If you are a passionate skier, you could not have chosen a better location to move to! Colorado is a paradise for winter sports. The real Switzerland of America offers a variety of activities during the winter season. Top winter sports attractions in Colorado guarantee the best time of your life, so pack yourself a pair of warm boots and be ready to embark on a snowy adventure you will never forget!
A small introduction to a lot of fun, winter action
To be able to experience the beauty and excitement of top winter sports attractions in Colorado you will need time, money and a good plan. We cannot provide for the first two, but for the third one look no further as we are about to help you organize to the smallest details. Here we cover everything you will need to enjoy your winter:
- Ski equipment – be well prepared
- List of the top winter sports attractions in Colorado – where to go and what to do
- Best advice for a safe winter season
Get dressed, the winter is…
Coming to a ski resort without proper equipment can make a difference between having a good time in the snow or sitting next to a cozy fire, drinking tea and watching others have fun. While most of the good ski resorts can provide equipment for various activities, make sure that you bring the right clothing.
When shopping for ski jacket and pants check the discount stores if you are a beginner. Do not spend more than 150$ – 200$ for the set. You can always buy more expensive clothing, but for starters, this will be more than enough.
Ski helmet and goggles are a must, put your safety first. You can find goggles for a good price of 20$ – 30$, and most of the shops also rent helmets. A good advice is to call the ski center you are going to and check if they can provide all the equipment. This is good for first-timers.
If you are shopping for gloves buy the waterproof ones, it may happen that you fall, so they will keep your hands warm.
For your base and mid layers buy thermals. Build up layers of clothing under the ski jacket. You can always take them off if you feel you don’t need them.
When buying ski socks, don’t make a mistake and get the thick ones, ski boots have good insulation and you can bring thin socks.
A smart idea is to bring a backpack, ideally with straps around the waist and across the chest. You can always bring some food and water with you and save money and time or store any clothing that you remove.
Now that we got you ready, let’s check the top winter sports attractions in Colorado, the fun is about to begin!
Top winter sports attractions in Colorado
We will analyze a few of the best resorts to visit, list the pros and cons and give you insight into what to expect. Here you will find a mixture of activities for all levels of skiers. Whether you are a pro skier or a beginner, do not miss out our suggestions:
- Vail
- Telluride
- Aspen Highlands
- Breckenridge
Vail resort
This exceptional resort is the biggest ski area in Colorado. The staff maintains long wide runs perfectly. The ski town is lovely and there will be a lot of activities that you can do off the slopes. We must note that it is a costly resort. It is a well-known location and there are a lot of non-skiers visiting. If you are looking for a steep terrain to ski, it does not offer much and the I-70 closes during snowstorms, so you won’t be able to get in or out of town.
The town separates into three areas, Golden Peak, Lionshead and Vail Village. It has a European feel to it and it is perfect for strolling and shopping.
There are two sides of the mountain, the front side has an abundance of green and blue runs perfect for family skiing and the back side where you have the highest point of the resort from where you can drop into the Blue Sky Basin. A variety of glades, bumps, and steeps will offer an unforgettable experience.
Telluride resort
The extraordinary views and epic terrain will leave you in awe. You will feel like in a western movie, the town is just beautiful. It might be difficult to reach as it is a 6-hour drive from Denver, but the upside is that it is not crowded. You can find limited flights to Telluride Regional Airport or fly to the Montrose’s airport. From there you will have a 1-hour drive to the resort.
Whether you are an advanced skier or a beginner, you will find what you are looking for. The Prospect Express lift reaches over 11,800 feet, so be ready to experience high mountain terrain. For more experienced skiers, take a hike to the Palmyra Peak, astounding 13,320 feet, and fly down like a hawk. The variety of gentle groomers and extreme off-piste skiing will give you time to remember.
Aspen Highlands
Referred as one of the greatest ski towns in the world, Aspen Highlands offers four distinctive ski areas all covered with one lift ticket. Within the same arrangement, you have Aspen Mountain resort locally known as Ajax, accompanied by Buttermilk and Snowmass, don’t miss this amazing opportunity! It is one of the most extreme terrains for skiing or snowboarding, but if you are a first-timer, check out Buttermilk and Snowmass, they offer easy-going slopes.
For more experienced skiers check out Highland Bowl at 12,392 feet. Take a high alpine hike and enjoy the amazing scenery before you drop down filled with adrenaline. You can find lots of secluded ski lines throughout the ski area but avoid them if you are not experienced.
The last advice we offer is to avoid the beginning of the ski season. The snow is not high enough and you may bump into a lot of rocks on the slopes.
Breckenridge
Famous for the highest summit elevation in North America, the Breck offers an amazing experience. The Imperial Express Super Chair reaches to astounding 12,840 feet! The town was an old mining settlement and it is perfect if you are not into mega resorts like Vail. The accommodation varies from affordable to high prices and more and more skiers are visiting this resort. With a lot of activities for both skiers and non-skiers, you can experience a laid-back atmosphere.
The terrain offers a diverse range of groomers, moguls, and glades, but what the Breck is mainly known for are high alpine no-fall zones and wide-open runs of extreme altitude. If this is what you are looking for, you are in the right place!
Ready, Set, Go!
We showed you just a glimpse into the top winter sports attractions in Colorado. This wonderful country offers a lot more, we advise that you do a little internet research before venturing off to a snowy adventure and have lots of fun, you are in the right place. Do not miss an opportunity to experience the best time of your life!
