If you’re a skier or snowboarder looking to hit the slopes in Denver, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of ski resorts within driving distance from the city, and plenty more within an hour’s drive.
Plus, there are always plenty of other winter activities for non-skiers too! I’ll break down everything you need to know about skiing in Denver below.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Denver, Colorado is a popular gateway to ski resorts in the nearby Rocky Mountains. |
| There are several ski resorts near Denver, including Keystone, Winter Park, and Loveland Ski Area. |
| Most ski resorts near Denver are within a 1 to 2-hour drive from the city. |
| Popular ski resorts near Denver include Breckenridge, Vail, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin. |
| Ski resorts near Denver offer amenities such as ski-in/ski-out lodging, rental equipment, and dining options. |
Can You Ski In Denver Co?
There are many ski resorts in Denver, CO. The city has a lot of snow and great weather conditions for skiing. It’s also a great place to learn how to ski because there are plenty of ski clubs that can help you get started.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you ski in Denver? | Yes, Denver offers skiing opportunities in nearby ski resorts. |
| What are the ski resorts near Denver? | Keystone, Winter Park, Loveland Ski Area, and more. |
| How far is Denver from the ski resorts? | The distance varies, but most are within a 1 to 2-hour drive from Denver. |
| Which are the popular ski resorts near Denver? | Breckenridge, Vail, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin, among others. |
| What amenities do ski resorts near Denver offer? | Ski-in/ski-out lodging, rental equipment, dining options, and more. |
In this table, the new H3 can be “Skiing in Denver, Colorado” to provide a clear heading for the table content.
When Can I Ski In Denver?
Denver can be a great ski destination, but it’s not always the best time of year to go skiing in Denver.
The best time for skiing in Denver is January through March, though most of the resorts are closed during that time.
If you want to hit the slopes early or late in the season, check out Eldora Mountain Resort or Arapahoe Basin Ski Area they both have nighttime skiing and snowshoeing!
Planning a ski trip? If you’re wondering where to go, our comprehensive guide on skiing in different states can help you find the perfect destination. Discover the best skiing spots across the country, including Colorado, home to the thrilling slopes of Denver.
Where Can I Ski In Denver?
The best ski resorts near Denver are Steamboat, Vail, Winter Park and Telluride. Each of these resorts has great skiing conditions and some of them even have more than one mountain.
Denver is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard because it has lots of beginner slopes for new skiers. There are also many places where you can rent equipment and get lessons if you need them.
Colorado has the most ski resorts in the United States – over 40! Some of these resorts are close enough to Denver that you could drive there in an hour or two without having to travel far away from your home town.
How Difficult Are Denver Ski Slopes?
Denver ski resorts are generally not as difficult as other places in Colorado. If you’re an expert skier and looking for a challenging mountain, there are plenty of options for you in the Centennial State. However, Denver ski resorts are more suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Denver’s longest run is about 11 miles long (at Keystone Resort), but this represents only about 10% of the runs offered at Denver ski resorts.
Most slopes have short runs that don’t go much further than 1 mile from the lift, which makes them ideal for families with small children or people who aren’t interested in covering ground quickly on their way down a hillside.
Have you ever wondered about the cost of riding a ski lift? Our article on how much it costs to ride a ski lift provides valuable insights into budgeting for your ski adventure. Learn about lift ticket prices, season passes, and tips to make the most of your skiing experience.
What Are The Best Denver Ski Resorts?
There are many ski resorts in and around Denver that offer incredible snow, fun terrain and a variety of activities. Some of these include:
- Copper Mountain Resort
- Keystone Ski Resort
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one. The best way to find out which resort is right for you is by looking at the details!
What Time Of Year Is Best For Skiing In Denver?
The best time to ski in Denver is mid-December to mid-March. The dry climate and high altitude means that the snow is light and fluffy, like you’re skiing on clouds. The season is short though, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly!
Are There Any Kid-Friendly Denver Ski Resorts?
