The Best Ski Resorts in Colorado
Whether you're seeking a glamorous local mountain village or a chilled-out party scene to accompany your days on the slopes, you'll find what you need to make your ski vacation special in Colorado.
Skiing in Colorado: Recommended rentals
Skiing in Colorado: find your perfect rental from just $105 per night!
Planning a Ski Vacation as Incredible as Your Colorado Destination
With 28 different ski areas and resorts, the only question when you're planning a Colorado ski vacation is where to go? Thanks to the Rockies, the state is the premiere U.S. destination for downhill lovers and snowboarders alike, and its prestige resorts are internationally respected. That said, whether you're planning a high-end holiday or a family getaway, you'll find that when it comes to skiing in Colorado, there are ski areas to suit every taste.
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1. Telluride
A 2018 survey by Ski magazine awarded Telluride the fifth spot in western U.S. ski resorts, and Vogue magazine has recognized the resort as one of their best places to eat on a ski vacation. Located at the southwestern edge of Colorado in Mountain Village, with a skiable area of some 2,000 acres, the resort offers year-round vacation possibilities. In winter, enjoy terrain with over 100 trails split almost equally between expert, intermediate, and amateur levels. Furthermore, you and your family can make the most of the town of Telluride itself, which is notable for its Victorian architecture. Even better, a free gondola connects the historic mining village with the mountain village above.
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2. Vail
Eagle County, Colorado is home to this pristine ski resort with a reputation for luxury. At over 5,000 acres and 193 trails, Vail is also the third largest alpine ski resort in America. The nearby Vail village lets you enjoy a balanced getaway, offering ample opportunities for dining, a night out, and retail therapy. In particular, Vail's spa facilities as well as its reputation for great après-ski are much beloved by repeat visitors.
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3. Arapahoe Basin
This laid-back resort, which recently added another 468 acres of terrain, offers over 100 well-maintained runs stretching the vast area covered by the basin. Although 60 percent of the runs here are rated and reserved for experts, you'll still find something for every level. The terrain is also served by efficient lift systems connecting all the resort peaks.
Best Places to Stay for Ski in Colorado
Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Colorado
Some Colorado resorts outdo themselves in the provision of family-friendly services and skiing opportunities for junior and beginner skiers. Everything from junior trainers, daycare facilities, and specialized kids' activities for the young ones are provided, much to parents’ delight. Here are three such resorts that are remarkably family-friendly.
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1. Keystone
Want to go skiing in Colorado and still have plenty to do with your whole family? Keystone's mantra is “skiing and snowboarding are just the beginning.” After you hit the slopes, take a day off and explore the largest known snow fort, or soar downhill on the resort's tubing hill as you take in magnificent views all around you. The vibrant nearby village offers dining and shopping. Furthermore, the resort offers childcare for little ones starting at two months old and going up to six years of age, and kid-friendly events through its Kidtopia program.
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2. Copper Mountain
Although expert skiers certainly frequent this resort, the trails and runs are clustered according to skill level. Your entire family can easily hit the more child-friendly slopes without worry. The Copper Ski and Ride School also offers award-winning instructors, so your little ones can get comfortable on the slopes in no time. Youth Lessons are offered for three to 17-year-olds, grouped by age, and limited in class size so your child gets plenty of individual instruction. You can also walk from the resort's lifts to the restaurants and shopping of the three nearby villages, where you'll find a spa, cardio center, and ball sports facilities, in addition to kid-friendly events.
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3. Steamboat
At this family ski resort in Colorado, great runs are dotted across the mountain for skiers of all skill levels. The many restaurants and other amenities in this historic Western town ensure your breaks are occupied by fun, food, and drink. What’s more, the established ski school provides great instructors that are trained to bond and help kids perfect their skiing skills. The Kids' Vacation Center offers group lessons for children aged 2.5 years to kindergarten. You can also book a private lesson for your whole family. Even better, skiing here covers a massive amount of terrain, as the resort is spread across six peaks and 3,000 acres.
Recommended Accommodations for Ski in Colorado
Information about Skiing in Colorado
| 💳 Highest rates | in December |
|---|---|
| 🥳 Busiest month | April |
| 🛏️ Popular home types | Condo and House rental |
| 🌡️ Hottest months | 72 °F in July and June |
| ❄️ Coldest months | January and December |
| 🌧️ Rainiest months | 18 rainy days in January and February |
Skiing in Colorado: frequently asked questions
Skiing in Colorado: What is the cost of a stay?
The average cost for a vacation rental in Colorado is between $437 and $497 per night.
