There’s nothing quite like skiing the Colorado Rockies, home to some of the best ski resorts in America.
Whether you are a black-diamond expert skier or a beginner starting out, there’s a mountain for everyone. All the ski towns in Colorado have their own unique personalities – some that cater to singles and others that rank among the best family ski resorts. And for those who get season ski passes, there are plenty of opportunities to hop from one mountain to another.
Many of these ski towns are actually old mining establishments and still keep a certain rustic character, even if they also have some of the state’s best restaurants and shopping — plus, the actual ski slopes themselves. Whatever your vacation preferences or your level of skiing ability, there’s a great ski resort in Colorado for you. Here are some of the best.
Vail
If you are seeking an iconic Colorado ski experience, look no further. Vail is the quintessential Colorado ski resort – now celebrating 60 years – that others have been modeled on. The resort traces its roots back to a group of skiers from the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division who would eventually go on to open the resort as a vacation destination in 1962.
Today, Vail’s 195 trails offer a little bit of everything for all types of skiers – beginner runs off the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola to black-diamond expert runs in its legendary Back Bowls. And the surrounding town has a handful of dive bars mixed in with all the upscale dining.
For a detailed look at this posh ski town (it even has heated sidewalks), check out our comprehensive guide to Vail. Or look below for some of the highlights.
Where to eat
Apres-ski has long centered around The Red Lion, steps from the base of the mountain. But there’s more to this town than just beer and nachos. Sweet Basil has helped set the standard for high-end dining in Vail since 1977 and is now joined by many other great restaurants. One of the trendier entries is The Slope Room at one of the town’s newest hotels, Gravity Haus Vail.
Where to stay
There’s no shortage of hotel and home rental options here. Some are steps from the slopes and others, like the Highline Vail – a DoubleTree by Hilton, are great uses of points but require a shuttle bus. There are plenty of World of Hyatt properties, but points availability can be a challenge and many, under the Destination by Hyatt brand, are closer to individual timeshare units for rent than a full-service hotel. The Grand Hyatt Vail is a great value but note that the ski-in, ski-out feature only works if the chairlift near the hotel is operating — something that doesn’t happen either early or late in the season when there isn’t enough snow. Here are our top Vail hotel picks.
Sonnenalp Vail
- Best for: Travelers looking for European-style design and hospitality in the Rockies.
- Why stay here: This luxury resort feels unlike any other American hotel. And that’s the point. Great service, cozy rooms and an inviting spa make this a perfect spot for an escape. Located in the heart of Vail Village, this unique hotel is a throwback to the golden days of skiing. Its sister property opened in Bavaria in 1919 and the German influence carries over to this Colorado outpost that has been open for more than four decades.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to get a free breakfast plus on-property credits or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
- Book now
Rates from $599 per night during ski season, $450 per night during summer and $319 during spring.
Four Seasons Vail
- Best for: Those who love the Four Seasons brand and service, including complimentary use of the hotel’s Mercedes-Benz SUV “house car” to chauffeur you around the resort.
- Why stay here: This modern, posh hotel will pamper guests from the moment of arrival right up to checkout, and really shines for group gatherings. The private residences feature kitchens and large living rooms, perfect for entertaining after a day on the slopes.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
- Book now
Rates from $575 per night during spring and topping $2,000 per night during prime ski dates.
The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail
- Best for: Marriott Bonvoy loyalists who want to be close to the action. The former Vail Marriott Mountain Resort was reborn as The Hythe following a $40-million renovation that added an alpine chic look with local flair.
- Why stay here: This resort is a short walk from Vail’s Lionshead Village and the slopes. Plus, it is a great spot to earn or burn Marriott points and leverage your elite status. The onsite Revel Lounge and Margie’s Haas are perfect for some apres drinks and dinner.
- Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott to earn or redeem points and enjoy elite-status perks.
- Book now
Rates from $300 or 70,000-100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, plus a $50 nightly resort fee.
Related: TPG’s review of The Hythe
The Arrabelle at Vail Square
- Best for: You can’t get any closer to the slopes than this Vail-owned hotel and its ice-skating rink. Some purists love the other village at Vail’s base, which is a short bus ride away, but there are plenty of good restaurants, bars and shops right around the Arrabelle at Vail Square.
- Why stay here: The hotel is designed with European touches but in a modern light. There are numerous room configurations, making this a great spot for families or large groups. And its location practically puts you right onto one of the best lifts in the area.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts. Epic Pass season passholders can find extra discounts through that program.
- Book now
Rates from $500 per night.
Beaver Creek
Just a few miles down the road from Vail sits its sister resort, Beaver Creek. This is a more modern, posher version of Vail – if you can believe it. Take those heated outdoor sidewalks and add an escalator to help you get up to the slopes. Like we said, posh.
