Colorado Ski Resorts Overview
This page divides the ski resorts into sections according to what vacationers might be looking for in a resort, such as proximity to Denver, full scale resorts with amenities, resorts associated with ski towns, etc. There are links to overviews of each resort. There is also a page with a sortable table to compare features of the resorts. This site has info on All the Colorado Ski Resorts and general Colorado ski vacation information.
Full Scale Colorado Ski Resorts
These resorts have all the amenities. They also have plenty to do besides skiing. For those that want to be in the middle of everything, these are the resorts that provide that. Depending on where you stay, you can walk or take a short free shuttle ride to the slopes and restaurants. You can even stay right on the slopes at some resorts. Some full scale resorts have lots to do with many nightlife options while some have a more low key feel, where the focus is more on the skiing while still providing lodging and restaurants on site. Most resorts have upscale and more affordable lodging and dining options. The full scale resorts are good choices for those wanting a variety of activities to choose from.
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Mountain
Beaver Creek
Breckenridge
Buttermilk
Copper Mountain
Crested Butte
Durango Mountain
Keystone
Ski Granby Ranch
Snowmass
Steamboat
Telluride
Vail
Winter Park
Full Scale Resorts Associated with a Ski Town
These are resorts where a town is next to or intertwined with a resort and can be a big part of a ski vacation. Ski towns generally make it easy for you to get around, often with free shuttles. They also generally provide more nightlife options. There is plenty of shopping in the resort towns. 5 star restaurants and spas can be part of the experience. Most resort towns also have more affordable options too. Resorts associated with ski towns are good choices for those that want to do a lot off the slopes too.
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Mountain
Breckenridge
Buttermilk
Crested Butte
Steamboat
Telluride
Vail
Full Scale Resorts Associated with a Ski Village
These resorts have more of a ski village feel without a mountain town attached to them. These resorts can still offer lots of activities off the slopes. Some are more comparable to ski towns in terms of activities while others have a few less options but still have all the amenities on site. Ski Village type resorts are good choices for those whose focus on skiing but still want all the amenities right there.
Beaver Creek
Copper Mountain
Durango Mountain
Keystone
Ski Granby Ranch
Snowmass
Winter Park
Colorado Ski Resorts with Fewer Amenities
These resorts might have great skiing but don’t have a lot amenities or lodging(if any) on site. Some of these resorts are close to mountain towns with lodging and amenities. This might mean a short drive or shuttle ride and it also often means less expensive lift tickets. These resorts are good choices for those that want a slower pace and lower prices.
Arapahoe Basin
Eldora
Loveland
Monarch Mountain
Powderhorn
Silverton Mountain
Ski Cooper
Sunlight
Wolf Creek
Small Colorado Ski Areas
Besides the massive resorts with thousands of skiable acres, there are a few very small ski areas in Colorado as well. These usually cater to locals who want to avoid longer drive times. They can be a nice place for visitors too, as an added activity on their vacation.