Best Skiing in the US: Colorado’s Top 7 Resorts

Best Skiing in the US: Why Colorado Dominates the List of Top Experts

Ski season is coming fast. Snow is already falling in the high mountains. If you love skiing or snowboarding, now is the time to plan your trip. You can still buy multi-resort passes like the Ikon Pass or Epic Pass at a lower price. These passes let you ski at many places for less money. But where should you go? We asked nine travel experts about the best skiing in the US. Every single one of them said the same thing: Colorado. Yes, the best skiing in the US is in Colorado.

They all agree that this state has more than forty ski resorts. That means there is a mountain for every type of skier. From beginners to experts, families to solo travelers, Colorado has it all. In this long guide, we will talk about the best skiing in the US and why Colorado stands above every other state. We will look at the top resorts that the experts love. We will explain why each one is part of the best skiing in the US. By the end of this 4000-word article, you will know exactly where to book your winter trip for the best skiing in the US.

Why Colorado Has the Best Skiing in the US

Let’s start with the big picture. Why do experts say Colorado has the best skiing in the US? First, the snow. Colorado gets a lot of snow every year. The snow is dry and light. This is called “powder.” Powder snow makes skiing feel like floating. It is soft and fun. Second, the mountains are tall. Many peaks go above 12,000 feet. That means the ski season is long. You can ski from November to April, sometimes even May. Third, there are many resorts.

More than forty! That is more than any other state. You can pick a big famous resort or a small local one. Fourth, the towns are great. You get good food, warm hotels, and fun bars after skiing. All of this together makes Colorado the home of the best skiing in the US.The experts we asked are real pros. They work in travel, hotels, and ski shops.

They ski a lot. They know the mountains. When we asked, “Where is the best skiing in the US?” they all said Colorado. Not Utah. Not California. Not Vermont. Colorado. And they gave us seven specific resorts that you must visit for the best skiing in the US. Let’s look at each one. We will tell you what makes them special. We will repeat many times that these are part of the best skiing in the US because it is true. Colorado is the king.

Aspen: Four Mountains, One Name, the Best Skiing in the US

Aspen is famous. You have heard the name. It is a town and also has four ski mountains. All four are connected. You can ski all of them with one lift ticket. That is why Aspen is always on the list of the best skiing in the US.

Kaleigh Kirkpatrick runs a travel company called Shameless Tourist. She is on the Travel + Leisure A-List. She says Aspen is a “four-mountain playground.” Each mountain has its own feel. Let’s break it down.

1. Aspen Mountain – This is a classic. It starts right in the town. You can walk from your hotel to the lift. The runs are steep and groomed. Groomed means the snow is smooth like a carpet. Perfect for fast skiing. This is part of the best skiing in the US for people who like speed.
2. Aspen Highlands – Locals love this one. It has wide blue runs. Blue means medium difficulty. It also has the Highland Bowl. The Bowl is a big open area above the trees. You hike a little to get there. The view is amazing. The snow is deep. This is expert-level but worth it. Many say the Highland Bowl is one run that proves Aspen has the best skiing in the US.
3. Buttermilk – This is for beginners and kids. The runs are gentle. The ski school is top-class. If you are new to skiing, start here. Families love Buttermilk. It is easy and safe. Even beginners can say they skied at a place that is part of the best skiing in the US.

Snowmass – This is the biggest of the four. It has something for everyone. Long easy runs. Steep black diamond runs. Parks for snowboarders. Snowmass is great for groups with different skill levels. One person can ski easy runs. Another can ski hard runs. They meet for lunch. That is why Snowmass is a big reason Aspen offers the best skiing in the US.

Telluride: European Feel, American Powder, the Best Skiing in the US

Telluride is far from the big airports. That keeps it quieter. But the drive is worth it. The town sits in a box canyon. Mountains all around. It looks like a village in Switzerland. That is why experts call Telluride part of the best skiing in the US.

