Colorado's Top Ski Towns

Colorado is world-renowned as a top-tier destination for skiing and snowboarding. This accolade is rightfully earned, with a vast chunk of the Rocky Mountains resting within its borders and a number of excellent ski resorts to accompany them. Due to the size of these resorts, and the sheer amount of people who visit them every year, many opt to stay in nearby towns during their trip. This has earned many of these communities a reputation for being "ski towns."

From their great selections of accommodations to proximity to various resorts, here are the best of Colorado's best ski towns that you can visit today.

Aspen

Perhaps the most famous ski town in Colorado, Aspen is celebrated for its four distinct ski areas nearby: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Combined, these resorts cater to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned skiers. Aspen Mountain, known locally as “Ajax,” is favored by advanced skiers for its challenging runs, while Buttermilk is ideal for novices and home to the Winter X Games at times.

Beyond skiing, Aspen’s historic downtown offers high-end shopping, art galleries, and a plethora of dining options. Several accommodations can be found in and around Aspen too, from the luxurious St. Regis Aspen Resort to the Aspen Meadows Resort on the outskirts of town.

Take a break from skiing and explore nearby winter hiking trails and parks on foot, such as the scenic Maroon Bells, or take an easier stroll at the John Denver Sanctuary.

Telluride

Telluride sits in a gorgeous box canyon in Colorado's San Juan Mountains and is known year-round for its wonderful alpine scenery and exceptional selection of outdoor activities, including access to ski hills in the winter.

The Telluride Ski Resort boasts over 2,000 acres of terrain, including wide groomers, steep bowls, and legendary hike-to runs like Palmyra Peak. The resort’s free gondola system connects Telluride’s historic downtown with the modern Mountain Village, offering unforgettable views of the Rockies along the way.

The town itself, a former mining community, is a National Historic Landmark District, known for its colorful Victorian-era buildings and rich history, which can be explored further at locales like the Telluride Historical Museum. Here, you can also enjoy a variety of après-ski options, from shopping downtown to eateries and watering holes like Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery.

Off the slopes, activities like snowshoeing, ice climbing, and winter hikes enhance the experience, solidifying Telluride as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike in the heart of southwestern Colorado.

Estes Park

Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, is a top destination just north of Boulder for cross-country and backcountry skiing enthusiasts. The park’s vast network of trails transforms into a winter wonderland, offering routes for various skill levels. Popular spots include the Bear Lake area, where skiers can explore the Glacier Gorge Trail or head toward The Loch for breathtaking mountain views. More experienced adventurers may venture to Hidden Valley, a former ski area now favored for its backcountry runs.

Beyond the park, the YMCA of the Rockies offers groomed Nordic trails suitable for families and beginners. Estes Park and its surrounding landscapes are also lauded as a place for wildlife sightings, where animals including elk and mule deer can commonly be seen.

After a day on the trails, the town provides cozy lodging, local breweries, and restaurants. Murphy's Resort at Estes Park is a popular spot to stay the night, while Rock Cut Brewing Company is renowned for its locally brewed beverages. The Stanley Hotel, located in the center of Estes Park, is among the most recognizable accommodations in a national park as well. An amazing place to experience in its own right, it was the inspiration for Stephen King's novel The Shining and served as a filming location for the 1994 movie Dumb and Dumber.

Breckenridge

Just an hour and a half drive from Denver, the town of Breckenridge offers an expansive ski area with over 2,900 acres of terrain spread across five nearby peaks. Known for its huge amount of hills within easy reach, you can ride easier green runs on Peak 9 to advanced bowls and chutes on Peak 8. Breckenridge is also home to the highest chairlift in North America, the Imperial Express, which provides access to expert terrain and unparalleled views from the top.

Like many Colorado towns, Breckenridge itself retains its 19th-century mining root with a historic Main Street lined with museums and historic sites, many of which now contain restaurants, stores, hotels, and other amenities. The Blue River Plaza is a scenic spot to take a leisurely walk in the heart of downtown, with the nicely curated Breckenridge History Museum located just across the street.

Snowshoeing, ice skating, and even dog sledding tours are also available for you to partake in the area around Breckenridge.

Vail

Vail is synonymous with skiing in Colorado, thanks to its vast 5,300-acre ski resort, one of the largest in North America. The resort’s terrain has a variety of hills and terrains that anybody can enjoy, from gentle bunny slopes in the Golden Peak area to the legendary Back Bowls, known for their expansive powder fields. Blue Sky Basin offers additional expert terrain, creating a dynamic experience for advanced skiers and snowboarders alike.

The town of Vail is equally renowned, with its European-inspired pedestrian villages—Vail Village and Lionshead—offering luxury accommodations and lively party scenes. The Evergreen Lodge at Vail is a highly rated place to rest for the night, with its reasonably priced rooms and proximity to the abovementioned ski area.

Ice skating, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides provide alternatives to skiing, while the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens add a year-round touch of outdoor beauty if you're keen to go for a simple walk during your stay in Vail.

Make the Best of Your Colorado Ski Trip this Season

These ski towns represent the best of winter recreation in Colorado, combining exceptional hills and resorts with communities packed with attractions and rich histories. From Aspen’s world-class slopes to Telluride’s more remote alpine charm, each destination mentioned here offers something unique for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Beyond the slopes, these towns provide an excellent amount of après-ski experiences, outdoor adventures, and opportunities to explore their unique downtown districts. Whether you’re drawn to Breckenridge’s mining heritage, Vail’s luxury appeal, or Estes Park’s backcountry trails, these ski towns in the Centennial State promise an unforgettable winter escape this season.