Winter in Denver offers incredible opportunities for skiers and snowboarders alike. With its proximity to world-class ski resorts, you don’t have to travel far to hit the slopes. From beginner-friendly hills to expert terrains, there’s something for everyone. I’ve also included tips on where to buy lift tickets and find top-quality ski rentals to make your trip hassle-free.
Top Ski Resorts Near Denver
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, these resorts offer unique features and convenient access from Denver:
Echo Mountain
- Distance from Denver: 35 miles (Approximately 50 minutes)
- Best for: Quick trips and night skiing
- Website: Closest Ski Area near Denver, CO - Resort | Echo Mountain
- Lift Ticket Prices: Adults (Ages 16-64) $50 - $83, Children (Ages 6-15) $30 - $50
- Echo Mountain is perfect for those seeking a short drive and a mix of beginner and intermediate runs. Night skiing is available, adding a unique twist to your experience.
Loveland Ski Area
- Distance from Denver: 53 miles (Approximately 1 hour)
- Best for: Affordable skiing and advanced terrain
- Website: Loveland Ski Area | Colorado Ski & Snowboard Resort
- Lift Ticket Prices: Adults $149, Children $45, Seniors $109
- Loveland is known for its high-altitude slopes and reliable snow conditions. With terrain for all skill levels, it’s a favorite for families and experienced skiers alike.
Eldora Mountain Resort
- Distance from Denver: 60 miles (Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)
- Best for: Families and cross-country skiing
- Website: Colorado Ski Resort | Eldora Mountain
- Lift Ticket Prices: Adults $129, Children $69, Seniors $99
- Eldora’s family-friendly atmosphere and cross-country trails make it a great alternative to resorts along the I-70 corridor. Avoid the traffic and enjoy a relaxed skiing experience.
Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin)
- Distance from Denver: 68 miles (Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes)
- Best for: Long ski season and challenging terrain
- Website: Colorado’s Premier Ski and Snowboard Area | Arapahoe Basin
- Lift Ticket Prices: Check website for up-to-date pricing
- A-Basin is famous for its long ski season and advanced runs. It’s an excellent choice for adventurous skiers and those seeking a laid-back vibe.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Distance from Denver: 80 miles (Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes)
- Best for: Variety of terrain and vibrant mountain town
- Website: Colorado Skiing & Snowboarding | Breckenridge Resort
- Lift Ticket Prices: Starting at $271 for Adults
- Breckenridge combines diverse terrain with a bustling town scene. After skiing, explore the local shops and restaurants for a complete mountain getaway.
Winter Park Resort
- Distance from Denver: 66 miles (Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Best for: All skill levels and backcountry skiing
- Website: Top Ski Resort in North America | Winter Park, Colorado
- Lift Ticket Prices: Starting at $199 for Adults
- Winter Park’s extensive trails and backcountry options make it a top choice for skiers and snowboarders of every level.
Keystone Resort
- Distance from Denver: 74 miles (Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Best for: Night skiing and family-friendly atmosphere
- Website: Keystone Resort | Keystone Ski Resort
- Lift Ticket Prices: Starting at $229 for Adults
- Keystone is renowned for its night skiing opportunities and offers a range of activities for families, including ice skating and snow tubing.
Copper Mountain
- Distance from Denver: 75 miles (Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Best for: Balanced terrain and expert training programs
- Website: Copper Mountain
- Lift Ticket Prices: Starting at $209 for Adults
- Copper Mountain boasts well-designed runs for all abilities, making it a favorite among both beginners and seasoned skiers.
Where to Buy Lift Tickets
Online Platforms for Discounted Tickets:
- Liftopia (liftopia.com): Offers discounted lift tickets for various Colorado resorts.
- Ski.com (ski.com): Bundles lift tickets with lodging for added savings.
- Epic Pass (Epic Ski & Snowboard Pass | Epic Season Pass ) or Ikon Pass (Multi Resort Ski Passes | Ikon Pass): Ideal for multi-resort skiing and frequent visitors.
Local Retailers in Denver:
- REI (rei.com): Find discounted lift tickets and member benefits on gear.
- Christy Sports (christysports.com): Your one-stop shop for lift tickets and rentals.
- Ski Haus (skihaus.com): A trusted retailer for tickets and ski equipment.
Best Ski Rental Options in Denver
Christy Sports
- Website: christysports.com
- Average Rental Package Cost: $40-$60 per day
- Christy Sports provides convenient rental packages, including skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets.
REI
- Website: rei.com
- Average Rental Package Cost: $35-$50 per day
- REI offers high-quality rentals and expert advice, perfect for beginners and experienced skiers alike.
Ski Haus
- Website: skihaus.com
- Average Rental Package Cost: $30-$55 per day
- A local favorite, Ski Haus ensures you’re well-equipped for the slopes with premium rental gear.
Mountain Wave Snowboard Shop
- Website: mountainwavedenver.com
- Average Rental Package Cost: $45-$65 per day
- Specializing in snowboarding, this shop also rents skis and winter clothing.
Denver Ski Rental
- Website: denverskirentals.com
- Average Rental Package Cost: $40-$60 per day
- This service delivers rental gear directly to your accommodation for ultimate convenience.
Epic Mountain Gear
- Website: epicmountaingear.com
- Average Rental Package Cost: $50-$70 per day
- Epic Mountain Gear provides high-performance equipment and multiple pickup locations near Denver.
Helpful Tips
- Purchase a Season Pass: These provide the most value if you are a frequent skier/boarder and are good at resorts not only across the country, but throughout the world! They also include discounts on food, lodging, and rentals. (Military, student, and nurse passes also available)
- Leave Early!: Traffic headed to the mountains can be heavy - I highly recommend leaving by 6 am.
- Ski Schools: Take advantage of the lessons the various resorts offer; this will ensure a more enjoyable trip for families with varying degrees of slope experience!
- Reserve Rentals Early: Rentals can sell out quickly during peak season.
- Choose the Right Package: Match your rental gear to your skill level and needs.
- Consider Delivery Services: Save time by opting for gear delivery to your doorstep.
Conclusion
From top-notch ski resorts to reliable rental shops, Denver offers everything you need for a memorable ski season. Use this guide to plan your perfect trip, whether it’s a quick outing or an extended stay. Don’t forget to book tickets and rentals early to avoid last-minute hassles. See you on the slopes!