Skiing in Colorado: are there many vacation homes available for large groups?
Condo in Colorado on average fits 6 people.
What is the best month for a skiing vacation in Colorado?
It's coldest in January and December which should provide enough snow for a ski trip in Colorado.
Skiing in Colorado: what types of vacation homes can I find?
Sure, there are 20,412 Condos and 18,440 House rentals available in Colorado.
Average Nightly Rental Prices in Colorado
Click on any bar to see price and availability information
Vacation Rental Price Information in Colorado
Vacation Rental Availability in Colorado
Rental availability information in Colorado
Ready to carve out the ultimate slopeside vacation? HomeToGo's Ski Season Report is here to help winter sports travelers pinpoint the top places for peak experiences during 2024/25.
Using exclusive HomeToGo accommodation price data alongside lift pass rates, HomeToGo has tracked down the most affordable U.S. ski resorts for big fun on a budget. Whether it's for powder-perfect slopes without a high price tag, the season’s most popular destinations, or trending resorts making fresh tracks, this report has winter adventures covered. Don’t miss the rundown on this year’s snow-savvy traveler trends, providing the scoop on where and how skiers are hitting the mountains.
Ready to find a superlative spot for snow and savings? Shred through the insights below, and carve out your best season yet:
The Most Affordable U.S. Resorts
for Ski Vacations in 2024/25
|
Rank
|
Destination
|
State
|
Price for an Adult One-Day Lift Pass
|
Median Nightly Accommodation Price Per Person
|
Total Cost Per Day Per Person
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Gore Mountain | New York | $107.00 | $88.02 | $195.02 |
| #2 | Mount Baker | Washington | $94.27 | $106.65 | $200.92 |
| #3 | Whitefish | Montana | $110.00 | $113.02 | $223.02 |
| #4 | Sugarloaf Mountain | Maine | $124.00 | $105.37 | $229.37 |
| #5 | Ski Santa Fe | New Mexico | $116.00 | $117.18 | $233.18 |
| #6 | Sunday River | Maine | $109.00 | $125.82 | $234.82 |
| #7 | Purgatory Resort | Colorado | $83.00 | $163.76 | $246.76 |
| #8 | Jay Peak | Vermont | $129.00 | $123.89 | $252.89 |
| #9 | Angel Fire | New Mexico | $120.00 | $144.47 | $264.47 |
| #10 | Mount Bachelor | Oregon | $150.00 | $142.02 | $292.02 |
| #11 | Sugarbush Valley | Vermont | $195.00 | $102.48 | $297.48 |
| #12 | Snowbird | Utah | $184.00 | $116.10 | $300.10 |
| #13 | Taos Ski Valley | New Mexico | $155.00 | $147.60 | $302.60 |
| #14 | Crested Butte | Colorado | $169.00 | $141.91 | $310.91 |
| #15 | Alta Ski Area | Utah | $189.00 | $123.93 | $312.93 |
| #16 | Breckenridge | Colorado | $140.00 | $180.72 | $320.72 |
| #17 | Stratton Mountain | Vermont | $159.00 | $172.80 | $331.80 |
| #18 | Winter Park Resort | Colorado | $215.00 | $126.04 | $341.04 |
| #19 | Killington | Vermont | $187.06 | $189.43 | $376.49 |
| #20 | Keystone | Colorado | $239.00 | $142.83 | $381.83 |
| #21 | Mammoth Mountain | California | $199.00 | $187.62 | $386.62 |
| #22 | Heavenly Mountain | California | $255.00 | $127.90 | $382.90 |
| #23 | Stowe Mountain | Vermont | $215.00 | $175.96 | $390.96 |
| #24 | Powder Mountain | Utah | $219.00 | $173.61 | $392.61 |
| #25 | Jackson Hole | Wyoming | $231.00 | $171.65 | $402.65 |
| #26 | Copper Mountain | Colorado | $204.00 | $206.15 | $410.15 |
| #27 | Palisades Tahoe | California | $260.00 | $163.08 | $423.08 |
| #28 | Big Sky | Montana | $216.00 | $211.03 | $427.03 |
| #29 | Northstar California | California | $265.00 | $163.82 | $428.82 |
| #30 | Steamboat Springs | Colorado | $239.00 | $195.12 | $434.12 |
| #31 | Okemo Mountain | Vermont | $175.00 | $339.12 | $514.12 |
| #32 | Deer Valley | Utah | $289.00 | $218.70 | $507.70 |
| #33 | Telluride | Colorado | $260.00 | $257.49 | $517.49 |
| #34 | Park City | Utah | $289.00 | $239.22 | $528.22 |
| #35 | Vail | Colorado | $295.00 | $249.79 | $544.79 |
Mapped: The 35 Most Affordable
U.S. Resorts for the 2024/25 Ski Season
More about the
Top 5 Most Affordable Resorts
1. Gore Mountain, New York
Set in New York’s Adirondacks, Gore Mountain spans nine sides of terrain across four peaks, offering skiers and snowboarders more than 100 unique trails to explore. With a thrilling vertical drop of 2,537 feet, Gore combines adventure with budget-friendly lift tickets. From tranquil glades to expansive mountain views, this spot offers a memorable winter escape without the high price tag.
