Here are the best ski areas in Colorado for a luxury experience:

Aspen Mountain

This is the classic Aspen experience, where the lifts have been running since 1947. The base of the mountain borders beautiful Aspen, known for its upscale restaurants, high-end shopping and Hollywood luster. There’s glitz and glam on the slopes too, including a members-only restaurant on top of the mountain. Nonmembers can kick back in one of two other eateries on site.

Skiable acres: 673 Trails: 76% Easy: 0% Intermediate: 48% Advanced: 26% Expert: 26

Beaver Creek Resort

This luxury resort sometimes is overlooked by Colorado skiers as they rush to Summit County or Vail, but Beaver Creek has a charm all its own, including the moguls and great tree runs at Birds of Prey. And the warm cookies they hand out in the base area each afternoon go a long way toward reviving the spirit after a day out in the cold.

Skiable acres: 1,832Trails: 150% Easy: 19% Intermediate: 42% Advanced: 39

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Just more than a two-hour drive from Colorado Springs, this huge ski area is popular for its location and variety. It has something for everyone, especially if you like being above timberline. The town has one of the livelier bar scenes in ski country, and if you can’t find the nightlife you’re looking for, head to nearby Frisco for lots of other choices.

Skiable acres: 2,908Trails: 187% Easy: 11% Intermediate: 31% Advanced/Expert: 58

Aspen Snowmass

This ski area doesn’t actually include 14,092-foot Snowmass Mountain. And though known for its family-friendly terrain, there is still plenty to challenge the expert skier at this mega resort. Close enough to upscale Aspen for upscale lodging and meals.

Skiable acres: 3,332Trails: 94% Easy: 6% Intermediate: 47% Advanced: 17% Expert: 30

Telluride Ski Resort

Offering perhaps the best scenery in Colorado, the ski area towers above the former mining town in the stunning San Juan Mountains. The town offers plenty of luxe attractions, so bring your gold card. There’s plenty for the budget-conscious as well, including a free gondola that runs year-round, connecting the town and the base village and opening up options for offseason hikes and mountain bike rides.

Skiable acres: 2,000Trails: 127% Easy: 23% Intermediate: 36% Advanced/Expert: 41

Lance Benzel, The Gazette