Denver, Colorado is the gateway to some of the best ski resorts in the U.S. Colorado’s world-renowned terrain, incredible destination resorts, cool après-ski experiences, and fun ski towns are all a short drive away. Ski resorts are in abundance near Denver, from small to mid-sized ski areas that are popular with locals to some of the most renowned destination ski resorts in North America. So we’ve rounded up some of the best ski resorts near Denver. This is by no means an exhaustive list (you can find a complete list of Colorado ski resorts here), however, this gives you a taste of some of the best skiing that’s within a couple hours of Denver.
Where To Ski Near Denver
Keystone Resort
Keystone Resort, located about 70 miles (1.5 hours) from Denver via I-70, is one of the most popular destination ski resorts in Colorado. Boasting 3,000 acres of skiable terrain spread across three mountains (Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and Outback), Keystone offers a lot of terrain for every level of skier and rider. Beginners can enjoy the mellow, wide-open slopes at the base, while more advanced skiers will find thrilling challenges in the bowls and tree runs of the Outback. Keystone is popular among freestyle skiers and riders, too, with OnTheSnow users rating it the Best Terrain Park in North America for the 2022-23 ski season. Its merits extends to families, also. We named Keystone one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in North America. Keystone is simply one of the best all-around ski experiences in Colorado.
The fun continues after the sun goes down, as Keystone is one of the best destinations in Colorado for night skiing. Night skiing happens out of the River Run base area until 7 p.m. on select weekends and holidays, making for the longest ski day in Colorado.
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Breckenridge Ski Resort
Just 80 miles (about 1.5 hours) from Denver, Breckenridge is a quintessential Colorado ski resort combining vast terrain with a lively après-ski atmosphere. To get there, take I-70 West to Exit 203, where after a short drive south on Colorado Highway 9, you’ll be greeted by the charming Victorian-style town of Breckenridge and its iconic peaks. The resort itself spans more than 2,900 acres, spread across five peaks, and features a wide variety of terrain suitable for every skill level. Intermediate skiers often prefer the runs on Peak 9, while advanced skiers can explore the steep and challenging slopes on Peak 10. Breckenridge Resort is also home to a massive terrain park, making it a hotspot for freestyle enthusiasts. Enjoy the resort’s fantastic après-ski scene between runs. We recognized it as the Best Ski Resort for Après-Ski following the 2022-23 ski season.
Beyond the slopes, the town of Breck has one of the most vibrant après-ski scenes in Colorado. Main Street is lined with lively bars, restaurants, and shops. Level up après at Breckenridge Distillery, which we named one of the best ski town distilleries. It features craft cocktails and award-winning spirits served alongside a fantastic food menu. With its lively après scene and diverse terrain, Breckenridge is perfect for those who want both excellent skiing and a festive mountain-town atmosphere.
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Vail Ski Resort
Vail, one of the largest and most iconic ski resorts in the U.S., is located about 97 miles (2 hours) from Denver. To reach the resort, take I-70 West to Exit 176. Known for its world-class skiing and high-end amenities, Vail offers over 5,300 acres of terrain, making it a dream destination for all types of skiers. Vail’s terrain offers variety and stunning alpine views, from the wide groomed runs on Frontside to the challenging bowls and steep terrain at Blue Sky Basin. Expert skiers will find excitement in the Back Bowls, while intermediate skiers can enjoy the resort’s legendary cruisers. Vail is also famous for some of Colorado’s best terrain parks.
The après-ski scene in Vail is just as legendary. The Red Lion is a popular spot for live music and a lively crowd, while Garfinkel’s offers a fun, casual atmosphere for drinks and a bite to eat. For a more upscale après experience, head to The Remedy Bar for craft cocktails and mountain views. Vail’s mix of exceptional skiing and vibrant après-ski makes it a great destination for skiers looking for an elevated mountain experience close to the city.
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Beaver Creek Resort
We can’t talk about Vail without talking about Beaver Creek, which is just 10 minutes away. Beaver Creek is known for its luxurious village, impeccable grooming, and more than 2,000 acres of terrain. Highlights include the resort’s tree skiing, and especially the trees off the Birds of Prey run, which is famous for hosting World Cup races. Beaver Creek’s upscale village is where it’s at after a day of skiing or riding. Grouse Mountain Grill is considered one of the best restaurants in the area, featuring global influences and fantastic food made from locally sourced ingredients. For something more casual, check out Dusty Boot Roadhouse. Beaver Creek Village is dotted with luxury shops, cozy lounges, bars, and luxury accommodations. It, along with Vail, are among Colorado’s top destination ski resorts.