The beauty of being slightly newer (its first ski season was in 1980) is that more true ski-in, ski-out hotel options exist here. Plus, there are plenty of luxurious extras, such as the free, warm cookies handed out at 3 p.m. every day at the bottom of the Haymeadow and Centennial Express lifts.
The mountain was intentionally designed to get new-to-skiing learners up the hill faster to enjoy the real thrill of the mountains, so the beginner-friendly runs are not all clustered around the base area. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of challenging trails. The resort is known for its Birds of Prey World Cup downhill ski course, which should be an adventure even for the most experienced skiers.
Where to eat
There are plenty of fine dining options here but for a truly unique experience, snag a reservation at Beano’s Cabin. This spot is set high up on the mountain within the White River National Forest. In winter, guests arrive via sleigh, making the cabin a destination in itself. And if you want a dinner on the mountain with just a la carte instead of fixed-price menus, opt for Allie’s Cabin instead.
Where to stay
Here are our top picks for the best hotels in Beaver Creek for your next ski vacation.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa
- Best for: Ski-in, ski-out luxury for all skill levels from beginners to double black diamond experts. As we noted in our most recent review of this resort: “No hotel can beat the location of the slopeside Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.”
- Why stay here: This hotel offers unpretentious luxury in a comfortable setting. A boot room and ski valet make it extremely easy to get out on the mountain each day without lugging gear – a major plus for families.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits while still earning Hyatt points, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
- Book now
Rates from $750 per night during ski season; $300 per night off-peak, plus a $50 nightly resort fee. World of Hyatt members can redeem 25,000-35,000 points per night with waived resort fees.
Related: TPG’s review of the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
Bachelor Gulch, Colorado
- Best for: Those who want a rustic-chic sojourn right on the slopes but in a quieter part of the resort where you can really unplug. The hotel feels like a giant lodge like those found in the country’s national parks. But make no mistake, you won’t be roughing it here thanks to recent renovations and great onsite dining options.
- Why stay here: This resort is like a fairytale mountain getaway – with a wonderful outdoor heated pool and a location steps from the chairlift. It’s a place to be pampered and to relax in front of a big fireplace when you aren’t busy at the lively apres-ski scene. Read our full review of the resort for more details.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
- Book now
Rates from $1,000 per night during ski season; $225 per night during off-peak times, with a $50 nightly resort fee. Marriott Bonvoy members can use points starting at 70,000 a night and quickly climbing over 100,000 for peak ski season dates.
Related: TPG’s review of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley
Avon, Colorado
- Best for: Skiers who value the convenience of rooms with kitchens or kitchenettes and washers and dryers to clean all that ski gear. This resort is not on the mountain itself but is connected via a direct gondola so you can easily eat out at affordable restaurants in the town of Avon while sleeping at a slightly lower elevation.
- Why stay here: The hotel offers near-mountain access at a cheaper price than some of the slopeside lodging, but still has all the comforts of a big ski resort.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy breakfast plus on-property credits, or directly through Marriott to redeem points or enjoy elite-status benefits.
- Book now
Rates from $500 per night during ski season or $300 night off-peak, or award nights starting at 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, with a $35 nightly resort fee.
Aspen Snowmass
Nothing quite evokes the idea of a fancy, over-the-top ski vacation like Aspen. And while there is tons of wealth in this ski town, there are also some more relaxed spots that make this a great destination for all skiers.
The first thing to know about Aspen Snowmass is that it is actually four unique ski areas – totaling over 5,500 acres – all connected with a single lift ticket. They are all linked by a bus system, too, but travel times can be 30 minutes or more. So think a bit about which particular part of the resort you want to ski in when mapping out accommodations.
In the heart of town is Aspen Mountain, often referred to by locals as Ajax Mountain. Nowhere else can you have a gourmet lunch, get in a run or two and then walk to some of the best ski-town shopping. Be warned: This mountain is not for beginners and has limited intermediate trails.
Aspen Highlands is away from the action but is a destination upon itself. The area is famous for its Highland Bowl, a hike-to ski area with epic runs and amazing views. Beginners, this isn’t the spot for you. Buttermilk Mountain is the best place for novices. It’s got plenty of gentle runs and a great ski school to help you make the perfect turn.
Snowmass Mountain is the largest of the four ski areas in Aspen. In fact, it has more terrain than the other three combined. The mountain has its own little village, plenty of ski-in, ski-out hotels and trails for all levels of skiers. It’s a great base for those who want to ski often and don’t mind the ride into town for dinner or shopping.
Where to eat
In the town of Aspen itself, enjoy the Swiss-skewing French fare at French Alpine Bistro, light nouvelle Japanese cuisine at Matsuhisa, or sizzling steaks at Steak House No. 316. For a true gourmet experience featuring seasonal Colorado ingredients, head to The Little Nell’s Element 47.