If you’re looking to go skiing with your kids in Denver, the answer is yes! Colorado has a number of ski resorts that are friendly to families. There are also family-friendly ski resorts near Denver, and child-friendly ski resorts in Colorado.
Here are some of our favorite family-friendly ski resorts:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are there any ski resorts in Denver for kids? | Yes, several ski resorts near Denver offer kid-friendly amenities and activities. |
| Which ski resorts near Denver are kid-friendly? | Keystone Resort, Winter Park Resort, and Copper Mountain Resort are known for being kid-friendly. |
| What amenities do kid-friendly ski resorts offer? | These resorts provide features like dedicated beginner slopes, ski schools, and childcare services. |
| Are there any family-friendly accommodation options near these resorts? | Yes, many of these resorts offer family-friendly lodging options. |
Can You Ski On 14ers In Colorado?
You can ski on 14ers in Colorado.
“14er” is the term used to describe mountains that are over 14,000 feet in elevation. The most famous 14er is Mt.
Everest, which stands at 29,029 feet above sea level and has been climbed by thousands of people from all over the world.
While this mountain might be a distant dream for some skiers, there are plenty of Colorado 14ers for them to climb instead! There are many 14ers located throughout Colorado including Quandary Peak (14k), Grays Peak (14k), Silver Mountain (15k), Mt Massive(15k) and more!
Does Denver Airport Have A Local Ski Pass?
The answer is no. The Denver airport does not offer a local ski pass, meaning you have to buy one before you land in Denver or once you’re already there.
You can buy a ski pass at the airport or in town, but we recommend buying one ahead of time because some resorts sell out quickly and it’ll save you the hassle of having to get there and purchase them when they’re gone.
Some resorts also offer more deals if purchased through their websites rather than directly at the resort (though this may be regionally dependent). If possible, we’d recommend purchasing your pass online if that option is available for your chosen location—it’ll save time and hassle!
Embarking on a skiing journey with your kids? Find out the best places to take them for ski lessons in our helpful guide on where to take kids to learn to ski. Discover family-friendly resorts and ski schools that cater to children, ensuring an enjoyable and safe skiing experience for the whole family.
How Much Does It Cost To Go Skiing Near Denver?
To get a better idea of what ski trips to Denver CO will cost you, let’s take a look at some of the most important factors:
Lift tickets and rentals. The price of lift tickets and rentals can be one of the biggest expenses when going skiing.
If you purchase your own equipment from a retailer, expect to pay at least $100 for all rental gear including skis, boots and poles. This is why many people choose to buy their own equipment before heading out west!
Food and drink. Skiing requires lots of energy—so stock up on snacks before hitting the slopes! There are plenty of places where you can grab hot chocolate or coffee while enjoying views of the mountains during breaks in your day on the slopes.
And even if an après-ski party isn’t in your future this time around (or if it is), there’s no denying that apres-ski activities are part and parcel with any ski trip (and often include eating).
Who Are The Best Denver Skiers At The Olympics?
Denver has sent skiers to the Olympics since 1960, and Denver skiers have won six medals at the Olympics. Three of those medals are gold medals, two are silver medals, and one is a bronze medal.
Denver’s best Olympic skiers include:
- Dorothy Hamill (gold)
- Tommy Moe (two golds)
- Picabo Street (one gold, one silver)
- Kikkan Randall (one silver, one bronze in cross-country skiing)
Preparing for a snow skiing adventure requires physical readiness. Our informative article on getting in shape for snow skiing offers practical tips and exercises to strengthen your body and improve your skiing performance. Get ready to hit the slopes in Denver with confidence!
Should You Take A Tour Guide On Your Denver Ski Trip?
If the thought of skiing in Denver seems a little intimidating, you might want to consider hiring a professional ski instructor.
A tour guide can give you some much-needed pointers on how to get around and make the most out of your time at the resort.
Here are some things to look for when selecting a tour guide:
Will they help you choose where to go?
