Skiing in Colorado

Colorado’s magnificent Rocky Mountains are a winter wonderland playground for all manner of winter sports.  The State has over fifty peaks which reach above 14,000 feet.  The climate blesses them with an average of 300 sunny days and over 300 inches of snow annually!  We don’t have space here to tell you about all the wonderful places to go skiing and boarding in this beautiful State so please do check them out for yourselves before deciding on a destination. 

The resorts and areas vary in glitziness and rustic western ambiance, so see which suits you best.   Most of the resorts are accessible via Denver’s international airport, and for those with the means, Aspen has a local airport and Vail has the nearby Eagle County Airport.  

From Denver, the Interstate road I-70 into the mountains is very well maintained during winter with an army of snow ploughs running 24/7.  So if based in Denver it’s possible to drive to a different resort each day, although be aware that severe weather can cause the passes to be closed temporarily.  Snow chains and/or tyres are definitely needed. 

There are close to 30 ski resorts and ski areas in Colorado and we cannot possibly do them all justice here - only highlight a few of the popular ones, so please check them out for yourself when you plan your trip.   Other sizeable and popular ski areas and resorts include Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Durango, Keystone, Loveland, Steamboat Springs and Winter Park.

Oh, and please remember that Denver is called The Mile High City for a reason.  When you fly into Denver International airport you are already a mile in the sky, and the bases of most of the resorts are also at high elevations with much thinner air – so go steady with alcohol intake as your tolerance is likely to be affected!

Web site:   www.coloradoski.com

Ski Insurance

An essential part of your ski holiday, Ski Insurance will provide cover for medical expenses and ski injuries including air ambulance from the slopes if needed. Click Here for an Instant Quote.

COLORADO SKI RESORTS

• Aspen
• Breckenridge
• Vail

ASPEN

ASPEN is well known for attracting celebrities and the lovely atmospheric western town buzzes with Hollywood glitz and glamour for après ski.   Aspen is served by the small Aspen-Pitkin Co./Sardy Field airport.   There are plenty of top class galleries, boutiques and upmarket eateries for the most discerning tastes, with prices to match.   The Aspen ski area actually encompasses several separate ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass.   To soothe those sore muscles, take a trip into the delightful western town of Glenwood Springs for a soak in the thermal pools.

Web site:  www.aspensnowmass.com  (all areas)

Aspen Mountain (also known as Ajax) is the impressive mountain that rises above Aspen town and is known for its fantastic views and challenging terrain of bumps and steep slopes.  This is not the place for beginners.  There are double black diamonds and trails through the trees for both boarders and skiers.  For powder skiing, there are snow- cats available to whisk you to the back side of the mountain where you can leave your own fresh tracks.

Aspen Mountain Information
Summit elevation: 11,212’
Vertical Rise: 3,267’
Terrain: 673 acres
Trails: 76 (64 miles of trails, longest run 3 miles)
Annual snowfall: 300 inches
Lifts:  8 (include 1 gondola, 1 high speed quad, 1 HS double)
Skier levels: easiest 0%, more difficult 48%, most difficult 26%, expert 26%

Aspen Highlands is just three miles from Aspen town and tends to be the favourite of locals.  Here you will witness spectacular views of the Maroon Bells area and some lovely groomed runs as well as some advanced terrain. 

Aspen Highlands Mountain Information:
Summit elevation: 11,675’
Vertical rise: 3,635’
Terrain: 1,010 acres
Trails: 131 (75 miles of trails, longest run 3.5 miles)
Skier levels: easiest 18%, more difficult 30%, most difficult 16%, expert 36%
Annual snowfall: 300 inches
Lifts: 5  (3 high-speed quads and two triple chairs)

Snowmass is a great family ski area, adjacent to Snowmass Village, which has lodging and restaurants and is approx. nine miles from Aspen town.

Snowmass Mountain Information:
Terrain:  3,128 acres
Summit Elevation: 12,510’
Lifts: 23  (incl. 2 gondolas, 6 high speed quads, 1  high speed 6-person chair)
Vertical Drop: 4,406’
Trails:  90  (147 miles of trails)
Annual Snowfall: 300 inches
Skier levels: Easiest 6%, more difficult 50%, most difficult 12%, expert 32%
Pipes/Parks: 3 terrain parks, 1 super pipe and 1 mini pipe.

Buttermilk is located three miles from Aspen town and the place to be for beginner skiers and snowboarders with a separate beginner terrain park.  It is not purely a beginner ski area, however, as there are some fun runs for experienced skiers, plus plenty for experts in the terrain park. 

Buttermilk Mountain Information:
Summit Elevation: 9,900’
Vertical rise: 2,030’
Terrain: 435 acres
Trails: 44 (21 miles of trails, longest run 3 miles)
Skier levels: easiest 35%, more difficult 39%, most difficult 26%, expert 0%
Annual snowfall: 200”  
Lifts:  9  (include two high speed quads, 3 doubles)
Terrain Parks: 2  (includes super pipe plus intermediate/advanced park)

Top

BRECKENRIDGE

BRECKENRIDGE  has terrain for all levels of skier spread over its four mountains.  Located 90 miles from Denver, the delightful historic old town of Breckenridge has plenty of shopping, lodging and great restaurants as well as plenty of après ski activity and nightlife.  It is also a reasonable drive from Denver for a day trip. 

Web site:  www.breckenridge.com

Breckenridge Mountain information
Summit Elevation: 12,998’
Base Elevation: 9,600’
Vertical Rise: 3,398’
Lifts: 29  (including 2 high-speed 6 person, 7 high speed quads, 1 gondola)
Terrain Parks: 25 acres
Bowls: 772 acres
Trails: 152
Longest Trail: 3.5 miles
Ski Levels: 14% beginner, 31% low intermediate, 19% intermediate, 36% advanced

Top

VAIL

VAIL is the largest ski area in North America and attracts people from all over the globe to its beautiful valley.   Vail Mountain has three main ski areas, seven bowls - including its famous Back Bowls and four terrain parks.  As well as an incredibly huge mountain and variety of terrain for all levels of skier, Vail Village also has great après ski and nightlife. 

You can wander through Vail’s lovely Tyrolean-style village and feel as though you are in the heart of Europe.  Its pedestrian village provides free buses to take you to the different areas of the village.  You could take the gondola up from the Lionshead area in the morning and end up in Vail Village for après ski and then throw your skis on the side of a bus and ride back, or vice versa.   There are over 100 restaurants, bars and shops.  Set in a long valley, Vail delivers a stunning view whichever way you look and is top-class in every way. 

While you’re in Vail, check out the nearby luxurious Beaver Creek resort where you might find a bit more elbow room during busy times.  www.beavercreek.com
 
Web site:  www.vail.snow.com

Vail Mountain Information
Summit Elevation: 11,570 feet
Base Elevation: 8120 feet
Skiable Terrain: 5,289 acres
Annual Snowfall: 346 inches
Lifts: 34
Trails: 193
Skier levels: 28% beginner, 32% intermediate, 40% advanced.
Terrain Parks: 4