Skiing and Snowboarding near Denver 2025

Being surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, the capital city of Denver has access to a variety of world-class ski resorts, located within a two-hour drive. The Mile High City boasts lots of transportation options: trains, shuttles, and buses that will take you right to your resort and back in no time.

Ski Season

First snowstorms hit the Rocky Mountains in October, and by the end of this month, some ski resorts already open their gates, but with a limited number of trails and lifts in operation. Most resorts start to operate fully in late November and stay open until May or June. Sometimes, the season extends even into early July. However, the best time for a skiing or snowboarding adventure in Denver area is January and February.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

A-Basin is one of Colorado's most popular resorts and has been operating since 1946. With 1,400 ac (570 ha) of skiable terrain, it suits advanced and intermediate riders. It's not the best option for families, rather for the young and hip crowd. The resort is known for its parties and gatherings at the Beach parking lot, located next to the base chairlifts. However, the main attraction of the resort is its excellent terrain, with plenty of challenges and extreme spots.

A-Basin is located just 66 mi (106 km) from Denver and can be reached by bus, tram, or car. It has one of the longest seasons in North America, operating from mid-October till June or even July.

Resort Stats

vertical: 2,530 ft (771 m) area: 1,400 ac (570 ha) runs: 145 lifts: 12 season: mid-October to June

Season Passes & Tickets

Tickets and passes can only be bought ahead of time. The resort offers numerous pass options, starting from $259 Fall Pass to $659 Unrestricted Season Pass. The cost varies by age and your time of visit. If you'd like to visit during the non-peak time, consider grabbing a Midweek Pass, which costs $469 for adults. A 3-Day Multiday Pack costs $239. Lift tickets start at $56 and go up to $140 for adults, $34-84 for youth (15-18), $23-56 for children over 6, $40-98 for seniors, and are free for kids under five years old.

Loveland Ski Area

Loveland, located atop the Continental Divide in about 53 mi (85 km) west of Denver, is known for its abundant snow, remarkable terrain, and a long season stretching from October through mid-May. With about 100 runs and 1,800 ac (730 ha) of terrain, it offers a quintessential Colorado ski experience. The resort caters to beginners with several easy trails in Loveland Valley. It also offers snowcat skiing. Loveland Ski Area doesn't have lodging at the base, but numerous accommodation options are located 12 miles (19 km) away from Loveland. The area can be reached from Denver by car or shuttle.

Area Stats

vertical: 2,210 ft (674 m) area: 1,800 ac (730 ha) runs: 94 lifts: 9 season: October to mid-May

Tickets & Ski Passes

Lift tickets cost $119 for adults, $40 for children 6 to 14 years old, and are free for children five and under. Senior lift tickets for individuals over 60 years old can be purchased for $109. Loveland offers special discounts for returning customers who have a 2023/2024 season pass. Season Pass Renewal costs $599 for adults between 23 and 69 years old, $419 for young adults between 15 and 22 years old, $189 for children between 6 and 14 years old, and $199 for seniors over 70 years old.

New Season Pass costs $649 for adults, $439 for young adults between 15 and 22 years old, and $199 for children and seniors. A new midweek pass can be purchased for $469 while returning visitors can enjoy a discounted price of $429.

Hours

The lifts operate at Loveland from 9 am until 4 pm from Monday through Friday and from 8:30 am to 4 pm on weekends and holidays.

Winter Park

The oldest continually operated ski resort in Colorado, Winter Park is one of the most favorite winter destinations among locals. You can get here in just two hours, taking a ski train from Denver's Union Station to the base area. Its 3,000 ac (1,200 ha) offer a variety to beginners as well as experts. On Fridays and Saturdays, the resort operates the night-skiing program. The resort is great for families. There's sledding, hayrides, snow-tubing, sleigh, and other fun activities.

Resort Stats

vertical: 3,060 ft (933 m) area: 3,081 ac (1,247 ha) runs: 166 lifts: 25 season: November to mid-May

Lift Tickets & Season Passes

The cheapest pass, the Two-Day Ikon Session Pass, costs $209 for children, $269 for young adults from 13 to 22 years old, and $329 for adults. Winter Park Midweek Pass is valued at $319 for children, $489 for young adults, and $599 for adults. Winter Park Season Pass with no blackout dates costs $30 for children four and under, $399 for children between 5 and 12 years old, $689 for young adults between 13 and 22 years old, and $849 for adults over 23 years old.

Ikon Base Pass, which unlocks access to numerous other resorts, costs $99 for children 4 and under, $369 for children 5 to 12 years old, $749 for young adults, and $1,019 for adults. And upgraded version, Ikon Pass, ranges form $149 to $1,449. Lift tickets vary around $49-224.

Breckenridge Resort

Breckenridge or simply Breck is thought by many to be the best ski resort in Colorado. World-class skiing over 5 peaks is complemented with a historical 1859 mining town with an authentic atmosphere dating back to the gold rush days. It also offers gourmet dining and plenty of other activities besides skiing or boarding, such as the Race of the Santas, snowshoeing, and riding Breckenridge Gondola. However, its main attraction is, of course, its superb alpine terrain. The resort offers some serious elevation and boasts the highest chairlift in North America.

Resort Stats

vertical: 3,398 ft (1,036 m) area: 2,908 ac (1,177 ha) runs: 162 lifts: 32 season: mid-November to mid-May

Season Passes

Day Pass at Breckenridge costs $119 for adults and $63 for children between 5 and 12 years old. Epic Local Pass, which gives you access to multiple resorts on non-peak days, costs $778 for adults, $408 for children ages 5 to 12 years old, and $632 for teenagers between 13 and 18 years old. Epic Pass with no restrictions costs $1047 for adults and $534 for children between 5 and 12 years old. Summit Value Pass for entry to Breckenridge and Keystone costs $631 for adults, $512 for teenagers, and $353 for children.