that this resort is less crowded but still offers quality slopes. “I personally love the trails a bit more at Beaver Creek!”
Related guide: Property Spotlight: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
Breckenridge Resort
Breckenridge Resort is known for its historic charm and diverse terrain, featuring five peaks that offer something for every level of skier, from gentle beginner runs to challenging expert bowls. Of the lesser-known resorts, Breckenridge is the most expansive (it’s actually larger than Telluride, but doesn’t offer the same caliber of hotels and amenities).
Keystone
Keystone is a family-oriented resort with extensive terrain parks spread across three mountain peaks. Notably, Keystone is one of the most popular night-skiing areas in Colorado.
Steamboat
Steamboat is celebrated for its signature "Champagne Powder" and laid-back, Western vibe. The resort has a wide variety of terrain, including some of the best tree skiing in North America.
Copper Mountain Resort
Copper Mountain Resort provides naturally divided terrain that also appeals to skiers of varying skill levels, from easy greens to steep blacks. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors looking for a well-rounded skiing experience.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte Resort is known as "Colorado's last great ski town," because of its smaller scale and down-to-Earth vibes. However, the terrain is generally challenging and more appropriate for expert skiers.
More ski areas in Colorado
There are plenty more ski areas in Colorado, and a Fora Advisor can still help you plan your trip. Just reach out to get started.
Arapahoe Basin
Cimarron Mountain Club
Cooper
Echo Mountain
Eldora Mountain Resort
Granby Ranch
Hesperus
Howelsen Hill
Kendall Mountain Recreation Area
Loveland Ski Area
Monarch
Powderhorn Resort
Purgatory Resort
Silverton Mountain
Silverton Powdercats
Steamboat Springs
Sunlight Mountain
Winter Park
Wolf Creek
Book your Colorado ski trip with a Fora Advisor
Colorado's ski areas are among the most prestigious snow-sport destinations in the world, offering a variety of slopes and accommodations to suit every preference. Whether you're seeking a luxe, amenity-filled stay in Aspen or a more laid-back experience in Breckenridge, a Fora Advisor can assist in planning your trip. Choose to stay at one of our travel partners' properties, and you’ll enjoy complimentary VIP perks such as spa credits, room upgrades and more. Contact a Fora Advisor to start planning your ski trip today.
Colorado ski area & travel FAQs
Read on for answers to a few common questions about ski areas in Colorado. Or send your questions to a Fora Advisor for a tailored report.
What’s the best month to ski in Colorado? What are the snowiest months?
It varies by resort, but February is generally the best month to ski in Colorado — or at least, it checks the most boxes: Expect slightly longer days, fewer holiday crowds and still-excellent snow conditions.
January and March often see the highest snowfall in Colorado. The former brings consistent snowstorms, leading to deep powder conditions. And the latter is known for its heavy, wet snow, often resulting in significant accumulation. Both still offer great conditions for skiing.
Related article: The Best Time to Visit Colorado: Full Guide
What’s the best airport to fly into to ski in Colorado?
It depends on the resort, but many of the top ski areas in Colorado, such as Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone and Aspen, are within a 1.5- to four-hour drive from Denver International Airport (DEN).
How many ski resorts are in Colorado?
Colorado has 26 official ski resorts, and many areas where you can ski — the difference being that the former offers well-manicured conditions (and at the top resorts, a variety of facilities and après-ski venues).
What’s the most famous ski resort in Colorado?
Aspen arguably has the most name recognition, but among skiers and snowboarders, Vail may be more famous. Vail’s legendary Back Bowls, extensive grooming and sophisticated après-ski scene all contribute to its iconic status, making it the most well-known and visited ski resort in Colorado.
Which ski areas in Colorado are the most expensive?
Image courtesy of The St. Regis Aspen Resort
The major Colorado ski resorts — Vail, Aspen, Snowmass and Telluride — are generally the most expensive. These resorts are by far the most developed, and offer the widest range of amenities and hotels (including luxe properties like Sonnenalp and Hotel Jerome).
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