Colorado is home to about 30 ski destinations with some of the finest slopes in the world. From sprawling resorts at the base of heated gondolas to purposefully old-school ski hills with the nearest lodging in quaint nearby towns, there is something for everyone here.
Every budget.
Every skill level.
Every type of snow activity.
Ask anyone who skis or rides and they have a favorite spot. But… sometimes, it’s worth trying somewhere new. And… it never ceases to amaze how many folks who live in Colorado have never donned skis or a board. There’s nothing like it—find the right hill and it’s simply magical.
Whether you’re a novice looking to snowplow down your first bunny hill or an expert ready to carve up some backcountry bowls, we have the perfect spot. No long drives on this hand-picked list of six–all of these are within a couple hours of Colorado Springs.
Read on to get the inside scoop on two independent resorts (Monarch Mountain and Ski Cooper), two that take Epic Pass (Breckenridge and Keystone) and two that take Ikon Pass (Arapahoe Basin and Winter Park).
Each of these are amazing destinations with their own distinct personalities, delivering entirely different winter experiences.
Try them all!
‘Tis the season…
Monarch Mountain: Old-School Fun + A Major Expansion
One of Colorado’s oldest ski resorts, Monarch Mountain isn’t fancy—and it doesn’t want to be. Don’t expect posh adjacent-to-the-lifts lodging here.
“It’s not part of our vibe,” says Allie Stevens, marketing manager for Monarch. “We’re not the ski-in, ski-out kind of place. We’re more focused on skiing.”
A quick drive to nearby Salida, Buena Vista or Gunnison (or the small towns in between) yields terrific accommodation options.
Why Drive South?
Generations have learned to ski at this independent, non-Summit County destination and with good reason. It’s affordable, parking is free, and there are loads of easy, breezy green runs and a tubing park. Families love it.
But don’t be fooled: This place isn’t just for beginners. Monarch also offers plenty of blues and blacks, as well as 1,635 acres of expert Cat skiing and riding through bowls, glades, chutes and trees. Included in the price? Avi Float Pack, beacon, lunch, après ski beverage and the opportunity to try out demo/powder equipment.
“Our Cat operation is really incredible,” Stevens says. “Only 12 people a day ski it. It’s generally untouched. You really get these perfect lines. It’s a really fun opportunity.”
And for those diehards who prefer to work for their reward, Monarch Mountain permits uphilling—also called skinning—in some areas, with limited restrictions. Climb up the mountain with skis, skins, boots on feet, and poles in hands. Then, a simple gear transition allows uphillers to ski back down. Monarch season pass holders may obtain a complimentary uphill pass; those who do not have a current Monarch season pass may purchase an uphill season pass for $59.
Massive Expansion
Meanwhile, a project more than a decade in the works is converting 377 acres of backcountry into groomed intermediate and expert trails in the “No Name Basin” area. This will make Monarch one of an elite handful of ski resorts that straddle the Continental Divide, while simultaneously increasing its groomed terrain by nearly 50 percent. A lift is scheduled to be installed this summer and the new area is expected to open for the 2025-26 season.
“We are actively working on that expansion. … People are very excited,” Stevens says. “I don’t think there’s anyone who is not excited about this project. Locally, everyone is stoked.”
85th Anniversary
There’s no better time to try out Monarch than now—during its 85th anniversary celebration. To mark the occasion, the resort hired local tintype photographer Tim Brown to recreate 1940s photos from Monarch Mountain. Then, the resort reached out to the local community to ask if anyone had vintage ski gear or apparel to lend for the photos.
“It was incredible how the community came back,” says Eva Egbert, Monarch’s marketing admin manager. Hundreds of ski boots. Gorgeous 1940s sweaters. Vintage skis.
The resort is also bringing back a former Olympic sport for one day only: ski ballet. This “ballet” on skis is similar to figure skating, with jumps, spins and flips in a timed routine, choreographed to music. It was part of the professional freestyle skiing tours of the ‘70s and ‘80s and an official International Ski and Snowboard Federation and Olympic discipline until 2000. Mark April 5 on your calendar for Ski Ballet on the Freeway.
In addition to day passes, season passes, free days from partner resorts as well as military, veteran and college student discounts, Monarch offers weekday “migration” tickets for $69.
“We want you to come try out Monarch,” Stevens says. “If you have a season pass from any other ski area, you can bring that pass to our ticket window.”
And… bonus! Anyone with a Monarch Mountain season pass from any year can take advantage of renewal rates during this 85th anniversary year. Whoosh!
