An Insider's Guide to Colorado Skiing
blog x the weekend discovery
If you’re a skier, now is the time to start planning your next adventure as the colder weather approaches. Colorado boasts a variety of ski resorts that cater to different skill levels and preferences, ensuring that there’s a perfect match for everyone.
Many ski resorts are reachable within an hour or two of major airports, and a few more destinations have smaller airports, perfect for regional connecting flights or private jets (like Aspen-Pitkin County Airport).
Plan on buying tickets and signing up for lessons (group or private) ahead of time, particularly during peak holidays. And don't forget to dress in layers! The top of the mountain can be much windier and colder than the base.
Best time to visit: In the western states, ski season is longer, running between November and March, with weather-dependent spring skiing possible in April.
Ideal length of stay: 4–6 days is a good range to experience most mountain resorts.
What to wear: Layers are key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer and waterproof outerwear. Don’t forget warm gloves, helmets and goggles. Sunscreen is essential due to high UV reflection off the snow.
Ski School: Most major ski resorts in the U.S. offer excellent ski schools with options for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers. Popular resorts provide private and group lessons for both children and adults.
Parking: Resorts usually have a mix of paid and free parking. Paid parking is typically closer to the lifts, while free lots may require a short shuttle ride. During the busy season, parking lots can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Lift Tickets and Passes: Purchasing lift tickets ahead of time online saves time and money. Many resorts offer significant discounts for pre-purchased multi-day tickets. Consider buying the Ikon or Epic Pass if you're skiing multiple times per season.
Transportation: Renting a car is preferable in some ski destinations. In-town ski resorts, like Vail, Aspen and Park City, are walkable and many hotels provide shuttles to the mountains if needed.
Western airports
Denver International Airport (DEN): 4 hours to Aspen, 2 hours to Vail. Ideal for flexibility but requires a longer drive. Also, bad weather can close some roads.
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE): 10 minutes from Aspen, be mindful that flights often face weather delays.
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): 1.5 hours from Aspen, closer to Vail and Beaver Creek.
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): 1.5 hrs from Telluride.
Colorado
Aspen
Inspired by glamorous European ski towns, Aspen combines world-class skiing with a sophisticated social scene. Skiing here is intertwined with style and luxury, meaning people want to see and be seen, which doesn’t at all diminish the incredible terrain.
Aspen Mountain, or Ajax, is for advanced skiers, with steep and challenging runs. The luxe après-ski scene is strong here — think sipping champagne and fine dining — making it a favorite for high-profile guests seeking elite skiing. In contrast, Aspen Highlands has a more local feel, with the famous Highland Bowl attracting experts with its extreme terrain.
For families and beginners, Buttermilk offers gentle slopes and a welcoming vibe. Buttermilk also hosts the X Games, making it a favorite with the younger crowd. Snowmass rounds out the offerings with ski runs for all skill levels, plus a variety of ski-in/out resorts, making it a convenient choice.
Vail
With its pedestrian-only town center and chalet-style architecture, Vail is reminiscent of a charming Alpine village. Unlike ski-in/ski-out resorts, Vail encourages visitors to drop their gear and explore its two main areas: Vail Village, with a lively après-ski scene, and Lionshead, which is a more family-friendly and relaxed area.
The Front Side of Vail features wide, groomed trails for beginners and intermediates, with runs that lead directly to both Vail Village and Lionshead — ideal for families. For more advanced skiers, the Back Bowls have vast, open powder, offering a rugged, off-piste experience with stunning views.
Blue Sky Basin is for expert skiers in search of adventure, untouched snow and tree skiing. This area has a remote, backcountry feel while still being lift-accessible, with steep runs and challenging glades. Because of these diverse ski areas, Vail is a popular choice for groups and families with different ski levels.
Telluride
Telluride’s rugged mountain beauty and historic, small-town feel appeals to skiers who want a ski-in/ski-out experience in a relaxed, unpretentious destination.
Telluride Mountain has a mix of terrain suitable for all ski levels. The front side includes long, groomed runs for beginners and intermediates (great for families). For more of a challenge, Gold Hill and Palmyra Peak offer steep runs with excellent views and a more rugged, off-piste feel. Revelation Bowl has high-alpine terrain accessible via lift, specifically for advanced skiers.
Telluride’s après-ski scene is more laid-back, with intimate boutiques, art galleries and fine dining, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter, upscale experience.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is the place to go for a low-key vibe popular with families and those looking for a less intense ski experience. Bachelor Gulch is where beginners learn to ski, with well-groomed, easy slopes that aren't intimidating.
While Beaver Creek is known for being family-friendly, advanced skiers can still find a challenge on the Birds of Prey course, used for World Cup races. Arrowhead Mountain touts wide, scenic runs, which gives skiers time to take in the gorgeous scenery.
The down-to-earth vibe extends to Beaver Creek Village, which offers boutique shops and casual après-ski spots. Stay here for a more intimate and friendly feel compared to larger, busier resorts.
Where to stay:
Viceroy Snowmass, Aspen: This luxury resort features modern mountain design and a serene atmosphere with ski-in/ski-out access in Snowmass Village. Ideal for families and couples, it offers an expansive wellness center, gourmet dining and a heated outdoor pool with stunning views of the Rockies.
The Weekend Discovery Perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, Aspen: A landmark in downtown Aspen, known for its stylish decor and lively bar scene, it’s a favorite for those looking to immerse themselves in Aspen’s rich history while enjoying modern amenities like a full-service spa and outdoor heated pool.
The Weekend Discovery Perks perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Little Nell, Aspen: Aspen’s only five-star five-diamond ski-in/out hotel renowned for its personalized service and exclusive access to Aspen Mountain. The property features fine dining at Element 47, a curated wine program and luxurious suites with breathtaking views.
The Weekend Discovery Perks such as a $100 food and beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Sonnenalp Hotel, Vail: With a charming Bavarian design, Sonnenalp blends European elegance with Rocky Mountain adventure. Its cozy suites, award-winning spa, and gourmet dining make it perfect for couples or families seeking an intimate warm setting.
The Weekend Discovery Perksinclude a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Four Seasons Resort And Residences, Vail: Located in the heart of Vail Village, this resort offers spacious suites with fireplaces and mountain views, perfect for families and larger groups. After skiing, relax in the heated outdoor pool or indulge in treatments at the Forbes five-star spa.
When you book Four Seasons with me, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I will be pleased to give you more details.
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, Telluride: Set at the base of Telluride’s slopes, this resort offers stunning mountain views and ski-in/ski-out convenience. With posh rooms, a world-class spa and rooftop ice skating, it’s perfect for both families and couples.
The Weekend Discovery Perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Auberge Residences at Element 52, Telluride: These luxury residences provide a more private experience with ski-in/ski-out access, spacious living areas, and full kitchens, ideal for families or extended stays. Enjoy personalized service, a private funicular, and access to Element 52’s fitness center and spa.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort: Located steps from Beaver Creek’s main chairlift, this family-friendly resort offers spacious accommodations, a kid’s camp, and a luxurious spa. Guests can enjoy heated outdoor pools, fire pits, and slopeside dining.
The Weekend Discovery Perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek: Located on the slopes, this resort has a rustic elegance with ski-in/ski-out access. The property features a spa, gourmet dining and private club-level service.
The Weekend Discovery Perks include a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Beaver Creek Lodge, Autograph Collection: Combines rustic elegance with ski-in/ski-out access in the center of Beaver Creek.
The Weekend Discovery Perks perks include a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
