Planning your Colorado ski vacation

When planning a Colorado ski vacation, there are several things you should keep in mind. There are a lot of things to consider outside of the amazing snow and ski runs. You'll need to think about how to get the best ski vacation on your budget, pick the best ski resort for you and access to the slopes. We are here to help you answer a few of your questions.

Why a ski vacation in Colorado?

Colorado has some of the best skiing in the U.S., with amazing snowfall and big storm events. It is also the best place to ski for early season. It is the home to 58 "14ers" (mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet) to meet all your skiing needs. Snowfall amounts during big storm events are also spectacular. There are also diverse ski resort options ranging from high-end, international-level destinations with seemingly endless terrain to small, family-owned mountain towns that offer hikers access to some of the most scenic hikes in the country. When choosing a ski resort, consider your own personal tastes, skiing preferences, skill levels, budgets, and whether you prefer to ski during the summer or winter.Each season, millions of people travel to Colorado to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're planning an epic backcountry adventure or simply taking advantage of the state's incredible scenery, you'll find what you're looking for in Colorado.

How can I get cheap Colorado ski packages?

1. Book an all inclusive ski vacation package

If you want to save some extra cash for your ski trip, book everything at once. You’ll be able to get better deals when you buy things together. Look for ski vacation packages which let you package lodging, ski passes, equipment rentals, flights, lessons and transfers all in the one place. By booking everything together, you get a cheaper price than buying all the components of a ski package individually. It is also more convenient and quick.

2. Plan ahead for the holidays

You may think that booking at the last minute would save you some cash, but this isn't true for skiing holidays. Generally, the longer you wait, the higher the price gets. Hopefully, we're still early enough for you to get in on this tip! Booking flights well in advanced and booking them as soon as you're ready to go is always a good idea.

3. Look at a few ski vacation packages

There are ski tour operators which specialize in Colorado ski vacation packages. Spendsome time comparing different deals available. Remember to include any additional costs like accommodation, travel to/from the slopes, and skiing passes when you're doing your sums.

I'm a beginner going to Colorado, what do I need to know?

If you are a beginner going to Colorado for the first time:

1. Make sure you pick a ski resort that has a lot of green runs with wide, sweeping slopes.

2. You should book lessons for your first or second day so that you can tackle the remainder of the mountain with confidence.

3. Make sure you make a list of all the ski gear that you will need (skis, snowboards, helmet, ski gear, gloves, goggles etc) and have it all ready.

4. Beware of altitude sickness. Consider staying in Denver overnight before venturing to the mountains.

What's the price tag for a ski vacation to Colorado?

This really depends heavily on the ski resort and how close you want to stay at the slopes. Lodging and lift tickets is by far the biggest cost for your ski vacation, which is why we recommend you bundle these items in a ski package. For lodging, it will cost you a pretty penny if you want to ski in and ski out from the slopes, but the price falls dramatically when you book further away from the slopes.

What season is best for skiing in Colorado?

If you want powdery piste runs and crystal clear skies, go during the middle of the winter. Alternatively, if you're willing to risk bad weather, you'll get better deals at the beginning or end of the year. Just be careful when the weather turns bad! That said, if you want to go early season skiing, Colorado is the best place to be as it has the best snow making supported by high elevation with cold temperatures.

Must Visit Colorado Ski Resorts

Here are a few ski resorts in Colorado that is perfect for destination skiing! You can also check out our top 10 list which has a lot more detail on the ski resorts.

Aspen

Aspen, which was once known for its gold mines, has been opening its lifts since the 1940s. The old and historic city is more representative of the smaller towns found throughout Colorado. Differentiation from other ski destinations comes through the unique atmosphere and character of the area. A distinctive local flavor and ambiance bring visitors back in time, but without sacrificing modern amenities. Shopping and fine cuisine can be found in downtown Aspen. However, don't let the high prices fool you into thinking that you're getting ripped off.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

If you're looking for something fun to do in Breck­enridge, Colorado, skiing and snowboarding are two of the best activities there are. Peak 8 Resort has terrain parks, bowls and lots of intermediate and advanced ski trails. It also has beginner and lesson programs available. If you're looking for a place to relax after a day of skiing, there are lots of things to do in downtown Breckenridge besides skiing. There are great restaurants, pubs, shops, and hotels.

Telluride Ski Resort

Telluride is difficult to get to (it’s six hours away from Denver), but once you arrive it has everything you‘ll need for a winter holiday. The mountain views are famous, and the ski resorts have a wide range of beginners to expert slopes. It has a free gondola, and an amusement park, and other winter activities.

Vail Ski Resort

Vail is one the world’s best ski destinations, and one of the best places to visit in Colorado for winter sports, so it makes sense that there’s skiable snow for everyone at Vail. Lionshead Village is located at the bottom of the mountain and offers shopping, fine dining, ice skating, and other activities for people who don't ski.

Ski In Ski Out Lodging for your ski vacation

Discover your ideal ski-in/ski-out lodging by browsing through the hotels and condos listed below. You can filter by your preferred budget and amenities, like pools and hot tub. Once you've selected your perfect spot, you can book your entire ski trip right online.

BEAVER RUN RESORT

With its long lists of top-notch facilities and convenient access to the mountain, Beaver Run Resort and Convention Center is one of Brecksville’s most popular resorts. It’s situated right at the bottom of Peak 9, so it’s perfect for the skier or boarder who wants to maximize their skiing or boarding experience.

Beaver Run Resort has a wide range of amenities, from an indoor/outdoor swimming pools to a second outdoor swimming pools, seven outdoor hot tub, an exercise room, a video arcade, retail stores and restaurants, a mini market/delicatessen, bars and restaurants, a ski and snowboard rental shop, a free shuttle service, and a full-service spa.

CRYSTAL PEAK LODGE

Nestled at the foot of Breckenridge's Peak 7, Crystal Peaks Lodge offers its guests stunning views of the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains and convenient gondola and chairlift service that is literally just steps away. The setting is picturesque - Crystal Peaks Lodge is rustic yet sophisticated.

ARRABELLE AT VAIL SQUARE

Inspired by the classic European hotel rooms, the Arrabela at Vail Square represents one of the finest properties in Lionshead Village. It has plenty of seating around a large stone hearth with bay windows looking out at the village square. Located right next to the Lionshead Gondolas in the heart of Lions Head Village, this Vail resort offers easy access to shopping, restaurants, and village amenities.

GRAND HYATT VAIL

Grand Hyatt Vail offers the epitome of luxury with 285 guest rooms and suites with sophisticated decor and luxurious bathrooms - the perfect place to stay when you're looking for an escape from everyday life.

LODGE AT VAIL

Located at the base off Vail Mountain, in Vail Village, The Lodges combines old-fashioned hospitality with modern amenities and excellent cuisine.

ASPEN SQUARE CONDOMINIUM HOTEL

Ideally situated in the heart of downtown Denver, the Aspen Square condominium hotel offers guests an exceptional experience at affordable rates.

LIMELIGHT HOTEL ASPEN

Located in the heart of Aspen, the Limelight Hotel puts guests right next door to Aspen Mountain, the quaint outdoor shopping mall, and more than 100 fine dining establishments.