Website: https://skimonarch.com/
Facebook: @MonarchMtn
Instagram: @MonarchMountain
Ski Cooper: Small Ski Resort; Big Ski History
Authentic. The word might be overused these days, but when it comes to Ski Cooper, few describe it as precisely.
Picture it: virtually no crowds or lines—just soft, natural snow and friendly faces.
“It’s kind of old-fashioned,” CEO Dan Torsell says—not as an apology, but rather as a badge of honor for this beloved 480-acre, independent resort near the historic mining town of Leadville.
With stunning views of the Sawatch Range and a rich history reaching back to the 1940s, Ski Cooper offers a relaxed, community-focused experience.
A Fascinating History
The year was 1942. America had recently entered World War II. The U.S. Army selected a site near an isolated railroad stop to build Camp Hale, where the ski troopers of the 10th Mountain Division would be trained to fight in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe.
About 250 inches of annual snowfall ensured a six-month ski training season at the nearby Cooper Hill. Soldiers were trained in climbing, skiing, cold-weather survival and weaponry, then sent to Italy in 1945. Their heroics are legendary.
Some of the soldiers who trained here went on to become pioneers in the ski industry. Today, Ski Cooper honors this history with a small and fascinating museum and an annual event: 10th Mountain Day Friday. This season, it will be held on February 21.
“It’s a really cool event. … It’s a big, long serpentine parade,” Torsell says.
Until recently, World War II veterans were among the attendees. Today, their descendants stand in for them, skiing down Molly Mayfield Run to the lodge alongside flag bearers, veterans, active-duty military members and others.
Transition from Military Training Camp to Ski Resort
After the war ended, the ski hill opened to the public. Over the years, it has developed bit by bit, while preserving its easygoing vibe. Cooper feels like a step back in time to an era when skiing was about the experience, not the status.
In recent years, the base area facilities have been upgraded—an interior remodel of the lodge, a cafeteria update and a facelift on the third floor, which houses the 10th Mountain Division Museum.
“We spruced that up,” Torsell says. “It looks really sharp.”
Next up? The mountain. The resort is slowly working toward some additional development—another ski lift and adding on to the base lodge.
“These things don’t come quickly for a lot of reasons,” Torsell says. “We are a non-profit corporation. We don’t incur debt.”
Instead, they do as parents advise their children to do: put their earnings in the bank and/or invest them until they have saved enough to pay cash for their wish list—one thing at a time.
Skiing + Snowboarding for All Levels
Ski Cooper may be small compared to some of its neighbors, but it punches above its weight in variety of terrain and accessibility. The resort offers 64 trails served by 5 lifts. Hit the front side of the mountain for greens, blues and easier blacks. Try the Tennessee Creek Basin area for a worthy assortment of double-black diamond runs.
“It’s very steep,” Torsell says of the TCB. “There is quite a bit of tight glade skiing.”
Book a snowcat tour of the 2,600-acre Chicago Ridge backcountry area for powder, bowls and timber skiing. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, they offer uphilling. Looking for something totally different? Book a snowcat ride to the top for a gourmet meal in a mountaintop yurt. Return to base by snowcat or ski down with a guide and a headlamp.
Family-Friendly Vibe and Affordable Pricing
Lift tickets are more affordable here, making it a great choice for families, beginners or anyone looking to enjoy a day on the slopes without breaking the bank. This season, $45 day passes are available for those aged 22-74 on Mondays-Thursdays (except holidays and spring break). Kids aged 6-14 can ski anytime for $35. Military discounts are solid. Anyone five and under or 75 and older can buy a season pass for just $10. And parking is close and free.
“I think it’s a great deal to come here,” Torsell says.
Asked what makes Ski Cooper special, Torsell thinks only for a moment before answering, “The people make Ski Cooper special.”
Website: https://www.skicooper.com/
Facebook: @SkiCooperChicagoRidge
Instagram: @SkiCooper
Winter Park Ski Resort: Loads of Adventure, Close to Home
Opened in 1940 with a vision of creating a place where everyone would feel welcome and reach their full potential on the slopes, Winter Park has evolved into a premier mountain resort delivering an unforgettable experience for all ages and abilities. After more than 80 years of growth and innovation, Winter Park continues to live up to its founders’ dream, offering adventure and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Easy Access and World-Class Terrain
It’s an easy drive and an even easier train ride. The Winter Park Express—a train service from Denver’s Union Station—offers a scenic, affordable and stress-free journey directly to the resort.
Seven distinct territories await, boasting 166 trails spread over 3,081 acres of skiable terrain—from the gentle runs of Butch’s Breezeway to the challenging moguls of Outhouse. Want to add a little intrigue to your day? Head to Medicine Man Trail to Find the Tree of Skulls—covered in mounted deer, elk and horse skulls by hunters long ago.
