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It’s that wonderful time of year that many residents of the Mile High City have been looking forward to for some time… ski season. Here in the Denver area, we are a little spoiled with so many different skiing options that it can sometimes be difficult to choose which resort to visit. Below, we’ve broken the list down to nine resorts that are within 100 miles of Denver, and each offers something unique to visitors. If you can’t wait to hit the slopes, but are short on time, you’ll want to check out these ski resorts that aren’t too far of a trek and offer a gorgeous setting for your next winter adventure.
Only a 50 minute drive from Denver, Echo Mountain offers a convenient and affordable option for snow sports and outdoor enthusiasts. With 60 acres and six trails, this family-friendly resort has something for everyone. Added Bonus: It now features a redesigned lodge with a restaurant/bar that overlooks the Continental Divide.
Eldora has a lot of things going for it: accessibily from Denver, a variety of terrain, and it's relatively inexpensive. It also boasts a Nordic center with more than 25 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Added Bonus: This year, Eldora put in a new six-passenger lift that cuts the time it takes to get from the base of the mountain to the top from 15 minutes to only 4 minutes.
This local favorite is often passed up by destination skiers due to its lack of amenities compared to the more major resorts to the west, but that just means less traffic on the slopes for you. Other perks include a long season (it's usually open mid-October to mid-May because of its high elevation) and free Cat Skiing. Not to mention, if you choose to ski at Loveland, you will be one of the first to pull out of that heavy traffic along I-70.
Intermediate to advanced skiers flock to Arapahoe Basin as it is known for its more "extreme" terrain. It's also known for its long season and barren base camp with no off mountain dining (unless you are there in the spring when they set up "beach" parties in the parking lot). Added Bonus: This year, A-Basin has added 371 acres of expert and extreme skiing into the ski area that was formerly back country terrain.
With more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, Winter Park has seven different territories each offering their own unique perks (including Mary Jane with it's world-renowned mogul runs). Winter park has a bustling base village with spas, ice skating, tubing, and dining options galore. Added Bonus: You can ride straight from Denver on the Winter Park Express Train directly to the base village.
Breckenridge is an extremely popular resort (more skier and snowboarders visited Breckenridge than any other ski resort in the nation) which proves how great of a mountain it is, but also how crowded it can get. What draws people to Breckenridge, in addition to the great skiing, is the historic town with a fun and relaxed vibe. Added Bonus: Breckenridge is home to North America's highest lift, the Imperial Express Super Chair, which reaches a whopping 12,840 feet in elevation.
Copper Mountain is one of the earliest Mountains to open each year due to the extensive snow making that they undertake. The natural topography of this mountain creates a wonderful experience for skiers of all levels as it, for the most part, naturally splits itself into three sections dividing advanced, intermediate, and beginner terrain. Added Bonus: From Friday through Sunday, you can have access to above-treeline skiing with free Snowcat rides.
You may have to pay a little more for everything at Keystone, but this family-friendly resort has an expansive amount of terrain and a large array of amenities in town for non-skiers (shopping, restaurants, etc.). Added Bonus: If you have any energy left at the end of the day, Keystone offers some of the most extensive night skiing in Colorado.
Although Vail is more on the expensive side, it is known as the biggest ski area in Colorado with its long wide runs that are groomed to perfection. Many flock to the charming pedestrian-friendly ski town where there is plenty to do both on and off the slopes.
Where’s your favorite place to ski near Denver? Please share in the comments below.
