Skiing and Snowboarding Guide
Following the main highway I-70 out of Denver can take you to some of the best Ski and Snowboard Resorts in the United States. From skilled skiers and riders to beginners just learning, these resorts offer a variety of terrain and landscapes for everyone.
Due to Colorado’s popularity with skiing and snowboarding, interstate I-70 out of Denver can experience some major traffic congestion. Colorado Department of Transportation offers a website that allows travelers to view traffic conditions, traffic cameras, weather conditions, and possible construction along I-70.
COTrip I-70 Corridor Traffic Conditions
Breckenridge Ski Resort:
The town of Breckenridge is located 80 miles west of Denver and offers a large variety of activities within the town along with a fantastic ski resort. The resort offers 187 trails with over 2,908 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding. This terrain includes 5 peaks with the highest at 13,693 feet. The town of Breckenridge also offers great food, drink, and shopping on Main Street when skiing conditions are not ideal. Breckenridge is also a participant in the EPIC Ski Pass Program which allows customers to purchase ski passes that are valid to a variety of participating resorts. Information on the EPIC pass can be found at: https://www.epicpass.com
Average Lift Ticket Price: $219 for 1 day (adult ticket)
23/24 Ski Season Opening Day: November 10th, 2023
Closest Airport: Denver International Airport
Breckenridge Website: https://www.breckenridge.com/
Vail Ski Resort:
With terrain spread out over 5,317 acres, Vail offers a large variety of trails serviced by 31 lifts. Vail is known for its famous seven “Back Bowls” which offers a variety of terrain for all types of skiers and riders. Vail is one of the lower elevation ski resorts in Colorado with a peak of 11,570 feet. The town of Vail, like Breckenridge, offers a to of other options for those who choose not to ski and is one of the more luxurious ski towns. Vail is also a participant in the EPIC Ski Pass Program which allows customers to purchase ski passes that are valid to a variety of participating resorts. Information on the EPIC pass can be found at: https://www.epicpass.com
Average Lift Ticket Price: $255 for 1 day (adult ticket)
23/24 Ski Season Opening Day: November 10th, 2023
Closest Airport: Denver International Airport, Eagle County Regional Airport
Vail Website: https://www.vail.com/
Aspen Ski Resorts:
Aspen flagship resort first opened in 1946 and now is joined by Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands. When lift tickets are purchased at one Aspen resort, skiers and riders have access to all other Aspen resorts which is over 5,500 acres of terrain. Aspen Mountain caters to skiers and trails are mostly intermediate and advanced. Snowmass and Buttermilk cater to skiers and riders who are just beginning in the sport. Snowmass offers the highest elevation out of all the Aspen resorts at 12,510 feet. Aspen Buttermilk is the location of the Winter X Games annually.
Average Lift Ticket Price: $189 for 1 day (adult ticket)
23/24 Ski Season Opening Day: November 23rd, 2023 (Snowmass & Aspen Mountain), December 9th, 2023 (Highlands & Buttermilk)
Closest Airport: Denver International Airport, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport
Vail Website: https://www.aspensnowmass.com/
Winter Park Ski Resort:
Winter Park is one of the most accessible ski resorts from Denver with transportation options from Union Station to the resort. This resort is extremely family friendly and very affordable. Spanning two interconnected mountains, Winter Park offers 3,081 acres of skiable land. The surrounding town offers a more relaxed atmosphere than other ski towns. This resort offers multiple kid friendly activities such as tubing, ice bumper cars, and snowmobiling. Winter Park also offers Amtrak service from Denver on the Winter Park Express making it very easy for commuters from Denver to head out to the mountain for a couple of days.
Average Lift Ticket Price: $164 for 1 day (adult ticket)
23/24 Ski Season Opening Day: November 3rd, 2023
Closest Airport: Denver International Airport
Vail Website: https://www.aspensnowmass.com
