With over 55 peaks higher than 13,000 feet in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, it’s not hard to find a ski resort for some powder fun. The slopes in Colorado offer a wide range of terrain that are ideal for novices seeking an easy challenge or advanced skiers looking to conquer a black diamond run. In addition to great slopes, the top three ski resorts in Colorado offer plenty of additional amenities that add to powder-plastered fun.
Aspen
Aspen has four ski areas with more than 300 ski runs to suit the fancy of any level of skiing. With its ritzy reputation, Aspen is a worldwide magnet for ski enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Skiers fall in love with charm of Aspen. Unlike many other ski resorts, Aspen is not just a town with rows of condos lined up on a slope. It is a town with real roots and exudes a sense of place. This 19th mining boomtown has the perfect mélange of mini-mansions and ordinary homes.
After a day on the slopes, skiers enjoy the swanky downtown area littered with a variety of unique, lively pubs and bars. The J-Bar is an Aspen mainstay and has been serving up cold brews since the 1890’s. The bar is a favorite among locals and newcomers and has a vintage feel. Patrons can hunker down with a beer and peruse a newspaper or take in a TV sports show. For some name-brand entertainment, the Belly Up features top entertainers and is a fun place for drinks and dancing.
With its mix of glam and hometown feel, the skiing culture in Aspen sports a unique personality.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a popular ski resort among ski enthusiasts. This high-ranking ski resort offers five terrain parks and two half pipes. It is also popular for its sleigh rides with huskies and Nordic cross-country skiing. Skiers can enjoy miles of trails through the spruce forests and open beaver meadows. Breckenridge also features ski tunnels and a ski bridge on a continuous looped trail.
This authentic Victorian mining town features an historic downtown with chic shops, fun pubs and gourmet restaurants. With over 25 pubs and bars, the nightlife in Breckenridge is just as exciting as a run down a black diamond slope. After a day on the slopes, skiers can grab an award-winning draft at the Park Avenue Put or enjoy a stunning view of the Rockies from the outdoor heated deck at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Grill. For a night of some fun dancing, the Three 20 South plays tunes all night long. There are also over 200 unique shops along Main Street with specialty items like handmade soaps and Navajo leather goods.
At Breckenridge, the slopes are great, and the downtown area offers an array of fun-filled activities.
Telluride
Telluride is a charming little town nestled in a canyon and surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains on all sides. The town has a non-pretentious ski culture that is friendly and welcoming. Stretching only twelve blocks long and six blocks wide, this ski town exudes an intimate feel for skiers. The powder-capped mountain offers a variety of high peaks with over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain and 115 trails. The mountain also offers slopes for all ski levels. It is a popular destination for ski enthusiasts because its close-knit vibe and great slopes. Free gondola rides are offered for a stunning cityscape view from the mountain top. The town also has some unique restaurants that serve up some tasty American fare.