Jonah Drescher works at Christy Sports. He rents ski gear. He says Telluride rises from red dirt plains. It looks European. The ski mountain is big. It has runs for everyone. Beginners can stay low. Experts can go high. There are steep chutes. There are wide groomers. The views of the San Juan Mountains are epic. You stop skiing just to look.

Jason Vargas runs Exceptional Stays. He books luxury homes. He says Telluride has the full spectrum. Beginner to advanced. He loves dining. On the mountain, you can eat gourmet food. Off the mountain, the town has great restaurants. Après skiing is fun but not crazy. Telluride balances everything. That balance makes it the best skiing in the US for people who want beauty and quiet.Telluride gets a lot of snow.

The snow sticks to the steep slopes. Experts love the black diamond runs. But there are also green runs for new skiers. The gondola is free. It takes you from town to the mountain. No car needed. That is easy. Easy access is part of what makes Telluride the best skiing in the US.

Winter Park: Close to Denver, Big Terrain, the Best Skiing in the US

Winter Park is only 65 miles from Denver. You can fly in and ski the same day. That is perfect for a quick trip. But the mountain is not small. It has more than 3,000 acres. That is a lot of space. Cord Thomas runs SkyRun Vacation Rentals. He says Winter Park is Colorado’s longest continually operated ski resort. It has history. It has powder. It was fun.

The town feels real. Not too fancy. Not too crowded. You get pubs, shops, and cozy lodges. Winter Park is the best skiing in the US for a classic mountain town vibe.

Jonah Drescher calls it a family-friendly favorite. The ski school is excellent. The runs are diverse. You can find easy greens, medium blues, and hard blacks. There is lodging for every budget. Cheap motels. Nice condos. Big houses. Winter Park also has adaptive programs. That means people with special needs can ski safely. Inclusion is important. That is another reason Winter Park offers the best skiing in the US.Beyond downhill skiing, you can do cross-country, sledding, and tubing. Tubing is like sledding but on big inner tubes. Kids love it. Adults too. Winter Park gives you more than just skiing. That full package makes it the best skiing in the US for families and weekend warriors.

Breckenridge: Steep and Deep, Plus a Party Town, the Best Skiing in the US

Breckenridge is called “Breck” by locals. It is on the Epic Pass. That means good value. The mountain is huge. Five peaks. High elevation. The snow is dry and deep. Mason Kramer works for onefinestay. He books luxury homes. He says Breck is in the Front Range of the Rockies. It is under two hours from Denver airport. That is easy.

The skiing is world-class. Steep runs. Deep powder. Tree skiing. Parks for jumps. Breck has it all. The town is historic. Old buildings from the gold rush days. Now they are shops and bars. The après scene is lively. Après means “after ski.” You drink hot chocolate or beer. You tell stories. Breck has the best bars for that.

That mix of hard skiing and fun nights makes Breck the best skiing in the US for young adults and groups.Breck also has year-round activities. In winter, ice skating. Dog sledding. Snowmobiling. You never get bored. The alpine scenery is stunning. Blue sky. White snow. Tall pines. Pictures look fake but they are real. Breckenridge proves that the best skiing in the US can be exciting on and off the slopes.

Eldora: Easy Day Trip, Friendly Vibe, the Best Skiing in the US

Eldora is small but special. It is close to Boulder. Only 21 miles. You can ski for the day and go home at night. Colleen Huther works at Hotel Boulderado. She says Eldora is laid-back. It is accessible to newcomers. The lift tickets are cheaper than big resorts. That saves money.

Eldora has a kids’ learning area. The ski lessons are well-regarded. Teachers are patient. The mountain has a local feel. Not many tourists. Mostly Colorado people. That makes it friendly. You feel welcome. Eldora is the best skiing in the US for beginners who want to try without big crowds.The runs are mostly green and blue. Nothing too scary. But there are a few black runs for fun. You can progress in one day. Start easy. End with a harder run. That progress feels great. Eldora is perfect for a quick taste of the best skiing in the US.

