An epic winter ski trip around Colorado
Ski and snowboard enthusiasts around the world know all about Colorado’s biggest and most commercialized resorts — ultra-popular spots such as Aspen, Steamboat, Telluride, Vail and Breckenridge.
But, with more than two dozen ski areas in the state, there are still plenty of places that locals can go to avoid the crowds and the tourists.
While these spots tend to be much smaller and a bit off the beaten path, they make up for what they lack with a welcoming culture, relaxed nature and more affordable ticket prices.
If you’re looking to “ski like a local,” embark on this epic road trip: 10 ski areas, 739 miles, 16 hours of travel time.
1. Echo
The closest ski area to Denver, Echo Mountain offers a humble landscape of just more than 200 skiable acres. It’s a great spot to get the muscles ready for a skiing road trip around the state and offers a variety of terrain over 13 trails, including several expert-level, forested runs.
2. Loveland
Heading into the mountains on Interstate 70, it’s impossible to miss this ski area towering above the Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel. With a wide range of terrain spread across 1,800 acres, the most unique experience here is the free snowcat skiing along the Continental Divide.
3. Arapahoe Basin
In recent years, A-Basin has regained its reputation as a spot for locals, shifting its focus to the skiing experience and away from luring many more guests via major conglomerate passes. With a homey base area bar and space to tailgate at the bottom of runs, A-Basin has it all — stunning views, epic terrain and fun events.
4. Cooper
One of the most affordable skiing options in Colorado, this Leadville site is steeped in history, once serving as the training ground for the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. While this spot is considered a top family-friendly destination, it’s worth noting that 34% of the terrain is rated as expert-level.
5. Monarch
Situated on picturesque Monarch Pass, this ski area is best known for its glades and its lack of crowds. And don’t forget about the stunning, panoramic ridgeline views or the easy access via the town of Salida.
6. Wolf Creek
Typically getting more snow than any other ski area in Colorado — to the tune of 400-plus inches a year — it’s safe to say Wolf Creek is a local’s secret. Don’t expect a wide selection of bustling restaurants and bars for aprés ski, but do expect plenty of powder.
7. Purgatory
Nestled in the majestic San Juans, this is another destination where long lift lines simply don’t exist — despite all of the amenities nearby Durango has to offer. So hit the slopes here, then head into town for great food, hot springs and more.
8. Powderhorn
Found on the side of the world’s largest flattop mountain, Powderhorn is unique in Colorado in that it tops out at 8,200 feet of elevation. A stop here brings skiers to the often-overlooked Western Slope and all of the stunning desert views that come with it.
9. Sunlight
Another great family-friendly skiing destination that’s located just miles from the iconic slopes of Aspen, Sunlight offers a “no hassles” experience. Stay in nearby Glenwood Springs to soak sore muscles at the riverside Iron Mountain Hot Springs resort.
10. Howelsen Hill
This is the tiniest stop on the road trip, but that doesn’t make it any less notable. It’s the oldest continuously operated ski area in Colorado, dating to 1915, and a visit here is a great excuse to experience winter festivities in Steamboat Springs without paying for a more expensive lift ticket at the city’s namesake resort. Plus, Howelsen usually offers free skiing on Sundays throughout the winter season.
Echo Mountain Ski Area, Denver’s closest ski area along Mount Evans Highway, aims to appeal for night skiing.
Parker, the official mascot of Loveland Ski Area and honorary mayor of Georgetown, watches as towers for a new chairlift are flown in via helicopter at Loveland Ski Area on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. The lift is replacing the outdate Lift 6 that was built in 1977 and demolished earlier this year. (The Gazette, Parker Seibold)
The line builds at the Black Mountain Express at Arapahoe Basin as the sun rises over the mountains Oct. 17, 2021, on the opening weekend of skiing in Colorado.
Snowboarders ride the main lift away from the lodge at Ski Cooper, Colorado’s smallest ski resort, near Leadville on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004. ANDY ROGERS, THE GAZETTE
More terrain will be available to skiers and riders at Monarch Mountain after beetle-tree removal during the offseason.
A snowboarder rides the Treasure ski lift at Wolf Creek Ski Area in Colorado on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020. (Chancey Bush/ The Gazette)
Purgatory Resort near Durango, Colorado. Photo Credit: KaraGrubis (iStock).
Sunlight peeks through aspens at Powderhorn, one of the ski resorts that wrap up their seasons this weekend. Photo by (ANDREW WINEKE, THE GAZETTE)
Courtesy of Sunlight Mountain Resort
A young female skier receives help with her lift ticket by another skier at Howelsen Hill in Routt County, Colorado. Howelsen Hill is the oldest continuously operated ski area in Colorado.
