Photo Credit: bgraun
A Colorado ski trip has become an annual event for many people around the U.S. and around the world. There’s plenty of reason for this and it can be found in the charming mountain towns and on the slopes of world-class resorts like Vail, Steamboat and Arapahoe Basin, just to name a few. To skiers, snowboarders and winter sports enthusiasts alike, there’s simply no vacation like a Colorado ski vacation. But with so many top-tier destinations throughout the state, the only question becomes where to go? Hopefully this article will help as I lay out some of the best ski areas to consider this season.
Aspen
Located just north of the town of Aspen and on the north side of the mountain, Aspen is easily one of the most storied and famous of all Colorado ski areas. Aspen, which was formerly named Ajax, encompasses 673 acres of skiable slopes and has a top elevation of 11,212 feet. The slopes at Aspen are pretty evenly split between intermediate and advanced ski levels and have allowed snowboarding since 2001.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge Ski Resort can be found in Summit County close to the town of Breckenridge. This has been the most visited ski resort in the country in recent years and is also popular among international skiers as well. In just two years time between 2007-2008, a record 1.6 million winter sport enthusiasts visited Breckenridge and its nearly 2400 acres of skiable slopes and 25 acres of terrain parks. There are a total of 155 runs with a good mix of beginner to expert skill levels. Snowfall levels here average around 300 inches per year.
Durango
Durango, formerly known as Purgatory, opened in 1965 and is now one of the most popular Colorado ski areas. Situated in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado, Durango is a skier’s paradise. 260 inches of pristine powder snow blanket the 1300 acres of tree lined mountain slopes. Snowboarders can take advantage of two excellent terrain parks, Pitchfork Terrain Garden and Paradise Freestyle Arena.
Steamboat
Steamboat is another resort that consistently gets high marks from those looking for the best Colorado ski conditions. Located in the Routt National Forest on Mount Werner, Steamboat offers a vast area of terrain to conquer. There are 165 runs spread over 2,965 acres, with a majority of those (85%) being for intermediate to advanced skill levels. Steamboat is home to the famous 450 foot long Mavericks Superpipe. Adjacent to Mavericks is the terrain park with an excellent group of rails and a smaller version of the superpipe.
Vail
Vail is the largest single mountain resort in the United States and has winter sport excitement for people of all ages. Strap in and hit the terrain in Blue Sky Basin or test your skills in a few of the resorts seven bowls. The village of Vail itself is modeled after an alpine Bavarian village and is as famous as the nearby slopes.
There is so much to see in this glorious state, so make sure your'e ready for your next Colorado ski trip.