Steamboat Springs: Champagne Powder, Cowboy Soul, the Best Skiing in the US

Steamboat is famous for one thing: Champagne Powder. That is a trademark name. The snow here is extra dry. It has less water. It feels like champagne bubbles when you ski. Light and fluffy. Cameron McIntyre is a travel advisor. He says Steamboat is not extreme like Aspen. Not giant like Vail. Not crowded like Breck. It has an authentic skier cool vibe.

The town has cowboy history. People wear cowboy hats. There are rodeos in summer. In winter, hot springs. You ski all day. Then soak in warm water. That is perfect. Steamboat offers the best skiing in the US for people who want real Colorado.The mountain has tree skiing. Glades are paths between trees. The snow stays fresh there. Experts love it. But there are also wide groomers for cruising. Steamboat has balance. That balance makes it the best skiing in the US for skiers who want powder without stress.

Beaver Creek: Wide Blues and Cookies, the Best Skiing in the US

Beaver Creek is fancy but relaxed. The runs are wide. Mostly blue. That means medium. Perfect for cruising. Daniel Jackson runs The Travel Whisperer. He says he can lap Larkspur and Latigo all day. Those are two favorite runs. Wide. Groomed. Fun.

Beaver Creek has special touches. At 3 p.m., they give free fresh-baked cookies. Warm chocolate chips. You ski down. Grab a cookie. Smile. That little thing makes a big memory. Après at The Ritz-Carlton is luxury. But the mountain is for everyday skiers. Beaver Creek is the best skiing in the US for people who want comfort and easy fun.The village is pretty. European style. Heated streets. No snow on the sidewalks. Shops and restaurants. Everything is close. You do not need a car. That is easy. Easy and beautiful make Beaver Creek part of the best skiing in the US.

How to Plan Your Trip for the Best Skiing in the US

Now you know the seven top resorts. All in Colorado. All part of the  best skiing in the US. How do you choose? Think about your group.

• Beginners or kids? Go to Buttermilk in Aspen or Eldora near Boulder. Easy and safe. Great lessons.
• Experts who want steep and deep? Try Aspen Highlands Bowl or Telluride’s chutes. Real challenges.
• Families with mixed levels? Snowmass or Winter Park. Something for everyone.
• Party crowd? Breckenridge. Skiing hard. Party hard.
• Quiet luxury? Beaver Creek or Telluride.
• Powder hunters? Steamboat for Champagne Powder.

Buy a pass. Ikon Pass covers Aspen, Winter Park, Steamboat, and Eldora. Epic Pass covers Breck, Beaver Creek, and parts of Telluride. Save money. Ski more.

Fly into Denver. Rent a car. Or take a shuttle. Many resorts have shuttles. Book lodging early. January and February are busy. March has good snow and fewer people.

Pack warm clothes. Layers. Helmet. Goggles. Sunscreen. The sun is strong at high altitude.

Take a lesson. Even if you know how to ski. Local tips help. You ski better. You find secret runs.

Drink water. Altitude makes you thirsty. Avoid headaches.

Eat well. Try Colorado food. Steak. Green chili. Craft beer.

Final Thoughts: Colorado Is the Best Skiing in the US

We asked nine experts. They all said Colorado. We looked at seven resorts. Each one is special. Each one is part of the best skiing in the US. Aspen for variety. Telluride for beauty. Winter Park for families. Breckenridge for fun. Eldora for easy days. Steamboat for powder. Beaver Creek for comfort.

Colorado has more than forty resorts. We only named seven. There are many more. Vail. Keystone. Copper Mountain. Crested Butte. All great. All part of the best skiing in the US.Snow is falling. Lifts are spinning. Book your trip. Come to Colorado. Skiing is the   US. You will love it. Your friends will be jealous. Your photos will be amazing. Your legs will be tired in a good way.

FAQ: Best Skiing in the US