Colorado tourism is chiefly driven by skiing. The state has the perfect powdery snow, a long ski season, and large vertical drops. More than 25 ski areas operate in the state and attract 12 million skiers per year. Moderate priced ski centers to world-class ski resorts with elegant accommodations are available. Most ski areas have snowmaking systems that provide a good skiing surface throughout the winter. The Colorado ski season covers eight months a year with prime skiing time between Thanksgiving and Easter. Highest prices are during the Christmas holidays.
Aspen - The resort area located at the base of the ski lifts. Aspen is suitable for all level of skiers, and is surrounded by a Victorian town that attracts celebrities. It is one of the world’s best known ski resorts, but it is also expensive.
Crested Butte - This resort offers beginner slopes to very difficult slopes. Crested Butte is included in Colorado’s top 10 areas of vertical drop.
Telluride - Located in southwest Colorado, Telluride is a town as well as a separate ski development called Mountain Village. Telluride is a good ski area for novice, intermediate, and expert skiers.
Durango - The ski area is Durango Mountain Resort. This ski area is smaller and less exclusive than Telluride. There are several lodges at the base of the mountain. The town of Durango is 30 minutes away from the ski area.
Vail - Vail is one of the largest ski areas in the U.S. There is a compact ski village and challenging ski trails for all level skiers. This ski resort is internationally known, and there are many European visitors.
Beaver Creek - This is a four season resort with golf, hot-air ballooning, mountain biking, fishing, and horseback riding. Beaver Creek is an elegant vacation spot with an atmosphere that is more formal than Vail.
Winter Park - This resort is a very good value with ski trails for all skill levels. There are ski programs for children and those with disabilities.
Steamboat - This ski area is located in northwest Colorado. There are no problems with crowding, and the area has light powdery snow on five mountain peaks. There are restaurants and condominiums at the base of the mountains.