(Plus 3 Bonus Resorts for Advanced Skiers)
Welcome to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, home to some of the best skiing in the world.
Skiing is exciting and exhilarating, and Colorado is one of the world’s best places to do it.
The best Colorado ski resorts have plenty for skiers of all abilities, with their snowy peaks, magnificent views, and tough slopes.
But if you’re new to the sport, don’t worry – we’ve covered you.
In this video, we’ll take you on a tour of the top ski resorts in Colorado that are perfect for beginners.
So which are the best places to ski in Colorado if you are a beginner?
Vail
Vail is first on our list. Vail Ski Resort, known as the “home of American skiing,” is one of North America’s largest and most popular ski resorts.
It is one of the world’s most popular and well-known ski resorts in Colorado. It’s known for its high-end atmosphere and excellent skiing.
Vail has slopes for every skill level, from novice to expert, with over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and 31 lifts.
This ski resort is a great choice for first-time skiers because it has a variety of easy and intermediate runs and a ski school for all skill levels. First-time skiers can get expert instruction and have fun in a safe environment.
You can also take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain for a scenic view of the surrounding mountains.
With a wide range of activities, entertainment, and dining options, Vail is a great choice for beginner skiers looking for a fantastic ski vacation.
Back bowls at the resort are a must-ski for skiers with a lot of experience and offer a great time.
Vail Mountain Village is home to a number of unique boutiques, restaurants, and galleries that make it an ideal destination for visitors from all over the world.
Families are drawn to Vail for its family-friendly activities, such as tubing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides.
Adventure seekers will find plenty of backcountry skiing trails to explore on their own or with guides. For the more leisurely traveler, there are plenty of cozy cafes and coffee shops to relax and enjoy the views.
Vail Mountain Village is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with various bars and nightclubs open late into the night.
Music lovers can enjoy performances from local bands at one of Vail’s many live music venues, while those hoping to catch some fresh powder can hit the slopes before turning in for the evening.
With its stunning mountain views, year-round recreational activities, luxurious accommodations, and lively social scene, it’s no wonder why Vail Village continues to be one of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts.
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Aspen
Aspen, Colorado, is a great destination for beginner skiers.
The Aspen Skiing Company runs Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, all ski resorts in the Aspen area. Each mountain has different terrain for skiers of all levels, including runs that are good for beginners.
Buttermilk Mountain is known for its beginner terrain, with over 40% of its runs designated for beginners.
The mountain also has a ski and snowboard school that offers lessons for all skill levels.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Aspen also offers a variety of other activities, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.
Aspen also has a lively after-ski scene, with many restaurants, bars, and shops to check out. You can easily go from the slopes to a cozy spot for drinks and snacks or head downtown.
You’ll find plenty of options for entertainment, from live music to shopping, so no matter what your preferences are, there’s something for everyone in Aspen mountain.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is also a great destination for beginner skiers. The resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers of all abilities, including beginner-friendly runs.
Beaver Creek’s Discovery Park is designed specifically for beginner skiers and snowboarders, with gentle terrain, easy-to-use surface lifts, and a dedicated ski and snowboard school for all skill levels.
The park also features interactive educational exhibits to help visitors learn more about the sport and the mountain environment.
The Beaver Creek ski resort has many other things to do besides skiing and snowboarding, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a historic ski town in the Rocky Mountains that offers some of the most beautiful and challenging skiing in Colorado.
With over 2,900 skiable acres and 187 established runs, Breckenridge ski resort has a wide range of terrain for skiers of all skill levels.
But it is also a great destination for beginner skiers.
Peak 9 is the best area for beginner skiers and snowboarders, with a variety of easy-to-navigate green runs and a ski and snowboard school that offers lessons for all skill levels.
Peak 9 also has a dedicated children’s ski, and snowboard school called the “Snowflake Yurt, ” a great place for kids to learn.
Main Street Breckenridge is full of charming businesses, restaurants, and pubs.
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain is well-known for its excellent snow and well-kept and well-marked slopes.
It has 2,465 skiable acres and 148 established trails, providing a broad terrain for all skiers.
However, Copper Mountain has a dedicated area for beginner skiers and snowboarders called “Center Village,” which features easy-to-navigate green runs, as well as a ski and snowboard school that offers lessons for beginners to intermediate levels.
The center village also has a variety of children’s ski programs, including ski and snowboard lessons, childcare, and ski camps, which are great options for families traveling with kids.
The resort’s hamlet is charming, with many shops and restaurants.
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Winter Park
With over 3,000 skiable acres and 160 established routes, Winter Park offers a diverse terrain for skiers of all skill levels. The Mary Jane Trail, one of North America’s longest ski paths, is also located within the resort.
But Winter Park is a great destination for beginner skiers.
The resort offers a variety of green runs and a dedicated learning area for first-time skiers and snowboarders.
The ski school at Winter Park offers group and private lessons for all skill levels, and the instructors are experienced and patient.
Winter Park is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard.
Additionally, the resort has a variety of amenities, such as rental shops, restaurants, and lodging options, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience for beginners.
Winter Park’s village is lovely, and the après-ski atmosphere is lively.
Keystone
Keystone has terrain for all skill levels, with over 3,000 skiable acres and 128 established trails.
Because of its night skiing and large terrain park, the resort is popular with snowboarders and freeskiers.
