Ski season is just around the corner, which may have you daydreaming about where you’re going to shred this winter. And really, now’s the perfect time to do that, as you can still snag some multi-resort passes like the Ikon and Epic pass at a lower price.
Need a little bit more inspiration on where to ski and ride this winter? To help you plan, we asked mountain experts for their favorite destinations and they all pointed to one state: Colorado. With more than 40 resorts, there’s a mountain for every type of skier. Here are the ones our travel pros say you can’t miss this season.
Aspen
There is absolutely no world where Aspen would be missing from a list of the best ski mountains in Colorado. As Kaleigh Kirkpatrick, the founder of Shameless Tourist and a T+L A-List advisor, told Travel + Leisure, “Aspen is a four-mountain playground, each with a distinct vibe.” She highlights Aspen Mountain for its “classic steeps and groomers rising right from town,” Aspen Highlands for “wide blue rollers, locals’ energy, and the legendary Highland Bowl,” Buttermilk for “best-in-class beginner terrain and kids’ ski school,” and Snowmass, the largest, with “something for everyone—great for mixed-ability groups and long, confidence-building cruisers.”
Noemi Kiss-Baldwin, general manager of the Limelight Aspen, agreed: “Aspen is iconic for a reason—it’s not just the four mountains and impeccable snow, it’s the energy, the history, and the way the whole town comes alive in winter. I will always recommend Aspen.”
Telluride
Telluride is another classic yet always in fashion ski destination that has earned more than one recommendation from the pros. “Telluride is unlike anywhere else in Colorado. It rises from the red dirt plains of the south and almost looks European on the horizon,” Jonah Drescher, manager at Christy Sports, told T+L.
Jason Vargas, general manager of Exceptional Stays, added, “Telluride Ski Resort is the best regional ski area thanks to its wide range of terrain for skiers of all levels … Aside from the full spectrum of beginner to advanced terrain, Telluride offers some of the most epic views of the San Juan Mountains around, plus amazing on-and-off mountain dining and après experiences.”
Winter Park
Just 65 miles from Denver, Winter Park is the spot to be for those looking for a classic mountain-town feel alongside some serious terrain. Cord Thomas, president of SkyRun Vacation Rentals, explained, “Winter Park is home to more than 3,000 acres of powder and is Colorado’s ‘longest continually operated ski resort.’” Beyond the slopes, he pointed to the “authentic Colorado Mountain Town” character that offers access to downhill, cross-country, sledding, and tubing as a few of its best extracurricular activities. Drescher also recommended Winter Park, noting it’s a “family-friendly favorite [with] excellent ski schools, diverse runs, and lodging for every budget, plus great adaptive programs for special needs family members.”
Breckenridge
Breckenridge brings more of Colorado’s deep and steep skiing together with a lively town scene that offers some of the best après bars around. “Breckenridge is one of my favorite destinations in the Front Range of the Rockies,” Mason Kramer, destination specialist with onefinestay, shared. “Just under two hours from Denver International Airport, Breckenridge offers a wonderful blend of world-class skiing, historic streets, as well as a vibrant offering of year-round activities. The prime Rockies location offers easy access to outdoor adventure, amazing alpine scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere while embodying a five-star ski environment.”
Eldora
For those looking for a more approachable day on the slopes, the experts say Eldora offers just that. Located a quick drive from Boulder, it’s a destination that Colleen Huther, general manager of Hotel Boulderado, said “is more laid-back and accessible to newcomers.” She added: “Eldora has a kids’ learning area, well-regarded ski lessons, and affordable lift tickets. It has a friendly, local feel, and its proximity to Boulder makes it an ideal day-trip destination.”
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat has long held a reputation as one of Colorado’s most charming mountain towns with one special perk: its Champagne powder. That’s a real name given to the mountain’s unique snowflakes that come with a lighter water density than others, giving them a softer, fluffier feel. Beyond the gorgeous snow, Cameron McIntyre, an advisor at The Luxury Chalet Company, said that “Steamboat is not Aspen extreme, not Vail ginormous, and less crowded than Breckenridge. Steamboat has an authentic skier cool vibe that many resorts and ski towns have abandoned for a corporate concept of skier cool vibe.”
Beaver Creek
If what you’re after are wide, easygoing runs with just a touch of refinement, Beaver Creek fits the bill. “Beaver Creek suits my relaxed approach to the mountains, which is ideal for what I’d describe as ‘everyday cruisers.’ Huge wide open blue runs are the order of the day, Larkspur and Latigo are my two favorite runs that I can lap all day,” Daniel Jackson, the CEO of The Travel Whisperer, said. He also highlighted the “famous Beaver Creek touches” like fresh-baked cookies at 3 p.m. and après at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, which all do sound like the perfect ski day indeed.
