Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe: Navigating Colorado's Ski Resorts

From kid-friendly resorts to mountains made for expert skiers, some tips to find the perfect mountain for you

Colorado has 26 ski resorts, so picking the right one can be difficult. Every resort has its own flavor and a lot depends on the sort of ambiance you’re looking for in a ski vacation. Most places cater to skiers of all levels, so while some mountains are more technical than others, almost all resorts claim to accommodate newbies.

Photo by DeAnna TreVizo

A ski trip with the family can create memories for a lifetime. Whether you rent a big condo or crash in a hotel room covered in gear and toys, a family ski vacation to Colorado is something the family will never forget.

Not only does Kidtopia at Keystone host kid-friendly events like the Holiday Spectacular that runs November 24 through December 24, but there’s also a snow fort and more. This easily navigable village is super fun for kids and families.

Photo by DeAnna TreVizo

Sunlight Mountain has what has been voted the "Best Family Ski Package" in Colorado. It’s the "Ski, Swim, Stay" package and it will wow and delight your family this winter. It includes a variety of hotels to choose from, skiing at Sunlight Mountain and soaking in the largest hot springs pool in the world, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

Photo courtesy of Silverton Mountain Guides

Skiing Silverton Mountain is a bucket-list item for skiers and riders around the country and world. This ski area is in the southwest part of Colorado and receives 400 inches of snowfall annually. You’ll find no groomers or clearcut runs here and there’s no resort experience either. This is a ski area for hardcore skiers that want for nothing more than the sound of their skis cutting through fresh snow.

Photo courtesy of Silverton Mountain Guides

If you are looking to ski a resort with black diamond runs but a resort-like feel, Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort both offer runs that will leave you breathless. Telluride Ski Resort also has terrifying terrain as well as Aspen Snowmass. Do a little research if you’re looking for a mountain that will make you work just a bit harder this winter.

Photo courtesy of Silverton Mountain Guides

If you are looking for a cozy ski trip, Colorado is not short on options. Many towns offer one-bedroom condos with fireplaces that beckon at the end of a long ski day, and romantic candlelit meals.

If you and your partner enjoy a 5-star dinner after a day on the slopes, Vail or Aspen provide some of the finest eateries in Colorado. If nightlife and dancing are what you seek, Breckenridge is best and is an ideal spot for after-dark fun.

With its astounding vistas and picturesque downtown, Crested Butte is a romantic place at any time of year. If soaking is a requirement at the end of your snowy playday, Steamboat Springs offers champagne powder and several hot springs to choose from both in town and out-of-town.

Coloradans have their favorite places, but the real highlight of winter is trying something new and finding the right ski resort for your winter vacation