However, these are the reasons we love Keystone for beginner skiers:
The resort has a wide range of beginner-friendly terrain, making it easy for new skiers to find slopes appropriate for their skill level.
Keystone offers ski and snowboarding lessons for all skill levels, including professional beginner-specific instruction.
It offers a variety of ski packages, including beginner packages that include lift tickets, rental equipment, and lessons.
Keystone Resort is a great destination for families with beginner skiers, as it offers a variety of activities and amenities for kids and adults.
A convenient location near Denver makes it easy to get to major airports and other destinations.
The resort has a team of groomers that work tirelessly to keep the slopes in great condition for skiers of all skill levels but mainly for beginners.
And finally, Keystone Resort offers a variety of on-mountain amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and rental shops, making it easy for beginner skiers to take breaks and enjoy the mountain experience.
Steamboat
Steamboat is another fantastic Colorado skiing destination. The resort is well-known for its soft, fluffy snow and friendly atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for families and skiers of all levels.
Steamboat offers diverse terrain, with over 2,965 skiable acres and 165 designated lines.
Steamboat Ski Resort offers beginners a ski school with group and private lessons.
The beginner group lessons are for skiers and snowboarders and are designed for those new to the sport or who want to improve their basic skills.
The lessons are typically 2.5 hours long and are taught by professional instructors who will help students learn the basics of skiing or snowboarding, such as how to use the chairlift, control speed, direction, and stop.
Private lessons are also available for those who want a more personalized instruction experience. These lessons are tailored to the individual’s skill level and learning style and can be a great option for those who want to progress quickly or for families with young children who may benefit from one-on-one instruction.
Steamboat Ski Resort also offers a unique “First-Timer Program,” specifically designed to help first-time skiers and snowboarders feel comfortable and confident on the mountain. It includes rental equipment and a lift ticket as well as a lesson.
This program is a great option for those who want to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time and want to ensure they have everything they need to get started.
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Purgatory Resort
The Purgatory Resort, a ski resort in Durango, Colorado, used to be called Durango Mountain Resort. It’s another great ski resort in Colorado.
Purgatory offers a wide range of terrain for all ability levels, including beginner, intermediate, and expert runs, on approximately 1,360 skiable acres and 85 named trails.
The resort also has an astounding 2,029 feet of vertical drop, making it a popular destination for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
But the resort has a separate area for beginners with gentle slopes and easy-to-use surface lifts. It also has a ski-and-ride school with professional instructors who can help new skiers learn the basics and move on to more difficult terrain.
The resort also has a magic carpet and a beginner lift that travels on a flat surface. It’s a great way for beginner skiers to learn the most basic elements of how to ski or snowboard.
Purgatory also provides a range of other winter activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tubing.
[BONUS] Colorado Ski Resorts better for Advanced Skiers
Crested Butte
Crested Butte has about 1,547 skiable acres and 123 set routes that are good for skiers of all skill levels. However, the resort is known for its steep and difficult terrain, making it a popular place for advanced skiers.
This famous extreme terrain, including the Headwall and the North Face, will test even the most experienced skiers.
In addition, Crested Butte offers a variety of steep and mogul runs and a ski school that caters to refined skiers looking to improve their skills.
Crested Butte is also known for its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and charming and historic town.
With a vibrant après-ski scene, the town provides guests various dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities after a day on the slopes.
Monarch Mountain
For more experienced skiers looking for a challenge, Monarch Mountain is another excellent Colorado skiing destination.
Monarch Mountain, with approximately 1,162 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 1,162 feet, is recognized for its relatively quiet slopes and deep powder.
Monarch Mountain is a great option for advanced skiers looking for a more remote and less crowded experience.
The resort offers over 1,200 acres of skiable terrain, with a variety of steep and mogul runs, backcountry terrain, and a ski school that caters to developed skiers looking to improve their skills.
Monarch Mountain is also known for its spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and its friendly and laid-back atmosphere.
Silverton Mountain
Silverton Mountain is a unique destination for advanced skiers looking for an ultimate skiing adventure.
The resort offers guided access to over 1,800 acres of steep, un-groomed terrain, including chutes, cliffs, and glades.
There is a single chairlift and a helicopter service to access the runs.
Silverton Mountain is also known for its spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and its challenging and off-the-beaten-path terrain, making it perfect for experienced skiers looking to push their limits.
Final Thoughts
Finally, Colorado has a wide variety of skiing spots for skiers of all ability levels, ranging from world-renowned resorts like Vail and Aspen to more off-the-beaten-path places like Monarch Mountain and Silverton Mountain.
Colorado is the ideal destination to enjoy the excitement of skiing, with its snowy peaks, magnificent vistas, and tricky slopes.
Each of these resorts has its own distinct personality, yet they all give a memorable skiing experience.
In conclusion, Colorado is a skier’s dream, with many options for skiers of all skill levels.
From luxurious resorts like Vail and Beaver Creek to the charming towns of Breckenridge and Crested Butte, there’s something for everyone in Colorado.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics, Colorado has the perfect place for you.
Colorado’s world-class ski schools cater to all skill levels, providing a fun and safe environment for skiers to learn and improve.
In addition to skiing, Colorado also offers a wide range of activities and entertainment options, from dining and shopping to après-ski entertainment.
Colorado is the perfect destination for your next ski vacation, whether you’re a first-time skier or a seasoned pro.
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