Total cost per day per person: $195.02
2. Mount Baker, Washington
Nestled in Washington’s Cascade Range, Mount Baker is a hidden gem boasting some of North America’s deepest snow and expansive backcountry terrain. This mountain delivers pure, untamed skiing that powder lovers can revel in, offering an affordable escape into nature’s grandeur. With fewer crowds, every descent in Baker can feel like a winter sports lover's personal paradise.
Total cost per day per person: $200.92
3. Whitefish, Montana
Montana’s Whitefish Mountain Resort pairs sweeping views of Glacier National Park with a welcoming atmosphere. Its vast open viewpoints, sunlit bowls, and variety of runs offer something for everyone—all at an inviting price. Whitefish brings together scenic landscapes and quality snow for an easygoing experience, without the risks of resort hecticness and high costs.
Total cost per day per person: $223.02
4. Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine
In the heart of Maine, Sugarloaf’s expansive trails cover more than 1,300 developed acres, making it the largest ski area east of the Rockies. Spanning, winding cruisers, steep double-black diamonds, and scenic runs draw skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. With its friendly vibe and attractive pricing, Sugarloaf stands out as a choice destination for those looking for variety and value.
Total cost per day per person: $229.37
5. Ski Santa Fe, New Mexico
Less than an hour from Santa Fe’s vibrant cultural scene, Ski Santa Fe reaches impressive heights with slopes climbing up to 12,000 feet. Known for wide-open views of the Rio Grande Valley and terrain suited to all skill levels, this Southwestern resort offers a refreshing take on winter sports at a budget-friendly rate. Sunny skies and uncrowded trails make it a relaxing choice for winter fun.
Total cost per day per person: $233.18
The Top Trending U.S. Ski Spots for 2024/25
|
Trending Rank
|
Destination
|
State
|
Total Cost Per Day Per Person
|
Year-On-Year Search Increase
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Powder Mountain | Utah | $392.61 | +150% |
| #2 | Deer Valley | Utah | $507.70 | +101% |
| #3 | Mount Baker | Washington | $200.92 | +71% |
| #4 | Stratton Mountain | Vermont | $331.80 | +51% |
| #5 | Whitefish | Montana | $223.02 | +48% |
The Most Popular U.S. Ski Spots for 2024/25
|
Popularity Rank
|
Destination
|
State
|
Total Cost Per Day Per Person
|
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Breckenridge | Colorado | $320.72 |
| #2 | Park City | Utah | $528.22 |
| #3 | Vail | Colorado | $544.79 |
| #4 | Keystone | Colorado | $381.83 |
| #5 | Winter Park Resort | Colorado | $341.04 |
Embracing Extended Getaways:
The average length of stay has increased by 20% compared to the 2023/24 season, with the average skier gearing up for epic adventures lasting more than 11 days.
Skiing by the Numbers:
While the average travel group size for this ski season is four guests, Mount Baker, Washington, is attracting larger crews with an average of six people per stay. Meanwhile, Utah's Snowbird is a hotspot for solo skiers, with an average group size of one.
Journey to the Slopes:
On average, winter sports enthusiasts are embarking on journeys of 954 miles to reach their chosen destinations this season.
Methodology: How This Guide Was Produced
Lift prices are based on the cost for a one-day adult pass, purchased online in advance where possible. Where date selection was required for ticket purchase, January 18, 2025 was selected. Prices were collected in October 2024 from official ski resort websites and may be subject to change. Vacation rental prices are based on the median nightly cost per person to stay in accommodation in or in the vicinity of the ski resort between the dates of November 15, 2024, and March 31, 2025 via HomeToGo. Prices were collected in October 2024 and may be subject to change.
Top trending destination, most-popular resort, and winter sports travel trend insights are based on observed searches carried out via hometogo.com between January 1, 2024 - October 20, 2025, with a check-in date between November 15, 2024 - March 31, 2025.
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