The Ultimate in Family Fun
Winter Park offers a range of activities designed for kids, teens and adults alike. The resort's new Learn-to-Ski Guarantee ensures beginners feel confident on the slopes. Unable to ski designated slopes to your instructor's satisfaction by the end of your third lesson? Your fourth one is free.
In addition to skiing, families can explore a variety of non-ski activities, such as tubing, snowshoeing, ski biking and snow biking.
For those seeking some après-ski fun, the Sundog Tap Room—offering a great selection of craft beers—is the perfect spot to relax after a day on the slopes.
A Legacy of Inclusion
Winter Park’s commitment to making skiing accessible to everyone is evident in its adaptive sports program, which opened in 1974. Spearheaded by a ski instructor named Hal O'Leary, the vision was to create a program where individuals with disabilities could enjoy the thrill of skiing.
His legacy continues today through the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), one of the premier adaptive sports organizations in the world. It offers skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities to people of all abilities, and Winter Park remains a model for adaptive skiing.
New Upgrades and Ongoing Innovation
Recent investments ensure that Winter Park continues to thrive. Last year, the resort unveiled more than $100 million in upgrades, including new lifts, expanded terrain and innovative dining options. Winter Park has also improved its snowmaking capabilities, ensuring optimal conditions for skiing all season long.
Check out this Colorado gem to discover why USA Today has named Winter Park #1 Ski Resort in America three times. It's simply spectacular.
Website: https://www.winterparkresort.com/
Facebook: @WinterParkResortCO
Instagram: @WinterParkResort
Arapahoe Basin: The Longest Ski Season in Colorado
With a 10,520-foot base elevation, snow comes early to Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, and it sticks around, giving skiers and snowboarders more time on the slopes—a whopping 222 days last season.
This place offers big-mountain experiences with a small-mountain feel: not too big, not too small… just right.
“Worry about your turns, don’t worry about how you’ll find your way back home,” says Shayna Silverman, A-Basin’s communications manager. “Rest assured all lifts funnel out to our base area. … And, I can’t deny that 1,428 acres couldn’t feel any bigger once you’re looking at it up above 13,000 feet on the East Wall.”
For the uninitiated, the East Wall is A-Basin’s most legendary expert terrain, with spectacular views, rocky chutes and some of the steepest terrain in Colorado. Then, there are the Steep Gullies—originally backcountry terrain that is now in-bounds.
Great for Beginner and Intermediate Skiers, Too
New to the sport? A-Basin has an affordable snow sports school. The instructors deliver confidence-building experiences in the Molly Hogan learning area and beyond.
“Our atmosphere is always laid-back and welcoming, and the deck of the 6th Alley Bar & Grill is the perfect place to celebrate your success with a delicious lunch,” Silverman says. “As we always say: If you learn to ski or ride here, you can ski or ride anywhere!”
Is blue more your color? Two words: Montezuma Bowl. Also known as ‘Zuma, this is A-Basin’s backside, with intermediate terrain known for wide-open bowl skiing and riding.
Homemade Meals + Bacon Bloody Marys
6th Alley features a two-story deck and a lively bar at the base area. Black Mountain Lodge offers house-smoked BBQ and special moonlight dinners. Steilhang serves German fare in an Alpine hut. And European-style bistro il Rifugio at Snow Plume is the highest-elevation restaurant in North America.
Don’t miss the Bacon Bloody Mary, a 6th Alley original. New for the 2024-25 winter season: Guests may purchase bottles of bacon-infused vodka right at the restaurant.
Steeps, Deeps and… A Beach?
Although A-Basin has no on-site lodging, there are a wealth of great spots nearby in Summit County. But if you’re looking for that ski-in, ski-out feel, just head to The Beach. This front-row parking area adjacent to the lifts is home to parties, reunions and other gatherings.
“With steeps, deeps, and no lift lines, Arapahoe Basin invites you to leave no stash untouched, no line unturned, and no days behind this winter. … On top of our world-class mountain, we firmly value quality over quantity and work towards keeping this a beautiful, laid-back ski area with room on the slopes and a seat at the bar,” Silverman says.
Website: https://www.arapahoebasin.com/
Facebook: @ArapahoeBasinSkiArea
Instagram: @Arapahoe_Basin
Breckenridge Ski Resort: A Charming Colorado Classic with all of the Amenities
One mountain. Five peaks. About 3,000 acres of terrain. Thirty-five chair lifts, including the Imperial SuperChair—North America's highest at 12,840 feet. Endless lodging, shopping and dining options. Free public transportation. A full calendar of festivals and events. And 187 ski trails of every shape and color.
