Colorado is one of the most popular states for skiing and snowboarding. There are many reasons why Colorado is such a great place to visit for winter sports enthusiasts.
This article will highlight the main reasons people visit Colorado for skiing and snowboarding.
More importantly, we will go into the details of the most expensive ski resorts in Colorado, so you know what to expect during a trip to this fantastic winter destination.
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Why Do Skiers And Snowboarders Love Colorado?
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Firstly, Colorado provides world-class skiing thanks to its variety of terrain and conditions that suits skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Most Colorado ski resorts have many well-groomed slopes, high-altitude peaks, and excellent snowfall.
During a visit to Colorado, you can expect to see some of the most spectacular mountain views in the world. No matter which way you look, you are treated to breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
Colorado is home to more than 30 ski resorts. These range from small local hills to some of the world’s most famous and prominent resorts. You can choose between quaint family run, ski resorts, up to big, high-profile resorts depending on your wants and needs.
Ski resorts in Colorado offer more than world-class skiing and snowboarding. They have many other outdoor activities to enjoy.
The recreational opportunities available depend on what each resort offers. Still, you can expect snowshoeing, paragliding, cross country skiing, tubing, and many more activities to make your stay memorable.
The Most Expensive Ski Resorts In Colorado
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With all the excellent characteristics of Colorado’s finest ski resorts, you have to expect that not all of them come cheap. Some of Colorado’s ski resorts are more expensive than others due to the amenities, such as a high level of customer service, modern ski lifts, accommodations, and average annual snowfall.
Let’s take a look at the most expensive ski resorts in Colorado.
1. Vail
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Vail is widely considered one of the world’s most luxurious and exclusive ski resorts, let alone Colorado. Its ski area measures an impressive 5289 acres and has 195 runs serviced by over 30 ski lifts. But it is also an excellent spot for backcountry skiing and snowboarding as there are 1300 acres to explore.
Vail also attracts skiers and snowboarders away from other ski resorts in Colorado by providing a variety of activities off the slopes. For example, you can go snowmobiling, ice skating, and snowshoeing when you want a change from charging around Vail’s incredible ski area.
This ski resort is famous for its luxurious accommodations. It also has a long list of high-end amenities that keep visitors relaxed and pampered during their trip, such as fine dining restaurants, luxury spas, and designer shopping.
Vail is split into three main areas, The Front Side, Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin. Each offers a different experience to skiers and snowboarders.
The Front Side is the resort’s main area with a variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes. However, if you like wide-open and groomed terrain, the Back Bowls are the best place to go, especially if you are an advanced skier or snowboarder.
Blue Sky Basin is the newest addition to Vail’s ski area. It offers lots of challenging terrain with steep gradients and fantastic tree runs.
As you would expect, a trip to Vail is not cheap. Fun example, a one-day lift ticket during peak season costs $220. This makes it Colorado’s most expensive ski resort.
However, if you visit outside peak times and look at lift ticket options, you will find much cheaper lift tickets. You will benefit most from buying multi-day passes in advance.
Vail ski resort is one of the top destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. It is the ideal place to go for a high-quality skiing and snowboarding experience in Colorado.
2. Beaver Creek
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Beaver Creek is located West of Vail and is arguably just as luxurious for skiers and snowboarders. It has a smaller ski area, but it still measures over 1800 acres, which is plenty for most people on a winter break.
This ski resort is famous for its meticulously groomed slopes, high-end facilities, and world-class customer service. It is popular with families looking for a luxurious winter vacation.
Beaver Creek’s ski area is divided into three sections, Beaver Creek Mountain, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead.
Each part of the resort offers a unique skiing and snowboarding experience. For example, Beavercreek mountain has many gentle slopes, while Bachelor Gulch is home to sleep and challenging terrain.
The total ski area has 150 trails and 25 lifts catering to all abilities. However, Beaver Creek is well known for its welcoming family, friendly atmosphere, and high-end amenities such as the Beaver Creek Village and the Vilar Performing Arts Centre.
During a trip to Beaver Creek, visitors can enjoy other activities such as ice skating, taking horse-drawn sleigh rides around the village, and snowshoeing.
The ski resort is home to some of the most luxurious accommodations available in the ski industry. Many of the hotels offer ski-in-ski-out access and provide amenities such as spas, fitness centers, and heated swimming pools.
Based on its lift ticket price, we have put Beavercreek in second place on our list of the most expensive ski resorts in Colorado. To ski one day during peak season at the resort will cost you $219. However, there are discounts to be had if you know where to look and buy in advance online.
3. Aspen Snowmass
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Aspen Snowmass is another one of Colorado’s most expensive ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains. Confusingly, Aspen Snowmass is actually made up of four separate mountains, Snowmass, Aspen, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, each having its own character and terrain.
