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Introduction to Colorado Ski Resorts

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For millions of people from around the world, it is impossible to think of winter without thinking of skiing in Colorado. Beginners and experts alike acknowledge that Colorado is king of the American skiing scene. While ski areas in Utah, California, Wyoming, New Mexico, and New England also offer a great deal of charm and adventure, the sheer number of Colorado ski resorts ensures that you can find a spot that fits your needs, whether you are a rookie or an Olympian. Colorado ski resorts offer the complete package: top-quality accommodations, exceptionally comfortable skiing weather (much warmer than most U.S. ski areas), consistent snow levels, and runs fit for all skill levels.

The hard part, of course, is picking a resort, but fortunately, Colorado ski resorts usually have navigable web sites, so pick a few resorts and compare them online. There are ski areas all across the state, so you may want to choose a resort close to your home or close to the home of friends or family. Remember that lodging can be quite expensive; particularly if you stay at the ski resort itself.

If you are a relatively new skier, don’t assume you need a big resort, but do make sure you choose a resort with plenty of beginner (green) slopes. If you have friends who are experienced Colorado skiers, ask them for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to try some of the less popular resorts. You can often save money and avoid crowds at these resorts.

Another way to avoid the crowds and to reduce your expenses is to be flexible regarding the dates of your ski trip. Yearly snowfall determines the exact dates that ski resorts are open, but most resorts open in November and close sometime in April (some high elevation resorts stay open into June). The cheapest lift tickets often appear during January or at the beginning and end of the season while December and February/March bring out the crowds and the expensive lift tickets.

Regardless of where you go, you can expect the basics at all Colorado ski resorts. All resorts offer multiple chair lifts from the base of the mountain to spots where you can begin groomed runs. Many resorts offer small villages at the mountain base while other mountains may have only a few small shops or restaurants. You should be able to rent skis on site and nearly every resort will offer ski school for an additional fee.

Single day lift tickets generally range from forty to ninety dollars, but the big-name resorts all cost more than seventy dollars to ski. Multiple-day or multi-resort passes may save you some money, however. Find lodging nearby, pack warm, layered, water-repellant clothing and some goggles or sunglasses, and head to the mountain.

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