As the snow begins to fall and the temperatures drop, thoughts turn to skiing. And if you’re lucky enough to live in Colorado, you have some of the best skiing in the country right in your backyard. But if you’re planning a ski trip with your family, you want to make sure you choose a resort that will be enjoyable for everyone. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado for 2022.
Whether you’re looking for a resort with great beginner slopes or one that has plenty of activities for the kids, you’ll find it on this list. And of course, we haven’t forgotten about the important things like après-ski options and scenic mountain views.
So, if you’re looking for the best Colorado ski resorts for families, here are our top picks for 2022:
1. Beaver Creek Resort
Beaver Creek Resort is one of Colorado’s premier ski resorts, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding on its picturesque, tree-lined slopes. Situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the resort is just a short drive from Denver and is easily accessible from major airports in the region.
Beaver Creek Resort is known for its impeccable grooming, challenging terrain, and outstanding customer service. The resort offers something for everyone, from beginner skiers and snowboarders to the most advanced riders. With a wide variety of terrain, Beaver Creek Resort is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard, or to challenge yourself with some of the most difficult runs in the country.
The resort is also home to a number of world-class events, including the annual Birds of Prey World Cup, which brings the world’s best skiers to Beaver Creek Resort to compete.
Whether you’re looking for a place to ski or snowboard, or just to enjoy the incredible scenery of the Rocky Mountains, Beaver Creek Resort is the perfect place for you.
2. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski destinations in the United States. The resort is located in Breckenridge, Colorado, and offers a variety of activities for both skiers and non-skiers alike. Breckenridge Ski Resort has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a challenging ski run or a relaxing day in the snow.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, you’ll find plenty of trails to suit your level at Breckenridge. And if you’re looking for something to do when you’re not skiing, the resort also offers a variety of other activities, including snowboarding, ice skating, and hiking.
Breckenridge is also home to some of the best après-ski in the world. When the sun goes down, the party starts in Breckenridge. With its many bars, restaurants, and clubs, there’s no shortage of places to let loose after a long day on the slopes.
3. Copper Mountain Resort
Copper Mountain Resort is the perfect place to enjoy a Colorado winter. With over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, Copper Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States. And with a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, Copper Mountain is a great place to spend a Colorado winter vacation.
Copper Mountain is located in Summit County, just 75 miles west of Denver. The resort is easily accessible by car, and there are also a number of shuttle and bus options for getting to and from the resort.
Once you arrive at Copper Mountain, you’ll be able to enjoy all that the resort has to offer. There are a number of lodging options at Copper Mountain, so you can find the perfect place to stay for your vacation. And there are also plenty of restaurants and bars at the resort, so you can refuel after a day on the slopes.
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a Colorado winter vacation, be sure to check out Copper Mountain Resort. With its great location, variety of terrain, and ample lodging and dining options, Copper Mountain has everything you need for a perfect winter getaway.
4. Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Crested Butte Mountain Resort is the perfect place to enjoy a winter getaway. With its picturesque setting and abundance of activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The resort is located in the picturesque town of Crested Butte, Colorado. Surrounded by mountains, the town has a quaint, small-town feel. The resort itself is situated at the base of Crested Butte Mountain, offering stunning views.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Crested Butte also offers a variety of other winter activities. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the area and get some exercise. Ice skating is another popular activity and there are several outdoor rink options. For those looking for a little more relaxation, the Crested Butte Nordic Center offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.
5. Durango Mountain Resort
Durango Mountain Resort is a Colorado ski resort located in the San Juan Mountains. The resort offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and more.
Durango Mountain Resort is situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet, which provides guests with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The resort also offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, condos, and vacation homes.
6. Granby Ranch Resort
Looking for Colorado ski resorts? Look no further than Granby Ranch! This hidden gem is nestled in the Rocky Mountains and offers stunning views, world-class skiing and snowboarding, and a variety of other winter activities.
Granby Ranch is one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado. The staff is incredibly welcoming and the slopes are perfect for beginners and experienced skiers alike. If you’re looking for a challenge, there are plenty of black diamond runs to keep you entertained. And if you need a break from skiing, you can take a scenic chairlift ride, go snowshoeing, or just enjoy the views from the lodge.
After a long day on the slopes, you can relax in one of Granby Ranch’s luxurious condos or vacation homes. All of the accommodations are beautifully appointed and come with all the amenities you need to feel right at home.
7. Ski Cooper
Nine miles north of Leadville, Ski Cooper is one of Colorado’s most exciting ski mountains with affordable fun for the whole family. From green cruisers to trees to moguls, powder and groomed runs, and cat skiing at Chicago Ridge, there’s something for everyone.
8. Sunlight Mountain Resort
Sunlight is just 12 miles south of Glenwood Springs where you can get in a full day of skiing for about half the cost of the mega resorts. You’ll park for free, walk to the lifts, and never stand in line. All 67 trails lead right back to the lodge where you can stow your brown bag lunch or pick up something hot at the grill. Après ski in the world’s largest hot springs pool.
9. Monarch Mountain
Near Salida, Monarch Mountain is only 2 hours from Colorado Springs and less than 3.5 hours from Denver. They boast cheap lift tickets, powder snow, family ski packages, learn-to-ski programs, steep terrain, tree skiing, and cat skiing.
10. Keystone Resort
Keystone Resort is an excellent choice for families with young children, thanks to its Kidtopia program, which offers a variety of activities and amenities designed just for kids. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, kids can enjoy everything from tubing and ice skating to arts and crafts, movies, and more. And when it’s time for a break, adults can enjoy Keystone’s world-class restaurants, spas, and shops.
These are just a few of the many great family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado. So whether you’re looking for a resort close to home or a little more off the beaten path, you’re sure to find the perfect place for your family in Colorado.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 18, 2013. Updated July 2022.
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The GypsyNesters
January 25, 2014 @ 10:27 am
Wolf Creek is where I learned to ski. Granted that was nearly 50 years ago, but always had the best snow, and less crowded than almost anywhere else.