10 Best Ski Resorts Near Denver

Breckenridge is one of the most visited ski resorts in the Western Hemisphere. With a summit elevation of almost 13,000 ft, be prepared for a big altitude adjustment before your visit. It’s located in the Tenmile Range, with 5 mountains offering more than 2,900 acres of skiable terrain.

You can find 187 trails and 4 terrain parks, all serviced by one of North America’s highest chairlifts. Breckenridge has an authentic mining town with plenty of shopping, dining, and drinking spots, making it a great après ski destination for just about everyone.

The Vail Ski Resort lies in Eagle County, about 97.5 miles west of Denver. With 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, it’s one of the country’s largest single-mountain ski resorts. It consists of Vail Village, Lionshead, and Golden Peak, all of which have a charming European feel to them and are backed by the Gore Range.

The ski resort has a total of 187 skiing trails, 7 wide-open Back Bowls, and 2 terrain parks. Families can enjoy many winter activities such as ice-skating, sleigh rides, and snow-tubing. Visit in mid-December for Vail Snow Days, a 4-day festival with free live music at Ford Park, late-night parties, and special activities.

Copper Mountain is a naturally divided terrain that welcomes skiers of all levels. It’s in Summit County, around a 2-hour drive west of Denver International Airport via the I-70 W. It has 3 villages – East, Center, and West – hosting excellent lodging, dining, shopping and après ski entertainment.

The 2,500-acre resort has 150 trails with varying difficulty levels, along with 16 miles of cross-country trails and a 5,800-ft-high alpine coaster. An onsite ski school offers seasonal programmes for those wanting to improve their skills. There’s also great ice-skating, snowshoeing and snow-tubing at the Copper Mountain Ski Resort.

The Arapahoe Basin Ski Area offers long-season skiing across over 1,400 acres of terrain. Also known as A-Basin, it has been a favourite among skiers and snowboarders since 1946. It’s part of the Arapaho National Forest in Dillon, around 64 miles west of Denver.

The Arapahoe Basin Ski Area usually opens from October to June. Spring skiing is possible thanks to a good layer of snow on the slopes. It has around 150 trails that mostly suit intermediate to advanced skiers, but there’s also a learner’s slope for beginners. The Arapahoe Basin Ski Area regularly throws in free community events, with rail jams where you can show off your jumping tricks for fun prizes.

The Loveland Ski Area sits at 13,010 ft, making it one of the highest mountains along the Continental Divide. It has almost 100 trails across a 1,800-acre terrain called the Loveland Basin, with most being suitable for intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders.

Beginners can head to Loveland Valley, which has gentle terrain and a ski school. Unlike most resorts in Colorado, the Loveland Ski Area has no lodging options at its base. Most skiers opt to stay in nearby towns like Silverthorne or Georgetown. The Loveland Ski Area is just over an hour's drive west of Denver via the I-70 W.

Echo Mountain is one of the closest ski resorts to Denver, located just 36 miles west of Colorado’s capital. The mountain has 9 runs suited for intermediate-level skiers, but there’s also a beginner area – Yard Sale – for those who want to learn the basics.

Echo Mountain is one of the few ski resorts where you can enjoy night skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. Both activities take place in the intermediate terrain from Wednesdays to Saturdays, between 4.30 pm and 9 pm.

Beaver Creek Resort is a luxury ski destination in Colorado. It covers 1,800 acres of skiable terrain, with 3 European-style villages offering ample dining and shopping options. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy Beaver Creek’s 150 trails.

Beginners can hone their skills at Haymeadow Park, a dedicated learner’s area with its own gondola. You can tackle on-mountain skiing at Red Buffalo Park, which has 13 trails with gorgeous views. Besides winter activities, Beaver Creek Resort hosts a championship golf course and a 530-seat performing arts centre.

Winter Park Resort opens year-round, offering a wide range of outdoor activities on its award-winning terrain. Wintertime sees crowds descending on this ski resort to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, snow-tubing, and cat-skiing. When the snow melts, it becomes a popular playground for mountain biking, hiking, and miniature golfing.

Those planning a snowy adventure at Winter Park Resort can find 166 trails across the so-called Seven Territories. From black diamonds and wide-open bowls to long cruisers and world-class bumps, you’ll find a level that suits your skiing experience. Winter Park Resort lies 66 miles northwest of Downtown Denver. You can get there via Amtrak train, which departs from Union Station on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Keystone Resort is one of the largest ski mountains in North America. It covers more than 3,100 acres of skiable terrain across 3 peaks, namely Dercum, North Peak, and Outback. You can find 128 ski trails of varying lengths and difficulty skills here.

Experienced skiers and snowboarders will love Outback Mountain for its challenging chutes, bowls, and tree runs, while beginners can get the basics down on Dercum Mountain. Families can enjoy snowmobiling or dog-sledding ​while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountain.​​ If you prefer something more laidback, Keystone Resort offers ice-skating opportunities in Dercum Square and Keystone Lake.

Eldora Mountain is one of the smallest ski resorts in Colorado, just 50 miles northwest of Denver. It has 58 trails across a 680-acre terrain, most of which are great for beginners and casual skiers.

Eldora Mountain has a very family-friendly vibe, with a sizable learning terrain for those who want to master the basics before tackling Colorado’s more challenging slopes. Due to its proximity to Denver, Eldora Mountain gets quite busy on winter weekends and holidays. Try to get there early in the morning or plan a weekday visit to avoid crowds.