David VanderSchee lives and works in Colorado and in his spare time, he enjoys hitting the slopes as an avid skier. In the following article, David VanderSchee provides a look at some of the best ski resorts in Colorado for visitors and residents alike.

Even though winter may not be everyone’s favorite season, there are a variety of things that can help make the cold weather better, including skiing, which is often one of the most popular winter activities.The state of Colorado is one of the top skiing destinations in North America, with 28 ski resorts and hundreds of miles of varied terrain.

Why Does Colorado Have Such Good Ski Resorts

Snow, snow, snow! Colorado has the highest mountain range in the lower 48 and receives powder dry snow across its peaks! Many visitors will flock to the area during the summer to enjoy cool mountain air, hiking and incredible mountain scenery but when the snow starts to fall, the influx of visitors flock to the area for winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

Winters are notoriously long with up to 600 inches of snow on average annually, so enjoying the outdoors is a way to endure the colder weather. The southern Rocky Mountains make up much of the state and are where some of the world’s best ski destinations are located.

What Makes a Good Ski Resort

The best ski resorts will typically have these characteristics, according to David VanderSchee:

• Terrain: A wide variety of natural terrain, from wide open runs to twisty routes through the trees. Everything from easy beginner slopes to changeling ones.
• Ski Lift: A fast and efficient lift system which allows slope-users to access the entire ski area without experiencing bottlenecks or being forced to use long draglifts.
• Lots of snow: Reliable snow cover throughout the ski season. Good snow parks with a variety of features suitable for users of all abilities.

Five Great Ski Resorts in Colorado

Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, these five Colorado ski resorts are some of the best in the country, according to David VanderSchee.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a former mining town founded in 1859 but is now a year round destination resort at the base of the Rocky Mountain Tenmile Range. With 35 lifts the ski resort whisks numerous visitors up its slopes including the highest lift in North America taking skiers to 12,800 feet. David VanderSchee says that Breckenridge averages 300 days of sunshine and 366 inches of snow per year making for plenty of bluebird powder days! The town offers numerous restaurants and bars for a relaxing après ski experience.

Vail

Vail is one of the most well-known ski resorts in the world. With over 5,200 acres of terrain and 7 legendary Back Bowls, Vail rarely disappoints! Attracting visitors from all over the world, Vail boasts some of the best and varied skiing in the country. While the resort is massive, there is terrain for all levels of skiers and plenty of accommodations for families. Three Bavarian themed villages offer numerous activities, accommodations, fine dining and shopping.

Steamboat Springs

Champagne powder and world class tree skiing through aspen glades await visitors to Steamboat. David VanderSchee says that Steamboat is located in the Park Range which attracts some of the best powder snow in Colorado. With almost 3000 acres of skiable terrain, there is plenty of variety across the resort. Steamboat Springs has a rich western heritage with working ranches throughout the area and horseback riding available for visitors.

Aspen

Aspen is a world-renowned resort destination that includes four ski resorts – Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. Each offers a variety of skiing from beginner to expert. As the name implies, the area is home to an abundance of aspen trees that turn the mountain slopes to gold in the fall. When you’re not skiing you can find premier dining, shopping, and arts & culture throughout the area.

Wolf Creek

David VanderSchee says that while the big names of Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge may get much of the attention, there are lesser-known hidden gems throughout Colorado. One of these is Wolf Creek Ski Area. Located in southwest Colorado, Wolf Creek consistently gets the most snow in Colorado, averaging almost 400 inches a year! Short lift lines, deep powder, and great boarding terrain await visitors to this wonderful resort.

There are still a few weeks left in the ski season, so what better way to take advantage of this than to head to Colorado and check out some of the best ski resorts in the country?