Colorado has 26 ski resorts, so there’s no shortage of options for a powder day. But how do you know where to go first? From the epically endless terrain at the big-name resorts to the local powder stashes, every type of skier and rider can find joy in Colorado’s ski resorts, even those that are new to shredding. Whether you’re looking for easy groomers to practice your pizza and French fries or insane backcountry to hit the trees and moguls, we’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing the right ski resort for you. The best ski resorts near Denver are all within a 2-hour drive of the Mile High, making them highly accessible for a day on the slopes.

The Newbie Skier: Loveland Ski Area

The Loveland Valley area is the perfect place to learn the basics if it’s your first time on the slope. With a gentle lift and open, low angle runs, you’ll get your boots wet without having to worry about the pros flying by you. When you’re ready, jump on the connecting lift to the main mountain area for plenty of cruiser groomed terrain. Check out the Ptarmigan Lift and Chair Six for an incredibly beginner-friendly area. Loveland has limited parking, so the resort never feels too full and is great for social distancing.

A Family-Friendly Ski Resort: Keystone Resort

Keystone gets high marks as being the most family-friendly ski resort in Colorado. With a stellar ski school and free wagons, you can haul the whole family and the inevitable gear around easily without breaking a sweat. Kidtopia, their signature kid’s only area, has a ton of fun activities, from a Bigfoot Adventure Walk to the world’s largest snow fort and a Giant Snowball Launch.

The All-Mountain Rider: Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain offers over 240 skiable acres with a vast range of terrain. Whether you like wide back bowls or tight trees and cruiser groomers, there are plenty of features to satisfy the whole squad and keep you busy for more than just a day. Their high-speed lifts mean you’ll spend more time on the slope and less time in line, making it the best all-around ski resort in Colorado.

Cover the Most Terrain: Breckenridge Resort

Breckenridge Resort is the best ski resort in Colorado if you’re looking for quantity. With five peaks, the highest lift-served terrain in North America, and new things opening all the time, they’re always finding a reason for you to come back. Nestled in the Tenmile Range, it’s trendy for a reason, and while the base area can get crowded, once you fan out, you’ll find plenty of solitude. 

Expert Mode: Arapaho Basin

For those that like to push their limits, Arapaho Basin is the place to test your speed and agility. Known locally as “the legend,” A-Bay features the best in steep chutes, cliffs, and tight trees. It’s one of the few resorts in Colorado whose expert runs rival that of the backcountry couloirs, and the Beavers and Montezuma Bowl should be on every serious skier’s bucket list.