Where to stay
Travelers to Aspen have plenty of lodging options but generally gravitate toward the Snowmass area or the town of Aspen itself, within walking distance of Ajax.
W Aspen
- Best for: Those who want to be steps from the lift at Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax and within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants in downtown Aspen.
- Why stay here: This 88-room hotel is right on the slopes and blends a mountain vibe with the standard W touches, like a DJ in the lobby and even rooms with bunk beds. You can read our full review for more details. For larger groups who are looking to splurge, check out the Sky Residences.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, or directly through Marriott to redeem points.
- Book now
Rates from $800 per night during ski season and $600 per night off-peak, or from 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, all plus a $50-per-night resort fee.
Related: TPG’s review of the W Aspen
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
- Best for: Travelers who want a bit of history along with their stay. Hotel Jerome has been a fixture on Aspen’s Main Street since 1889 – back in the silver rush days. The hotel has such a big role in the city’s history that there’s even a famous drink at the J-Bar off the lobby: The Aspen Crud. The drink is a mix of vanilla ice cream with bourbon swirled in, a cocktail that dates back to the age of Prohibition when it was a good way to hide the booze.
- Why stay here: Indulge in the elegance and service that Auberge Resorts are known for while still getting a bit of nostalgia, along with an easy walk to some of the town’s best shops and restaurants.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
- Book now
Rates from $1,200 per night.
The Little Nell
- Best for: Skiers who want top-notch luxury accommodations steps from the slopes and right in the heart of town. This hotel has been a luxury mainstay since its 1989 opening – known for elevating lodging and dining in Aspen. Since then, this has been the place to stay and eat for those wanting an over-the-top experience.
- Why stay here: Skiing can be exhausting. Why not come back at the end of the day to the best service and pampering money can buy? Everything about this hotel, including its location, makes it easy to ski and relax. And as a Relais & Chateaux property, you know the food is going to be as heavenly as the skiing.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
- Book now
Rates from $2,000 per night during ski season; $600 per night off-peak.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Aspen, Colorado
- Best for: Marriott Bonvoy loyalists who like luxury and want to be close to town. This is not a true ski-in, ski-out hotel but is an easy walk to Aspen Mountain.
- Why stay here: This resort gives off modern mountain vibes with a great outdoor heated pool and three hot tubs to soak in at the end of your ski day. You can read our full review for more details.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
- Book now
Rates from $1,300 per night during ski season, $600 per night off-peak, or 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. There’s no resort fee.
Related: TPG’s review of The St. Regis Aspen
Viceroy Snowmass
- Best for: Those who want to ski Snowmass with slopeside ease and luxurious lodgings. Snowmass has the most terrain in the Aspen area and a mix of trails good for everybody in your group.
- Why stay here: This modern hotel with a vibrant lobby raised the bar for Snowmass hotels when it opened in 2017. With plenty of spots to eat on-site plus a quick walk to nearby restaurants, it’s a great base for your vacation.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits.
- Book now
Rates from $1,000 per night during ski season, or $400 per night off-peak.
Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection
Aspen, Colorado
- Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who want something steps from the slopes at an affordable price.
- Why stay here: This used to be the Westin Snowmass, but recently went through a renovation and was rebranded as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The resort is built into the side of the ski slopes and is great for anybody looking to ski throughout their trip. The hotel isn’t as glamorous as other Aspen properties but offers good value. You can read our full review of the former Westin for more details.
- Best way to book: Book direct via Marriott to earn and redeem points and enjoy elite-status benefits.
- Book now
Rates from $550 per night during ski season, $250 off-peak, or 55,000 points per night during ski season plus a $50 daily resort fee.
Related: TPG’s review of the Viewline Resort when it was known as the Westin Snowmass
Telluride
If you want to get away from it all, look no further than Telluride. This remote ski town in western Colorado offers an escape from the crowds that can overrun other resorts. But be warned: Getting here isn’t easy. Most people fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) but that’s still 65 miles away from the resort.
Once there, you will be rewarded with the charms of a Victorian mining town that has all the modern comforts but embraces a slower way of life. In fact, the entire town was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
The historic town and the “Mountain Village” at the base of the ski resort are separated by a mountain ridge. Luckily, a free gondola can transport skiers and non-skiers between the two throughout the day. It opens at 6:30 a.m. daily and closes at midnight, staying open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays during the ski season. The ride takes about 13 minutes.
This is a more intermediate and advanced mountain, known for some of Colorado’s best in-bounds and hike-to skiing. But there are enough beginner runs to keep the whole family entertained, too. Here’s how we’d plan a perfect ski day in Telluride.
Where to eat
You’re going to work up an appetite on the slopes, so when it comes time to eat, 221 South Oak is perfect for a hearty meal with plenty of options for vegetarians, too. Pick Siam for spicy Thai options to help you warm up. Baked in Telluride serves delicious morning pastries while There is the spot for a happy hour that runs from 4-5 p.m. and includes wagyu smash burgers and $3 beers, a steal for Telluride.