Together these four mountains give the ski area over 5500 acres of skiable terrain. This makes Aspen Snowmass one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
As you would expect from such a large ski resort, Aspen Snowmass offers a wide range of terrain that suits beginners all the way up to seasoned pros.
It also features several snow parks and half pipes for freestyle, skiers, and snowboarders to express themselves.
This ski resort is also well known for its luxurious amenities and fine dining options. You can expect to eat at various mountain restaurants, ranging from casual cafés to high-end establishments.
In addition to all this, the town of Aspen has numerous upscale shops, galleries, and restaurants to enjoy. Other off-mountain activities at Aspen Snowmass include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Famously Aspen Snowmass plays host to several events and festivals, including the winter X games, which attracts athletes and spectators from all over the world.
A one-day lift ticket during peak season costs $199, making it Colorado’s third most expensive ski resort. However, the resort offers discounts for multi-day tickets and advance purchases.
4. Steamboat
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Steamboat is located in Colorado’s Yampa Valley. This ski resort is famous for its champagne powder snow which gets its name for its dryness and how light it is, making it ideal for skiing and snowboarding, especially in the backcountry.
Steamboat ski area stretches 3000 acres and has 169 trails serviced by 18 left. This widespread resort provides skiers and snowboarders of all levels plenty of terrain to play with.
14% of steamboat slopes are designated for beginners, 42% for intermediate skiers, and the remaining 44% is ideal for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
On top of the fantastic variety of mountain restaurants, Steamboat boasts excellent apres-ski options, including bars, lounges, and live music venues to celebrate a day on the slopes.
Steamboat is a great place for beginner skiers and snowboarders, not just because of the designated runs but for its ski and snowboard school. However, even if you are an expert, Steamboat’s instructors will be able to improve your skills during your trip.
A one-day lift ticket during peak season costs $185, making it the fourth most expensive ski resort in Colorado. However, the resort offers discounts for multi-day tickets and advance purchases.
5. Telluride
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Telluride is situated in the southwestern part of Colorado in the San Juan Mountains. This stunning ski resort has a western field to it and Victorian charm.
Visitors to Telluride can enjoy over 2000 acres of scalable terrain on its 148 runs serviced by 19 ski lifts. It has 4425 feet of vertical drop which is enough to make anyone’s legs ache.
The ski area has a diverse range of terrain. You can blast long groomers, pick your way through stunning Glades, hike to some incredible backcountry terrain or spend all your time in the snow parks.
Telluride is famous for its scenic beauty. Staying here gives you stunning views of the surrounding summertime mountains. Well, the Victorian-era town offers a unique experience, especially when compared to some of the mega ski resorts Colorado is known for.
Even though the resort has a historical feel, it still has a wide range of amenities. This means there are ample places to eat, and you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding rental ski and snowboard equipment or lessons.
A day ticket for an adult at Telluride is $189. But you may be able to get a package deal or discount if you buy your lift ticket in advance.
6. Breckenridge
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Breckenridge, the ski resort in Summit County, Colorado, is one of the largest ski resorts in North America and is famous for its family, friendly atmosphere, and fantastic terrain.
The ski area spreads 2900 acres over five separate peaks. There are 187 runs with 34 lifts. 11% of Breckenridge’s runs are suitable for beginners, 31% are excellent for intermediate, and 58 % are designated for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Breckenridge is popular with freestyle skiers and snowboarders due to its five snow parks and 22-foot superpipe. Therefore this is an excellent place to work on your freestyle skills.
Many visitors to Breckenridge love the vibrant town, which is situated at the base of the mountain. You can expect various places to eat, from casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants. You can also enjoy a lively apres ski scene thanks to Breckenridge’s abundance of bars.
On top of all this, there are many activities to do when you are not skiing or snowboarding. For example, dog sledding and snowmobiling are popular experiences for visitors to Breckenridge.
You will notice that the cost of lift tickets, lodging, and dining can be pretty high in Breckenridge, especially during peak weeks. The cost of a single-day lift ticket at Breckenridge ski resort ranges between $100 and $200, but the price depends on the time of year and if you buy in advance.
There are deals to be had when you buy multi-day lift tickets and season passes. These make more sense if you intend to Ski in Breckenridge frequently.
Accommodation at Breckenridge Ski Resort can be pricey too. There are many options, ranging from high-end luxury hotels and condos to more affordable hotels and vacation rentals.
7. Keystone
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Keystone is another Colorado ski resort in Summit County. About 90 minutes west of Denver by car, it’s one of the more accessible Colorado ski resorts.
Keystone gives its visitors access to over 3000 acres of skiable terrain. You can enjoy 128 runs from 20 lifts and take advantage of its 328 feet of vertical drop.
The ski resort is divided into three mountains. These are called Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and the Outback; each has unique terrain and features.
