Skiing and Snowboarding near Fort Collins, CO 2024-2025

Fort Collins, located north of Denver, is conveniently situated near some of Colorado's top ski destinations, including Loveland, A-Basin, and Breckenridge in Summit County. These renowned resorts are just two to three hours away, offering excellent skiing and snowboarding options for those based in Fort Collins.

Ski Season

January and February are the ideal months for skiing and snowboarding around Fort Collins, CO, thanks to stable, cool weather and substantial snowfall. The ski season typically begins in October, with most resorts reaching full operational capacity by mid-November. The season lasts through May, and some resorts even stay open until June.

Loveland Ski Area

Loveland Ski Resort is located just a two-hour drive (116 miles or 187 km) from Fort Collins atop the Continental Divide. Known for its abundant snow, diverse terrain, and extended season from October to mid-May, Loveland offers a true Colorado ski experience. The resort features around 100 runs across 1,800 acres (730 hectares) of terrain, including options for beginners in Loveland Valley and snowcat skiing. The resort has a vertical drop of 2,210 feet (674 meters) and operates nine lifts. To reach Loveland, exit Highway 70 at Exit 216—Loveland Valley, with its quad and double chair lifts, is the first stop, and about a mile further is the Loveland Basin lifts and parking area.

Ski Lifts & Open Hours

The day ticket for Loveland Ski Resort during the main season costs US$ 149 for adults and US$ 45 for children, which is approximately € 137 and € 41, respectively. The resort is open from 9 am to 4 pm. The ski season runs from October to mid-May.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) is a popular Colorado resort located about 2 hours and 12 minutes (125 miles or 200 km) from Fort Collins. With 1,400 acres of skiable terrain, it caters primarily to advanced and intermediate riders, making it less suitable for families and more attractive to a young, energetic crowd. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, A-Basin features lively parties and gatherings at the Beach parking lot next to the chairlifts. The resort offers challenging terrain, including extreme spots, and boasts the longest ski season in Colorado, operating from October through June. A-Basin's 52 km of slopes, with 145 runs and 12 lifts, are situated between elevations of 3,286 and 3,790 meters, with the Montezuma Bowl known for its deep snow slopes.

Ski Lifts & Open Hours

Arapahoe Basin offers day tickets for the main season with prices set at US$ 189 for adults, US$ 99 for youth, and US$ 79 for children (approx. € 174, € 91, and € 73, respectively). The resort operates from 9 am to 4 pm, with the ski season running from October to June.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge, often regarded as the best ski resort in Colorado, offers world-class skiing across five peaks along with the charm of a historical 1859 mining town. With its authentic gold rush-era atmosphere, gourmet dining, and activities like the Race of the Santas, snowshoeing, and the Breckenridge Gondola, it has something for everyone. However, the main attraction is its impressive alpine terrain, featuring serious elevation and the highest chairlift in North America. The resort boasts a vertical drop of 3,398 ft (1,036 m) and 2,908 acres (1,177 ha) of terrain with 162 runs and 32 lifts. Located at 9,926 ft, Breckenridge has slopes for all skill levels, starting with easy forest trails and advancing to steeper bowls for more experienced skiers.

Ski Lifts & Open Hours

The day ticket for Breckenridge during the main season is priced at US$ 279 for adults and US$ 181 for children (approximately € 256 and € 166, respectively). The resort operates from 8:30 am to 4 pm, with the ski season running from mid-November to mid-May.