4 of Colorado's Most Underrated Ski Towns
Colorado is a quintessential destination for skiers and snowboarders in the United States. It contains many of the country's most beloved ski towns, including Aspen, Telluride, and Vail.
Attracting millions of visitors annually, these towns get busy, causing many to seek alternatives for their next outing. Today, we will cover some of these underrated ski towns in Colorado. From short lift lines to world-class runs, see why you must try these alternatives.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte, with a population under 1,700, retains a legacy of being one of Colorado's best ski towns. Known as the "Last Great Colorado Ski Town," it offers world-class terrain without the sheer number of visitors typical of larger resorts throughout the state.
The Crested Butte Mountain Resort features over 1,540 acres of skiable terrain, ranging from easier slopes for beginners to challenging expert runs, including some of the steepest lift-accessible terrain in North America.
Besides skiing, Crested Butte is an outdoor lovers' dream, with year-round activities activities available to all. In the winter, you can explore miles of groomed Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails or cozy up after a day out at local establishments like the Dogwood Cocktail Cabin. The town also has annual events like the Al Johnson Memorial Uphill/Downhill Ski Race.
Downtown Crested Butte is actually a designated National Historic District, and its well-preserved 19th-century mining-era buildings are fun for history fans to explore. Elk Avenue is the best place to start, acting as the heart of Crested Butte with its numerous shops, eateries, and hotels lining its sidewalks. Here you will also find the Crested Butte Museum, a fun way to learn more about the area.
Silverton
Silverton, a historic mining town tucked into the San Juan Mountains, is an amazing place to go on a ski adventure. It provides an intimate setting surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Rockies.
Silverton Mountain, the town’s primary ski destination, is renowned for its extreme terrain. It offers more advanced skiers and snowboarders some of the most challenging backcountry-style runs in the country. The mountain features a single chairlift with guided or unguided access to expert-only slopes.
The town itself is a snapshot of Colorado’s mining heritage, its name reflecting the silver mines that once formed the backbone of its economy. The San Juan County Historical Society Museum offers detailed insight into Silverton’s past, while local eateries, saloons, and watering holes, like the Avalanche Brewing Company, provide a warm welcome after a day on the mountain.
If you're looking for a place to stay the night, The Wyman Hotel is a historic brick building conveniently located downtown. Alternatives include the Teller House Hotel, the Triangle Motel, and The Silverton Lodge.
Fraser
Fraser is home to the Colorado Adventure Park, known for its family-friendly snow tubing hills, and the Fraser River Trail, which transforms into a scenic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing route in the winter. Fraser is also close to the popular Winter Park Ski Resort, one town south in Winter Park, Colorado.
Additionally, nearby Devil’s Thumb Ranch offers spa treatments and Nordic skiing. Fraser and these destinations are about a 1.5-hour drive from Denver and a 2-hour drive from Boulder, making it a possible day trip.
Ridgway
Ridgway is situated near the base of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, one of the least developed corners of the state. The town is within a 45-minute drive of the renowned Telluride Ski Resort, providing access to thousands of acres of terrain while allowing you to avoid the sometimes steep costs of staying overnight in such a skiing hotspot.
Known as the “Gateway to the San Juans,” Ridgway attracts visitors with its breathtaking mountain vistas and an abundance of off-mountain activities. Winter visitors can explore the Ridgway Reservoir for ice fishing or take to the trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Ridgway’s historic downtown is surprisingly vibrant, with locally-owned restaurants, breweries, and shops available to visit. The town’s creative spirit can be seen in its status as a Colorado Creative District, a designation given for its commitment to fostering artistic industries. One gallery is the Kane Fine Art: Photography & More. Another is Cimarron Art Glass. Come see locally produced art in Ridgway.
See Some of Colorado's Quieter Ski Towns this Season
These communities are underrated compared to Colorado's more well-known mountain towns. The quality of the nearby ski resorts and the amount of fun attractions at these places can debated, but there is no arguing against a peaceful day or two outdoors without the crowds.
From the remote western half of Colorado to the hidden spots just a short drive from Denver, enjoy some peace and quiet at any of these underrated destinations in the Centennial State this year!
