One of the most popular motivators for a move to Colorado? Enjoying tons of opportunities to ski and snowboard. Whether you’re scoping out a relocation to Colorado or you’re a longtime resident looking to give these winter sports a go, use this handy guide to determine the best Colorado ski resort for your needs.
Best Snow
East coast skiing will never measure up to Colorado powder days — and I’m allowed to say that because I grew up in New Jersey! However, not all Colorado resorts are quite equal when it comes to snow quality and quantity.
If you’re looking for tons of powder to ski or board on, head down to Wolf Creek. Located near Durango, Wolf Creek prides itself on getting the most snow in Colorado. With an annual average of 430 inches, this resort is ideal for lengthy seasons and soft landings.
Looking for powder further north? Steamboat is the home of Champagne Powder — they even trademarked the term! Averaging 307 inches of snowfall per year, Steamboat Springs is a welcoming and laid-back ski resort with nearly 170 named trails.
Best Value
Let’s face it: skiing and snowboarding are some of the least-affordable sports to pick up. However, there are plenty of excellent resorts that offer a great value for passes. They come with a lengthy drive if you live along the Front Range, but resorts like Purgatory, Sunlight Mountain Resort, and Ski Cooper all offer adult day passes for less than $100.
Closer to Denver, you can ski Loveland for around the $100 mark as well, depending on the day of the week and the point in the ski season. Skip the Eisenhower Tunnel traffic and take advantage of excellent snow and wide runs at this seldom-crowded gem right off I-70!
Best for Beginners
Whether you’re a brave soul ready to pick up an extreme sport or whether you’re a parent to beginners, finding the right mountain to start out on is key. Many resorts throughout Colorado offer lessons to help you or the kiddos get started, which is a great way to try out the sport!
Each resort has its own makeup of runs, and some simply have more beginner-friendly terrain than others. At Copper Mountain, 21 percent of trails are meant for beginners, and another 25 percent are perfect for intermediate skiers and boarders. With small class sizes for lessons and a peaceful and accessible learning area, Copper is a great spot for testing the waters…or the powder!
Most Terrain
Looking for a mountain you’ll never get tired of exploring? Vail tops the charts with a stunning 5,000 acres of skiable terrain! With a 10-passenger gondola and three terrain parks, anyone looking for a fast and furious day on the slopes will be impressed by Vail’s offerings.
Best Amenities
For some, a day on the slopes means crushing fifteen runs and heading home. For others, apres-ski is the best time of day! If you love hanging out at the resort amenities and trying new activities at the mountain just as much as you love shredding or skiing, Keystone is a must-visit. With two base areas, countless dining and shopping options, and plenty of entertainment and events, Keystone boasts some of the best amenities in Colorado.
Aside from skiing and boarding, you can try ice skating, tubing, yoga, snowmobiling, and horse-drawn sleigh rides at Keystone! Cross-country skiers can try out the nearby Keystone Nordic Center, full of lovely rolling hills and well-kept groomed routes. Keep things convenient with free parking at the River Run base area, and let the fun carry into the evening with Keystone’s unique night skiing options!
Regardless of your goals, skill level, or budget, there are great resort options in Colorado to explore. I’ve lived in Colorado for decades and am still trying out new places all the time. If you’re looking to move to Colorado or if you’ve got questions about the market here, don’t hesitate to reach out! Give me a call at 719-337-7254 or 720-498-9592.