Breckenridge has it all—no compromises needed.
“We like to say you don’t come to Breck to get away from it all, you come to be a part of it all,” says Sarah McLear, senior communications specialist with Vail Resorts.
The mountain is connected to the town of Breckenridge via the free BreckConnect Gondola and a free bus and trolley system. Breck’s charming Main Street, lined with gorgeous historic buildings, offers an array of upscale boutiques, art galleries, cozy cafes and chic restaurants. If skiing isn’t your thing, simply enjoy browsing the shops and sampling the tastes of the town.
A Storied History
Breckenridge’s roots stretch back to the 1800s, when it was settled as a gold mining camp. The ski resort opened in 1961, thanks to the vision of Bill Rounds, who purchased thousands of acres of land in and around Breck, and Sigurd Rockne and Trygve Berge, a pair of Olympic skiers from Norway who were working as ski instructors at Aspen.
“Sigurd and Trygve set the tone from the beginning that Breck would be all about fun and sharing the joy of skiing,” McLear says. “Trygve often entertained the weekend crowds with his famous flips on skis and Sigurd was known for jumping over cars on skis.”
They brought their Norwegian roots to Main Street when they hosted the first Ullr Fest. The community still comes together every December, donning Viking horns, fur, and costumes for a massive bonfire to praise Ullr, the Norse god of snow.
What's New for the 2024-25 Season?
Look for new signature menu items this season, as well as a new gear membership program called My Epic Gear billed as better than renting and easier than owning. The resort is also committed to sustainability, with new waste sorting stations and a plastic-free dining initiative.
And… Breckenridge’s terrain parks are gaining attention.
“Last year, our park crew really transformed the terrain park experience at Breck to focus on progression. … From boxes to rails to jumps, our terrain parks are designed to naturally allow skiers and riders to work their way between parks,” McLear says.
Why Visit?
There is always something going on from first chair to last call. Whether you’re an avid skier, a beginning boarder, an uphiller or simply someone looking to relax in a stunning mountain town, Breckenridge has the whole package.
Website: https://gobreck.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @GoBreck
Keystone Ski Resort: A Mountain of Fun for Everyone
Keystone Ski Resort offers much more than just world-class skiing—it’s the perfect winter playground for adventurers of all ages.
Skiing + Snowboarding
With three peaks for skiing and snowboarding and state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment to keep them white if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, Keystone caters to all experience levels, with a soft spot for families.
“At Keystone, we work hard to make it easy for families,” says Sarah McLear, senior communications specialist with Vail Resorts. “We all know skiing and riding with kiddos comes with its own set of challenges, and we do our best to make every step as smooth as possible for guests and their little ones.”
Lodging options steps from the lifts. A free ski day for kids when families book two nights of lodging through Keystone. Well-equipped learning zones and amazing runs. Take Schoolmarm, a legendary 3.5-mile beginner trail that winds gently down Dercum Mountain. When beginners are ready to level up, they can hop over the Ten Mile trail–the highest green trail in the country!
Intermediate and expert skiers… don’t fret. They have you covered, too. Try Bergman and Erickson Bowls or The Outback.
Not ready for your day to end? Slip back into your gear for night skiing and riding out of River Run Village on select weekends and holidays.
Non-Downhill Adventures
Okay. So the resort has great slopes. What else?
"At Keystone, skiing and snowboarding are just the beginning," McLear explains.
Snow tube through the world’s largest mountaintop snow fort or at the nearby Adventure Point Tubing. Skate on outdoor rinks. Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at the Keystone Nordic Center. Or take a scenic sleigh ride dinner through the picturesque Soda Creek Valley.
Hungry? Timber Ridge Lodge on North Peak offers international cuisine or enjoy the on-hill BBQ at Labonte’s Smokehouse outside on the “snow beach.” The Last Lift Bar in Mountain House is a local favorite—relaxed with live music. Keystone Ranch offers a AAA 4-Diamond experience, while the Ski Tip Lodge has a prix fixe menu served in a historic cabin.
New for 2024-25: More Luxury + Family Fun
The Bergman Express lift, which opened last year, gives direct access to high alpine terrain, and the new Kindred Resort will bring luxury ski-in/ski-out lodging to the resort by summer. Keystone is now home to the highest Build-A-Bear Workshop in the world. And for those looking for après-ski relaxation, check out the pour-your-own tap wall at the Rathbone Tap Room.
“Keystone has something truly unique to offer every kind of guest—whether they are a black diamond skier, first timer, or want to explore without ever hitting the slopes,” McLear says.
Website: https://www.keystoneresort.com/
Facebook: @Keystone
Instagram: @Keystone_Resort