Ready to go skiing near Denver? Here you’ll find a collection of the top ski resorts near the Mile High City known for their terrific slopes, wonderful conditions, and top-notch amenities.
This article is part of my Wander Like a Local series, where guest writers reveal the best-kept secrets, must-see spots, and unique experiences that only locals know. Discover hidden gems and authentic tips from those who call it home.
When most people think about Colorado they think of the Rocky Mountains and the epic skiing near Denver. After all, one of the best things about the Mile High City is its prime location near the mountains.
As someone who has lived in Denver for almost two years, I know all about the great ski areas near the city. Continue diving in below as I highlight the closest ski mountains near Denver that are worth checking out for yourself.
What's Your Favorite Ski Resort Near Denver?
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Ski Areas Near Denver
There are countless ski resorts around the state of Colorado but some of the best are just a short drive from Denver. If you don’t want to venture far from the city, I know the perfect mountains just for you!
1. Echo Mountain
19285 CO-103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Echo Mountain is the ski area closest to Denver, just about 36 miles west of the city! While it’s not Colorado’s largest resort, it’s perfect for those who prefer a short drive from Denver.
It’s also a budget-friendly option! This is super nice considering how expensive skiing and snowboarding can be, especially throughout the state of Colorado.
But, one of my favorite things about Echo is that it not only offers great beginner slopes for skiers and snowboarders, but also has tubing. This is awesome because if you are looking to give your legs a break from hitting the slopes, you can still enjoy the thrill of being outside in the snow by riding down on a tube!
Overall, Echo Mountain is an excellent spot for first-time skiers to learn winter sports and enjoy the snow conditions.
2. Loveland Ski Area
I-70, Dillon, CO 80435
The Loveland Ski Area is the next closest ski area to Downtown Denver. It sits about 57 miles away and is a great place to experience skiing and snowboarding not far from the city!
Two separate base areas make up the Loveland Ski Area: Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley. The ski area has 1,800 acres of skiable terrain which is a decent size for a hidden gem area that often goes under people’s radar!
One of my personal favorite aspects of their ski area is that they offer free snowcat skiing which is so much fun and a unique experience worth having on the mountain.
3. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Dillon, CO 80435
If you are looking for a more popular “big name” resort, Arapahoe Basin is a great option and one of my personal favorites!
Arapahoe Basin, often called A-Basin by locals, is perfect for those seeking steep slopes without the crowds.
This resort typically has fewer visitors because it lacks a traditional village area and slopeside accommodations. While this might be a downside for those wanting a ski-in/ski-out vacation, if you don’t mind commuting from Denver, it means fewer crowds and shorter lift lines! Personally, I love this, as I commuted from Denver for each visit.
Besides being a more local mountain with fewer crowds, A-Basin has some terrific ski terrain worth checking out for yourself. They have 1,428 skiable acres of terrain, 147 runs, and receive an impressive 350 inches of snowfall each year!
4. Eldora Mountain
2861 Eldora Ski Rd, Nederland, CO 80466
Another ski mountain worth mentioning is Eldora which is just down the road from the adorable college town of Boulder, making it a great place to go if you are planning a ski trip with friends.
Eldora Mountain sits about 51 miles from Denver and just about 22 miles from Boulder making it a short commute from either area.
Besides the great location, Eldora is a fairly small resort with only 680 acres of skiable terrain. But don’t let that discourage you, this mountain is a great place to visit for its high elevation, great slopes, and fabulous apres ski scene.
5. Winter Park Resort
85 Parsenn Rd, Winter Park, CO 80482
Winter Park is another really popular place to visit for ski slopes near Denver. The resort is located about 67 miles away and is home to a great village area, fantastic ski slopes, and so much winter fun.
I’m an avid skier so I love visiting the resort for its incredible slopes. It’s a pretty large resort with 3,081 skiable acres of terrain, 171 runs, and they receive about 345 inches of snow each year! My favorite part of the resort is the Mary Jane area which, unlike what you might think, is actually known for its great terrain and awesome tree skiing.
6. Keystone Resort
Keystone, CO 80435
Another amazing place to visit for skiing near Denver is Keystone Resort. I’ve spent many days hitting the slopes at this resort and each time I leave with great memories. Keystone boasts 3,149 skiable acres of terrain, 139 trails, and an average annual snowfall of about 235 inches.
One of the features that sets Keystone apart from other resorts is that it is known for its fantastic night skiing. This is a pretty cool option for those wanting to ski after the sun has gone down! It’s also a nice feature if you can’t ski during the day because of work.
7. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge, CO 80424
You can’t mention skiing near Denver without mentioning the world-class resort of Breckenridge. I’ve skied at Breckenridge more times than I can count and genuinely love hitting the slopes at this resort!
The ski resort boasts 2,908 skiable acres of terrain, 187 runs, 355 inches of snowfall each year, and they have the highest ski lift in North America!
While I could talk all day about the ski slopes here because they are truly so fantastic, one of my favorite features of Breckenridge is its adorable downtown area. I love that Breckenridge is not just a ski village but an actual town bursting with shops, restaurants, and bars! It’s one of the best mountain towns in Colorado and a bucket list worthy destination for anyone wanting the ultimate ski vacation.
8. Vail Ski Resort
241 E Meadow Dr, Vail, CO 81657
Just like Breckenridge, you can’t talk about skiing in Colorado without mentioning the luxury ski resort in Vail. It is renowned for its spectacular Vail Village, filled with amazing shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s one of the best mountain villages I’ve ever experienced, which says a lot given how many mountain towns I’ve visited.
Beyond the charming town, Vail is known for its incredible ski slopes and massive size. Vail Mountain boasts 5,317 skiable acres, 278 runs, and 354 inches of snowfall each year! Additionally, the resort is known for its Legendary Back Bowls, which consist of seven different bowls offering steep terrain that is unparalleled. It’s the perfect place for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
FAQs About Places To Ski Near Denver
Have questions? I’ve got answers! Keep reading as I address some of the most frequently asked questions about snow skiing near Denver.
Which ski town is closest to Denver?
Echo Mountain is the closest ski town to Denver.
How far is it from Denver to ski resorts?
Denver is 36 miles from the closest ski resort, Echo Mountain. If you are looking for a more popular resort, Breckenridge sits 80 miles from Denver.
Is Vail or Breckenridge closer to Denver?
Breckenridge is closer to Denver.
What is the alternative to Breckenridge?
Vail, Copper Mountain, and Keystone are all great alternatives to Breckenridge.
Is skiing better in Vail or Breckenridge?
Skiing is better at Vail because of its massive size and legendary back bowls.
Final Thoughts On Ski Resorts Near Denver
There’s nothing quite like skiing near Denver. You have countless options, from smaller local resorts to world-class destinations known for their extensive terrain and steep chutes. Each resort has its own unique ambiance and atmosphere, so if you can, I recommend trying more than one. It’s a fantastic way to experience skiing in Colorado and find the perfect spot for you.
Ready to Go?
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Abby Price
Abby loves skiing and exploring destinations worldwide. Whether she's tackling local mountains or famous slopes, she aims to inspire others to enjoy the outdoors, discover beautiful mountain landscapes, and broaden their horizons through winter sports. She shares her enthusiasm for winter activities and new winter destinations on her blog, Summit Skier. Follow her on Instagram, Pinterest, and X.
I am planning a trip to Denver and want to do some skiing. Finding your post, it was super helpful and I learned a lot. Thank you for such great information.
Now is a great time to start planning. Winter will be here before we know it!
This is perfect, we are just starting to plan our ski vacation for next winter and this will help a ton – thank you!
Oh, good!
Great info! Thank you so much!