Skiing and Snowboarding in Colorado 2024-2025

No other state can surpass Colorado in terms of skiing and snowboarding. With dozens of resorts, Colorado claims the largest and the most famous skiing spots in the nation with many hidden gems. Bright bluebird skies, tons of fresh, dry powder snow, and superb slopes make it a dream destination during winter months.

Best Time to Ski in Colorado

Luckily, the skiing season in Colorado is longer than in other states. First resorts start open in October, and the season is in full swing by December. You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding as long as mid-April or even early June. Judging from the number of ski resorts open, the best time to come is still from late November through to mid-April.

Colorado's Top Ski Resorts

Aspen

Aspen Snowmass is a premier winter resort complex in Colorado, offering four ski areas—Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands—spread across a vast terrain. This destination provides an unparalleled experience for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, with the convenience of a single lift ticket granting access to all mountains. Known for its exceptional grooming and modern lift system, Aspen Snowmass is also a cultural hub, blending outdoor adventure with vibrant après-ski entertainment. Famous for attracting the wealthy and iconic, the resort offers a luxurious and scenic escape for winter enthusiasts.

Tickets

The 2024–2025 season opens on November 28 at Aspen Mountain and Snowmass, with Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk following in mid-December (December 14). Season passes offer access to over 5,600 acres of diverse terrain, with early pricing for the Alpine 1-Day pass starting at $1,554 and the Alpine 2-Day at $2,279.

Arapahoe Basin

Arapahoe Basin, commonly known as A-Bay, is a renowned ski resort favored by a younger, laid-back crowd compared to Aspen. Its high elevation ensures Colorado's longest winter season, running from October to June, and a dynamic summer season extending from June to September.

A-Basin boasts seven distinct areas, offering a variety of terrain, from beginner-friendly slopes to advanced moguls and terrain parks. Notably, the Pallavicini area is famed for its challenging double-black runs accessible via a single lift from the base. In 2017-18, over 300 acres of terrain were added with The Beavers and Steep Gullies, featuring steep, narrow, expert-only chutes. The back bowl, known as Zuma, offers breathtaking views of 14,000-foot peaks. For adventurous skiers, hiking the East Wall to 13,050 feet offers iconic views and extreme terrain. Beginners can hone their skills at Molly Hogan, A-Basin's learning hill located at the base.

Tickets

Lift tickets must be reserved online, as they are not sold on-site. The full-season pass for 2024-25 offers unlimited access to A-Basin, priced at $659 for adults, with discounts available for youth and seniors. Passes are limited and expected to sell out.

Vail

Vail, the largest ski resort in Colorado, spans a vast 5,289 acres (2,140 ha) of terrain, offering a diverse and challenging experience for skiers and snowboarders. Its legendary 7 Back Bowls, from Sun Down Bowl to Outer Mongolia Bowl, are a major attraction, featuring wide, open spaces perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers. Among the Back Bowls, Sun Up, Sun Down, and China Bowl are the most popular, with multiple lifts providing access. Vail operates daily in winter from 9 am to 3:30 pm, beginning November 15, 2024.

Tickets

For those looking to make the most of the experience, the Epic Day Pass offers great value, starting at $99 per day when purchased in advance of the season.

Telluride

Telluride is a premier ski destination in the United States, known for its breathtaking scenery and outstanding ski terrain, featuring 148 trails. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Telluride offers something for everyone, with its varied slopes set against the stunning backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. Skiers can enjoy a diverse range of terrain, perfect for intermediate and advanced levels, as well as great options for those new to the sport. The Telluride Ski Resort is set to operate from November 28, 2024, to April 6, 2025, with lifts opening daily at 9 am.

Tickets

For those looking to enjoy the season to the fullest, the Unlimited Season Pass offers unrestricted access and is available starting at $2,100 for adults based on the opening day.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge has North America's highest lift. Its Imperial Express Super Chair reaches 12,840 ft (3.9 km). It's also the most popular ski resort in the US, which means it can be rather crowded. However, its popularity is well deserved. World-class skiing over five peaks is complemented with après-ski at a historical mining town with an authentic atmosphere dating back to 1859. It also offers gourmet dining and plenty of other activities besides skiing or boarding, such as the Race of the Santas, snowshoeing, and riding the Breckenridge Gondola. Breckenridge is also known for its affordable lodging and abundant powder throughout the season. Breckenridge is opening for winter on November 8, 2024.

Tickets

The Epic Day Pass for the 2024/25 winter season offers access to Breckenridge starting in fall 2024. It's the most affordable way to enjoy the slopes, with prices starting at $99 per day when purchased ahead of the ski season.