You can expect a welcoming atmosphere and numerous programs and activities designed specifically for kids and families. This makes Keystone ski resort one of the more family, friendly winter destinations in Colorado.
One of the significant advantages of spending time at Keystone is that it has night skiing on a few of its runs. It also boasts the longest ski day in Colorado as its lifts continue turning until 8 pm during the peak season.
Keystone is also an excellent ski resort for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. This is due to its large terrain park with a wide variety of features catering to all abilities. It also has a dedicated learning area perfect for skiers and snowboarders taking the first steps toward freestyle.
As you would expect from one of the most expensive ski resorts in Colorado, Keystone has a wide range of amenities. You will not struggle to find good places to eat, and there are several options for renting skis and snowboards.
Another way Keystone is great for kids is that the resort provides lots of things to do when you are not skiing or snowboarding. For example, the resort has a great snow tubing hill, an ice rink, and many other activities to keep the kids entertained throughout their stay.
8. Copper Mountain
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Copper Mountain is not far from Keystone, and it is also in Summit County, about 75 miles from Denver. Copper Mountain’s Location makes it an excellent spot to visit the other resorts in Summit County during your stay.
For example, you can easily drive to Breckenridge and Keystone from here, giving you a taste of other resorts in one trip.
The ski area spans 2500 acres and has 140 runs serviced by 23 lifts. It has a vertical drop of 2738 feet, so there is plenty of terrain to explore at Copper Mountain.
Among all this terrain, you can expect some lovely beginner, friendly slopes with gentle gradients and awesome black diamond runs to challenge your skills. There are also some fantastic snow parks to practice your freestyle skiing or snowboarding.
In fact, Copper Mountain has one of the largest ski and snowboard parks in the country. It has over 100 features, including rails, jumps, and boxes of different sizes to suit your skill level.
On top of this, Copper Mountain is home to Woodward Copper. This is a year-round action sports training facility that provides programs and camps for skiers, snowboarders, and other action sports enthusiasts to help them improve.
Copper Mountain is one of the resorts part of the Ikon pass. This ski pass gives holders access to a huge network of ski resorts worldwide, including Aspen, Snowmass, and Steamboat.
9. Winter Park
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Winter Park is a popular ski resort located in Grand County, Colorado. It is about 67 miles west of Denver, making it easy to get to from the city.
Winter Park’s Location could sit near the Continental divide. This means it gets some of the most consistent snowfall in Colorado, so you can expect an average snowfall of over 320 inches every year.
This reliable snow cover makes the 3000 acres of skiable terrain even more tempting. 25 lifts service 166 runs, and the ski area has a vertical drop of 3060 feet.
Winter Park is also home to the Vasquez Ridge Territory, which offers some of the most challenging terrain in Colorado, including steep chutes, glades, and deep powder runs. This makes Winter Park a popular place for backcountry skiers and snowboarders.
During a visit to Winter Park, you can take advantage of the many activities the resort offers. For example, you can take a break from the slopes and go snowshoeing or tubing. You can even take a snow cat into the backcountry so you can hunt for deep, untouched powder.
The resort is conveniently located near other popular ski areas in Grand County, such as Granby Ranch and Ski Granby Ranch, making it easy to visit multiple ski areas during a single trip.
10. Crested Butte
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Located in Gunnison County, Crested Butte Ski Resort is about 230 miles southwest of Denver. This location makes it a good base for visiting other ski resorts during your trip. For example, you can easily access nearby Monarch Mountain and Ski Cooper.
The location of Crested Butte provides visitors with stunning scenery. Namely, the nearby Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness area.
Crested Butte’s ski area covers 1500 acres and has 121 runs and 16 ski lifts. It also has a large vertical drop of 3062 feet.
This area is diverse, meaning you can sample various types of terrain, such as wide, open groomers and steep, challenging slopes. The area is well known for its backcountry skiing and snowboarding, as it has lots of ungroomed terrain to explore.
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Crested Butte Ski Resort is generally considered a mid-priced ski resort compared to other resorts in Colorado. Lift tickets and other expenses at Crested Butte are typically less expensive than at some more high-end resorts, such as Vail or Aspen.
However, lodging and dining at Crested Butte can still be pricey, particularly during peak ski season. Additionally, like most ski resorts, the cost of skiing or snowboarding at Crested Butte can vary depending on the time of year, with peak season and holidays generally being more expensive.
Crested Butte hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the winter season. These include the famous crested Butte Ski Week, and the annual Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships.
Final Thoughts
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As you can see, Colorado has some fantastic ski resorts providing access to great terrain. These winter destinations have some of the best amenities and facilities for skiers and snowboarders in the country.
These ski resorts are known for their high customer service standards and reliable snow cover. Therefore, they are bound to be more expensive than lesser resorts around the country.