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Loveland Ski Area
Loveland Ski Area, located just 53 miles (about 1 hour) from the city, is one of the closest ski resorts to Denver, making it a convenient option for locals and visitors looking to maximize their time on the slopes. To reach the resort, take I-70 West to Exit 216 for Loveland Ski Area, and you’ll be up at the mountain in no time. While Loveland may be smaller than Colorado’s larger destination ski resorts, it still boasts a generous 1,800 acres of terrain, and has a a diverse range of runs for skiers of all levels. The resort is known for its early-season snow, sometimes opening as early as October. It enjoys good powder conditions throughout the season.
The resort has a laid-back, no-frills vibe, which is part of what makes it such a popular choice for locals. Loveland also offers affordable lift tickets, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious skiers who want to enjoy great skiing without the cost and crowds of Colorado’s larger destination ski resorts.
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Copper Mountain Resort
Copper Mountain, located 75 miles (about 1.5 hours) from Denver, is a family-friendly resort with a great mix of terrain for all levels. To get there, take I-70 West to Exit 195 for Copper Mountain. This is particularly a good option if you plan to be carless. The Summit Express provides direct transport from Denver International Airport to Copper, while the Summit Stage Bus can also transport guests from Summit County to the resort. With 2,538 acres of skiable terrain, Copper Mountain offers natural terrain divisions, making it easy to find runs that suit your ability. The Spaulding and Copper Bowls provide expansive, quintessential West Coast skiing options. The resort has 24 lifts and 157 marked trails.
Copper is also home to some of the best freestyle terrain in Colorado thanks to Woodward Terrain Park. Woodward is complete with everything from learning zones to large freestyle zones to experiential features.
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Winter Park Resort
Winter Park, about 65 miles (1.5 hours) from Denver, is known for its abundant snowfall, diverse terrain, and friendly vibe. To get there, take I-70 West to Exit 232 for Winter Park. Travelers can also take the Winter Park Express Amtrak train right from Denver Union Station to the ski resort. With 3,081 acres of skiable terrain, 171 trails, and 28 lifts, Winter Park offers something for everyone, from mellow beginner runs to steep mogul fields on Mary Jane to incredible terrain park features for freestyle skiers and riders. The resort’s après-ski scene is low-key, making for the perfect way to unwind after a day of skiing or riding. Highlights include Derailer Bar for slopeside lunch and brews and the Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge, a cozy mountaintop spot, perfect for sipping cocktails while enjoying the panoramic views.
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Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Arapahoe Basin, affectionately known as A-Basin, is located about 64 miles (about 1.5 hours) from Denver, making it one of the most accessible resorts for locals and visitors alike. To reach Arapahoe Basin, take I-70 West to Exit 216, and you’ll be on the slopes in no time. A-Basin is famous for its long ski season, often being one of the first resorts to open and the last to close. With over 1,400 acres of terrain, the resort offers a great mix of runs for all levels, though intermediate and expert skiers particularly love it. A-Basin also offers great tree skiing and has a reputation for excellent snow conditions.
A-Basin’s laid-back, no-frills atmosphere is one of its biggest draws, and the après-ski scene reflects that casual vibe. Head to The Black Mountain Lodge for delicious BBQ and an award-winning Bloody Mary. In the spring, The Beach, A-Basin’s front-row parking (reservations required), is the place to congregate with your friends and recount the day’s adventures.
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Eldora Mountain Resort
Located roughly 50 miles (about 1 hour) from the city, Eldora Mountain Resort is another one of the closest ski areas to Denver. To get there, take the scenic US-36 West to Eldora, and you’ll quickly find yourself on the slopes. Home to 680 acres of terrain, Eldora is smaller than Colorado’s large destination ski resorts, yet it packs in a lot of variety. It has a solid mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, making it ideal for families and skiers of all levels. It’s also a great destination for cross-country skiers, since it’s home to 40 kilometers of trails at the Eldora Nordic Center. Eldora has a chill après-ski scene, highlighted by spot that include Timbers Tap House, Indian Peaks Bar, and the Lookout.
Granby Ranch
Located about 85 miles (roughly 1.5 hours) from Denver, Granby Ranch offers a more intimate ski experience in the heart of the Rockies. To reach the resort, take I-70 West to US-40 West, leading you directly to Granby. Granby Ranch has a humble 400 acres of skiable terrain, perfect for families, beginners, and intermediate skiers looking for a relaxed day on the slopes. The resort features a mix of groomed runs and tree skiing, with plenty of mellow, wide-open trails for progressing skiers and riders to enjoy. While it may not have the vastness of larger resorts, its manageable size means you can ski all day without feeling overcrowded, and the shorter lift lines add to the relaxed atmosphere. Granby Ranch also offers a snow tubing hill and a terrain park for those looking to practice their tricks.
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Header image: ©Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
March 12, 2025
