Colorado's mountain ranges are part of the larger Rocky Mountains, which stretch from Canada down into the United States. This guide is structured around Colorado's primary mountain ranges – the Front Range, Sawatch Range, Tenmile Range, Elk Mountains, San Juan Mountains, and the Sangre de Cristo Range – highlighting their unique features. Covering everything from the best places to ski in Colorado, the best skiing times, and necessary travel documentation, this guide has it all.
The Front Range, offering the closest mountain escapes from Denver and Colorado Springs, features diverse landscapes with peaks like Pikes Peak and Longs Peak. Renowned resorts such as Eldora Mountain Resort and Loveland provide a mix of family-friendly slopes and challenging terrains, all within a short drive from Colorado’s major cities.
The Sawatch Range, home to some of Colorado’s tallest peaks, is a haven for skiers seeking high-altitude adventures. This range features dramatic landscapes and significant vertical drops, with Mount Elbert and Mount Massive standing as its crown jewels. Resorts like Monarch Mountain and Ski Cooper offer a more laid-back atmosphere, making them perfect for skiers looking to escape the crowds.
The Tenmile Range, located near Breckenridge, is known for its rugged terrain and world-class skiing. Breckenridge, one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States, dominates this range with its extensive trail network and vibrant après-ski scene.
The Elk Mountains, renowned for their striking beauty, are a premier destination for luxury skiing in Colorado. This range is home to the famous Aspen Snowmass area, which includes four distinct mountains—Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Known for their challenging terrain, upscale amenities, and vibrant town life, the Elk Mountains are ideal for those seeking a high-end ski holiday with stunning alpine scenery. The Maroon Bells, some of the most photographed peaks in North America, add to the region’s allure.
The San Juan Mountains, located in southwestern Colorado, offer a remote and rugged skiing experience. This range is known for its dramatic landscapes, with jagged peaks and deep valleys providing a stunning backdrop for skiing. Resorts like Telluride, Silverton, and Purgatory are highlights of the San Juans, each offering a unique mix of steep terrain and pristine powder.
The Sangre de Cristo Range, stretching into southern Colorado, is known for its steep and dramatic peaks, offering a mix of high-altitude adventure and reliable snow. Wolf Creek, a key resort in this range, is famous for its deep powder and relaxed atmosphere.
Aspen is celebrated for its consistent snowfall and diverse ski areas. The resort features a maximum vertical drop of approximately 1,340 meters and encompasses over 300 km of trails, with its highest lift ascending to 3,418 meters. The closest airport is Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, situated roughly 6 km away. Additionally, Denver International Airport and Eagle County Airport serve as alternative options, both located about 220 km from the resort.
Steamboat, is a cherished destination renowned for its 'Champagne Powder' snow and expansive terrain. The resort features a significant vertical drop of about 1,118 meters and offers around 165 km of trails, with the summit lift reaching an elevation of 3,221 meters. The nearest airport is Yampa Valley Regional Airport, located about 43 km away. For additional travel options, Denver International Airport is also accessible, approximately 290 km from the resort.
Telluride, set in the majestic San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a premier ski destination known for its breathtaking scenery and varied slopes. This resort prides itself on a maximum vertical drop of around 1,320 meters and boasts over 200 km of ski runs, with its highest lift soaring to 3,845 meters. The closest airport is Telluride Regional Airport, merely 10 km away. Montrose Regional Airport serves as an alternative, located about 110 km from the resort.
Breckenridge, situated in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, is a favored ski destination famous for its historic town and expansive ski area. The resort offers a maximum vertical drop of about 1,036 meters and has a total of 187 km of trails, with the highest lift reaching an altitude of 3,914 meters. Denver International Airport is the nearest major airport, located approximately 170 km away.
Keystone, is a well-known ski destination celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse ski options. The resort features a maximum vertical drop of approximately 953 meters and offers over 120 km of ski runs, with its highest lift ascending to 3,782 meters. Denver International Airport is the nearest major airport, situated about 145 km away.
Snowmass, is a renowned ski destination known for its extensive terrain and family-friendly facilities. The resort features a remarkable vertical drop of about 1,343 meters and encompasses over 237 km of trails, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,813 meters. The nearest airport is Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, just 11 km away. Denver International Airport and Eagle County Airport are also accessible, located approximately 354 km and 110 km away respectively, offering additional travel options.
Vail, is a prestigious ski destination famed for its luxurious amenities and vast ski terrain. The resort offers a notable vertical drop of approximately 1,052 meters and boasts over 234 km of ski runs, with the highest lift extending to 3,527 meters. Eagle County Airport is the closest airport, located about 56 km away. Denver International Airport provides an alternative route, situated around 193 km from the resort.
Winter Park, is a prominent ski destination recognized for its varied terrain and natural beauty. The resort features a significant vertical drop of around 1,067 meters and offers more than 143 km of trails, with the summit lift reaching an elevation of 3,676 meters. Denver International Airport, located approximately 145 km away, is the nearest major airport.
Beaver Creek, is a distinguished ski destination renowned for its upscale amenities and meticulously groomed slopes. The resort has a maximum vertical drop of about 1,040 meters and features approximately 150 km of skiing terrain, with the highest lift reaching 3,488 meters. The nearest airport is Eagle County Airport, just 35 km away, providing easy access. Denver International Airport is another viable option for travelers, situated around 220 km from the resort.
Copper Mountain, is a well-regarded ski resort famous for its natural terrain divisions and expansive ski areas. The resort offers a notable vertical drop of about 853 meters and encompasses over 150 km of ski runs, with the highest lift ascending to 3,767 meters. The closest major airport is Denver International Airport, situated approximately 162 km away.
The best time to visit the U.S for a ski holiday in Colorado varies throughout the season. November marks the early season with limited skiing and variable snow, ideal for budget-conscious travelers. December brings festive charm, though early in the month skiing options are still limited. January kicks off the prime skiing months, with consistent snowfall and most trails open by mid-month, although temperatures can be colder. February is often the best time, with peak snow depth and abundant powder, though it can be busy during Presidents Day weekend. March offers a blend of great skiing and warmer, sunnier days, with early March being less crowded despite the spring break rush. By April, skiing transitions to spring conditions, with some resorts closing mid-month; however, it's a great time for discounts and continued skiing early in the month.
British citizens traveling to the US for short stays (up to 90 days) do not require a visa for tourism purposes. However, there are some important points to consider when planning a trip to the US, here they are:
