World-Class Skiing Right in Your Backyard
Ready for skiing and snowboarding season in Colorado? If you’re looking for some of the best powder in the world, you’ll find thousands of skiable acres here in the Rocky Mountains. Vail Resort alone offers 5,317 acres and 195 trails. Plus, there are options for all levels, including Granby Ranch with its gentle slopes and more approachable terrain.
With so many mountains to choose from, it might be tough to decide which one to tackle first. Here, we explore options for Front Range dwellers who want to enjoy the day on the slopes, as well as further-out options if you want to make a weekend out of it—even stay a little longer.
Top 10 Ski Resorts Closest to Denver & Boulder
While traffic can make the drive a little longer, these great spots for skiing and snowboarding are all located less than 100 miles from Denver, perfect for a day trip or an overnight getaway.
- Echo Mountain, 36 Miles from Denver
- Eldora Mountain Resort, 48 Miles
- Loveland Ski Area, 56 Miles
- Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin), 63 Miles
- Winter Park / Mary Jane, 66 Miles
- Keystone Resort, 69 Miles
- Copper Mountain, 77 Miles
- Breckenridge, 81 Miles
- Granby Ranch, 86 Miles
- Vail Ski Resort, 97 Miles
Best Colorado Ski Resorts for a Weekend Trip
Want to live the mountain life for a weekend or longer? Some of the best ski resorts in Colorado are certainly worth the drive. Don’t skip gems like Monarch and Cooper which are smaller but less crowded.
- Aspen Snowmass
- Beaver Creek Ski Resort
- Crested Butte Mountain Resort
- Monarch Mountain
- Powderhorn Mountain Resort
- Purgatory Resort
- Ski Cooper
- Steamboat Ski Resort
- Sunlight Mountain Resort
- Telluride Ski Resort
- Wolf Creek Ski Area
Needed Clothing & Gear When Skiing in Colorado
Snow apparel and gear have come a long way. And any sporting goods store you walk into will have endless options at various price points. It can be overwhelming. So what do you really need to buy, what can you rent, and how do you keep your budget in check? Let’s take a closer look.
WHAT TO WEAR ON THE SLOPES
The golden rule when it comes to clothing is no cotton. Once the material absorbs any moisture, whether snow or your own sweat, it’s no longer insulating and takes a very long time to dry. That trapped in moisture will leave you cold, wet, miserable, and vulnerable to the elements. Instead, use this three-step system:
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Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that fits snuggly against your body but allows for easy movement. Look for either a synthetic material (like polyester) or Merino wool. The biggest difference between these is that polyester will typically dry faster while wool will be more likely to keep you warmer. Pick your priority!
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Next, add a long-sleeve, mid-layer that will hold in your body heat and keep you properly insulated. Options include the ever-popular fleece jacket, as well as a thin down jacket, or a Merino wool sweater. If you’re going skiing during the colder months, you might want to go with a thicker, and thus warmer mid-layer.
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Top it all off with a waterproof yet breathable outer layer. If you’re only going to be skiing a couple of times a year and don’t anticipate being out in extreme weather, you might be fine with water-resistant. When deciding on your jacket and pants/bib, look for something lightweight with ample zipper pockets, as well as extras you might need like zippered armpits that allow you to vent heat if needed.
Don't forget these accessories:
- A hat and beanie/helmet liner, keep an extra in your pack
- Gloves for dexterity or mittens if you prefer warmth
- Quality, insulated socks (again, wool is great)
- Neck gaiter or a balaclava if the temps are going to be frigid
- Goggles or sunglasses if it's not actively snowing
- Helmet—highly recommended, and you can just rent one
All of this can certainly add up, so be sure to check your closets for what you have on hand first, or borrow from a friend. Don't forget to check out thrift stores and local outlet malls for deals. Pay attention to fabrics, materials and features, not just the brand name. For example, $50-100 is the sweet spot when shopping for goggles. Lower-cost options will have fewer features while higher-priced ones will typically be a high-end brand or popular style.
WHAT & WHERE TO RENT SKI GEAR
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding or have limited storage space at home, renting gear might be the best option for you. That includes:
- Skis/Poles
- Snowboard
- Helmet
- Boots
Now, you can either choose to rent from a local retailer or from whatever resort you’re headed to, both of which have their pros and cons.
When you rent from the resort, the biggest benefit is the convenience. No transporting awkward, bulky gear in or on your car. Just roll up and get outfitted on the spot. Plus, you can come back to the shop after a couple of runs if the fit isn’t right or there’s some sort of malfunction.
Renting from a store in town has its advantages as well. Typically, prices are going to be a bit more affordable. You can even shop around for the best deal. Once you arrive at the ski resort, you can then skip the often extremely busy rental counters and hit the slopes right away.
Once you're ready to invest in ski gear, the experts recommend starting with a good pair of comfortable and well-fitting boots. Like shoes, there are boots for every type of foot, activity and performance level.
WHAT TO HAVE IN YOUR PACK
Whether you carry a few items in your pockets or use a small backpack or fanny pack, here are the essentials you might want to have with you out on the slopes:
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm with SPF Protection
- Tissue Pack
- Goggle Wipes
- Hand/Toe Warmer Packs
- Water Bottle or a Hydration Pack
- Protein Bars or Snacks
- Small First Aid Kit
- Secondary Eyewear
- Phone/Wallet or ID
- Extra Layers/Socks
- Backup Hat/Beanie
Now that you know where to go and what gear you need, it’s time to plan out a full winter of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. Don’t forget to check out our list of the 25 best bed and breakfast locations if you decide to extend your ski adventure beyond a one-day trip.
