Mountain Resort Towns and Best Ski Towns in Colorado
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Breckenridge CO – World Class Town
Frisco real estate has held its value tremendously well due to its unique nature and the fact that it is essentially built out. Surrounded by Lake Dillon and National Forest there is just a very limited supply.
Colorado Ski Areas
Whether you’re a seasoned carver or a novice on the slopes, Colorado ski resorts stand unrivaled. Renowned as the premier skiing destination in North America, the state is home to 28 ski resorts offering hundreds of miles of diverse terrain suitable for all proficiency levels. Discover the finest ski areas in Colorado to uncover the ideal spot for your winter getaway.
The Best Ski Towns in Colorado
- Determining the best ski towns in Colorado is subjective, as preferences vary among skiers, locals, and travelers. Ultimately, it’s about personal taste and what “best” means to you. However, certain Colorado ski towns consistently stand out. Here’s a roundup:
- Aspen-Snowmass: Aspen-Snowmass stands among the world’s best ski resorts, renowned for its upscale allure. However, skiing or snowboarding here is accessible with special packages, midweek deals, and the IKON Pass. Aspen offers top-notch dining, legendary après-ski, and nightlife. For a quieter family retreat, consider nearby Snowmass.
- Vail Village: Vail Village exudes European sophistication, resembling the Austrian Alps with enchanting architecture. At night, it becomes a romantic haven illuminated by twinkling lights. Exceptional dining and après-ski experiences are plentiful, with spots like Garfinkel’s ranked among America’s best après-ski bars.
- Breckenridge: Breckenridge, the “Queen of Colorado mining towns,” preserves Victorian charm with historic saloons and homes. Renowned for lively après-ski, it boasts restaurants, breweries, and nightlife. Don’t miss the world’s highest distillery, Breckenridge Distillery, for après-ski delights.
- Leadville: Nestled at 10,142 feet, Leadville, the nation’s highest city, boasts a rich historical vibe with a mining legacy and Wild West spirit. Perfect for exploring nearby ski areas like Cooper, Leadville offers unique accommodations, including the Victorian-style Delaware Hotel in its historic district.
- Crested Butte: Crested Butte, dubbed “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town,” charms with its pedestrian-friendly vibe, inviting shops, and diverse dining. Close to Crested Butte Ski Resort, it offers cozy lodgings. Experience southern hospitality and skillet-fried chicken dinners at The Slogar.
- Steamboat Springs: Dubbed “Ski Town USA,” Steamboat Springs radiates cowboy charm. With three breweries, a beer tub, and whiskey tap room, it’s a beer enthusiast’s paradise. Enjoy regular band jams and diverse shopping. Experience Colorado’s oldest continuously operated ski area, Howelsen Hill Ski Area, and unwind amidst natural beauty.
5 Reasons to Visit The Best Ski Towns in Colorado
When it comes to outdoor activities in Colorado, skiing and snowboarding reign supreme. Colorado stands as the top destination for skiing in the United States, boasting the best ski resorts and longest ski seasons nationwide.
- Colorado’s Extended Ski Season: Colorado resorts, like Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Ski Area, open early and close late, often competing to be the first to open, sometimes by October 15th due to their high altitude of around 11,000 feet. Arapahoe Basin remains open until late May or even early July, providing excellent conditions after other resorts have closed.
- Home to Massive Resorts: Colorado hosts some of the US’s biggest ski areas. Vail, the largest, covers 8.3 sq miles with 275 trails over 5,317 acres and 31 lifts. Snowmass has 3,342 skiable acres and 21 chairlifts. Notable resorts like Winter Park, Steamboat, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain offer vast terrain and abundant snow..
- Cherished Small Resorts: Colorado locals treasure smaller ski areas for their intimate vibe and diverse runs. Howelson Hill Ski Area features Olympic-caliber ski jumps and 17 trails, suitable for both ski jumpers and beginners. Granby Ranch and Wolf Creek Ski Area provide manageable terrain and superb snow conditions, perfect for family trips and solo excursions.
- Elevated Terrain: Colorado’s resorts boast some of the highest lift-served terrain in the country, with elevations nearing 14,000 feet. This high-altitude environment results in exceptional snow quality, breathtaking views, and challenging terrain featuring steep chutes and mogul runs.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Colorado ski resorts offer diverse activities for all ages and interests, from tubing and horseback rides in Steamboat Springs to ice skating at Beaver Creek Resort. Plus, slopeside villages like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge offer shopping, dining, and relaxation amid stunning mountain scenery.
Early History of the Best Ski Towns in Colorado
Gold prospectors first brought skiing to the Colorado Rockies beginning in the 1860s. Using skis, mail carriers such as “Father” John Dyer dared the high mountain passes and heavy winter snows, traveling between the region’s isolated mining communities. By the end of the century, skiing was an integral part of the culture in mountain towns such as Crested Butte and Steamboat Springs. Skiing continued to grow in popularity in the opening decades of the twentieth century, with winter carnivals such as the one held in Hot Sulphur Springs in 1911 that drew thousands. In 1921 the newly formed Denver Ski Club hosted the National Ski Tournament of America Championship at Genesee Mountain outside of Denver. Thousands soon took up the sport, leading to the construction of dozens of small rope-tow ski hills throughout the state.
Where can I ski for free in Colorado?
Experience a whole new level of Sunday Funday with Free Skiing at Howelsen Hill every Sunday during the winter season. Bring your family and hit the slopes for absolutely free at North America’s Oldest Operating Ski Area and Steamboat’s original ski destination.