Are they certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)? This is an organization that promotes excellence in skiing instruction and safety through education, research, standards and advocacy.
What’s their level of experience? How many seasons have they been teaching? Or do they have any other certifications or degrees from institutions like Colorado Mountain College or National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), which focus on outdoor education programs for adults?
These may come with their own set of benefits such as reduced price on lift tickets or upgrades to VIP status if available—but even without those extras it’s still important that you feel confident about your choice!
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are there benefits to having a tour guide on a Denver ski trip? | Yes, having a tour guide can provide valuable local knowledge and assistance throughout your ski trip. |
| What are the advantages of hiring a tour guide? | A tour guide can offer insights on the best ski resorts, navigate the slopes, provide safety guidance, and enhance your overall experience. |
| Are there any downsides to using a tour guide? | The cost of hiring a tour guide is an additional expense, and some experienced skiers may prefer exploring on their own. |
| Can a tour guide help with logistics and planning? | Yes, a tour guide can assist with logistics such as transportation, equipment rentals, lift tickets, and organizing activities beyond skiing. |
| Are there alternatives to hiring a tour guide? | Yes, self-guided ski trips are an option for those who prefer independence and have prior knowledge of the area and ski resorts. |
What Should I Wear Skiing In Denver?
If you’re looking to ski in Denver, it’s important to be prepared. Weather in Denver is unpredictable, so dress in layers and wear a hat, sunscreen and gloves when you go.
If you’re skiing on the weekends at a resort like Vail or Keystone, wear boots that are designed for snowboarding or cross-country skiing.
If you’re heading out for a day on the slopes in the city, find out which mountain has the best deals on lift tickets and passes beforehand so that your wallet doesn’t take too big of a hit once there!
Curious about the skiing conditions at Purgatory resort in Colorado? Find out all about it in our detailed article on why Purgatory is good for skiing. Explore the resort’s features, snow quality, and terrain, and discover why Purgatory is a fantastic skiing destination in the beautiful state of Colorado.
Conclusion
If you have any questions about skiing in Denver, the best place to start is with our article on what to wear skiing in Colorado.
The most important thing is to stay warm and dry, so make sure you dress appropriately, especially if you plan on snowshoeing or cross country skiing. You can also check out our guide on how much it costs to go skiing near Denver.
If you want some more tips and tricks for your next winter adventure, check out our blog post on how not get cold feet (or hands) when going out for a run this fall!
Further Reading
- SnowPak – Closest Ski Resorts Near Denver: Discover the closest ski resorts to Denver, Colorado, and find out which ones offer the best skiing experiences within a short distance from the city.
- Travel Lemming – Ski Resorts Near Denver: Explore this guide to ski resorts near Denver, featuring top recommendations for skiing enthusiasts looking to enjoy the slopes conveniently located close to the city.
- Hotels.com – Best Ski Resorts Near Denver: Plan your ski getaway with this list of the best ski resorts near Denver. From world-class resorts to family-friendly options, this guide has you covered for an unforgettable skiing experience.
And here’s the FAQs section in Markdown format:
FAQs
Can I ski in Denver, Colorado?
Yes, Denver, Colorado is a popular gateway to numerous ski resorts located in the nearby Rocky Mountains.
What are the closest ski resorts to Denver?
Some of the closest ski resorts to Denver include Keystone, Winter Park, and Loveland Ski Area.
How far is Denver from the ski resorts?
The distance between Denver and ski resorts can vary, but most are within a 1 to 2-hour drive from the city.
What are some popular ski resorts near Denver?
Popular ski resorts near Denver include Breckenridge, Vail, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin.
Do ski resorts near Denver offer amenities and accommodations?
Yes, ski resorts near Denver offer a range of amenities and accommodations, including ski-in/ski-out lodging, rental equipment, dining options, and more.
Hellen James is an outdoor enthusiast, writer, and hiker. She loves to explore the world around her by immersing herself in nature and visiting new places.
