The Best Ski Towns in Colorado

Suddenly your inbox just got flooded with ski movie trailers, pre-season sales, and reports of first snowfall at your favorite resorts. There’s no better time to book a bucket-list ski vacation for the upcoming season. Read on for our list of the best ski towns in Colorado.

Aspen

Aspen wins for some of the most spectacular skiing in the state, paired with A-list shopping, dining and nightlife. With four mountains to ski, powder hounds can catch first-chair freshies off the Big Burn on Snowmass, then head to town for afternoon groomers at Aspen Mountain. Finish the day with Hollywood-style happy hour at Eric’s Bar for a true Aspen after-hours. Make sure to refuel at the Hickory House for lip-licking ribs and steak.

Vail

Vail always rivals Aspen for the top spot. Vail’s 5,289 skiable acres feature the iconic and unparalleled Back Bowls, while Vail Village offers delectable eats, casual cocktail spots and a true European cobblestone shopping experience. Rehydrate after a day on the slopes by sipping wine from around the world at Root & Flower. And splurge on your sweet tooth at Crespelle with their signature crepe featuring Nutella, chocolate pearls, and strawberries or banana.

Telluride

Telluride ’s San Juan Mountains welcome you to the valley with an Alps-like ruggedness seen nowhere else in the state. With terrain varying from beginner to hike-to access, there’s something for everyone in this historic, self-proclaimed “anti-Aspen” town. Commute to Mountain Village on the free gondola, and revel in the scenery while enjoying wagyu beef carpaccio or Colorado rack of lamb at Allred’s. Wet your whistle at the Last Dollar Saloon, where you’re sure to rub elbows with a local.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge boasts top-five status for its peak-to-peak accessibility, its plethora of terrain parks for the groms, and its ample shopping and sipping for the non-skiing members of the party. For the best happy hour off the hill, make plans for a mouthwatering margarita at Mi Casa. Then, continue on to Blue River Bistro, featuring bison tacos and buffalo short ribs.

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs stands strong on its western heritage and family-first friendly vibe. With their brand-new gondola taking flight during the shortened 2019/20 season, skiers and snowboarders are eager to “press glass” for the Champagne Powder® snow they know and love. Feast on mussels and wood-fired pizza at Brick. And for the brunch lovers in the family, stop in for a Reuben Benedict or Swiss-inspired Rosti at Yampa Valley Kitchen.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte guarantees any visitor a true local experience. Enjoy small crowds, a family-friendly mountain and sunshine for days while taking in the quaintness of “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town”. Their mountain-town life centers on outdoor recreation, community, and both historical and environmental preservation. The Secret Stash is your go-to pizza paradise. And for a craft brew and warm bar stool, head upstairs to The Eldo.

Winter Park

Winter Park gets often overlooked. For the mogul-loving skiers of the family, Mary Jane delivers steeps and hot-dog style all day long. Look for the Winter Park Express ski train, scheduled to return in 2022, for an authentic mountain transport. Enjoy a gondola ride to the village and indulge on locally sourced Colorado fare like seared duck breast or wild mushroom ravioli at Vertical.