Where to stay
The first decision any group needs to make is where to stay: in town or in the Mountain Village.
Dunton Town House
- Best for: A nest in the heart of downtown. The hotel is a block away from the free gondola and two blocks away from the ski town’s main thoroughfare, Colorado Avenue. You can read our full review for more details.
- Why stay here: This cute place only has five rooms and gives out vibes of an upscale bed and breakfast from another era – but with all the contemporary amenities one would want. Rates include not only a filling breakfast but also all the beverages (alcohol included) you may want to grab from the stocked refrigerator The hotel is part of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, which has a partnership with IHG One Rewards. However, finding points availability can be a challenge.
- Best way to book: Direct through IHG to earn and redeem points.
- Book now
Rates start at $550 per night.
Related: TPG’s review of the Dunton Town House
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
- Best for: Skiers who want top-shelf luxury accommodations steps from the slopes in the Mountain Village. This over-the-top hotel personifies the luxury that Auberge Resorts are known for, blending a mountain lodge feel with cushy amenities.
- Why stay here: If you can afford it, this is the place to stay to be pampered on a ski vacation, and gives you a good shot at being the first ones on the slopes. After a long day of skiing, relax at the incredible pool complex, have afternoon s’mores, or treat yourself to some time at the spa.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or through IHG for a rare crossover between Auberge and Mr. and Mrs. Smith hotels.
- Book now
Rates from $1,300 per night during ski season.
Lumière Hotel
- Best for: Large groups who want a secluded space right at the base of the mountain.
- Why stay here: These 18 private residences give your party space to spread out while still having all the amenities of a top-tier resort. The location in the Mountain Village is steps from the slopes and can’t be beat.
- Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to get special rates.
- Book now
Rates from $1,000 per night during ski season.
Breckenridge
This is the ski resort for those who don’t want the over-the-top luxury of Aspen or Vail and are seeking something more authentic. People come to Breckenridge to let loose, have a good time and enjoy one of the highest ski areas in Colorado. In fact, that can be a challenge for those who get altitude sickness, given the base area is 9,600 feet above sea level and the summit of the ski area is 12,998 feet above sea level.
Breck – as most people call it – covers five peaks with mostly intermediate and expert terrain. About 40% of the mountain is above the tree line, creating wide-open trails and amazing views. But this isn’t the place to take the family to learn to ski for the first time, given the difficulty of some of the terrain.
Another factor in its favor? The town is one of the closest big ski towns when driving from Denver and offers plenty of low-key restaurants, bars and stores.
Where to eat
Start off with hamburgers that are routinely voted the best in the county at Empire Burger. For something more upscale, check out Hearthstone Restaurant, which has been serving up Rocky Mountain specials in a Victorian-era home since 1989. This is the place to go for steak, elk or Colorado lamb. Another downtown mainstay is Giampietro Pasta & Pizzeria, which has been helping skiers carb up since 1963. And for something completely different, try one of the newer spots in town, the Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant – come for the cocktails but stay for the food.
Breckenridge doesn’t have the same caliber of ski-in, ski-out lodging as other resorts. But that’s fine since hotel prices here tend to be much more affordable than at neighboring resorts.
One Ski Hill Place, A RockResort
- Best for: Skiers who want upscale accommodations right at the base of some of the ski resort’s best terrain. In a town that is more relaxed, this is the one standout luxury resort that offers all the high-end amenities.
- Why stay here: The larger rooms and proximity to the slopes make One Ski Hill Place a perfect base for your vacation. However note that the resort is high above the town and guests will either need to take a gondola down or drive to Main Street.
- Best way to book: Direct via the hotel. Season pass holders can save since this property is owned by Vail Resorts.
- Book now
Rates from $1,000 per night during ski season.
Gravity Haus Breckenridge
- Best for: Those looking for a trendy, boutique experience steps from both the chairlift and town.
- Why stay here: Part of the quickly-growing Gravity Haus chain, this might feel like more of a club than a hotel. Come to work, stay, ski, or just mingle. It’s a pet-friendly hotel where you are meant to interact with other guests.
- Best way to book: Direct via the hotel.
- Book now
Rates from $300 per night during ski season.
Marriott’s Mountain Valley Lodge at Breckenridge
- Best for: This Marriott Vacation Club property is great for timeshare owners or those who want a little space to spread out. It’s steps from the slopes and from town, making it ideal for everybody in your group.
- Why stay here: The extra space and great location make this a great spot for your ski adventure. Don’t expect to be pampered at this resort; but the location makes this an ideal ski spot, especially for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists.
- Best way to book: Direct via Marriott to earn or redeem points.
- Book now
Rates from $350 per night during ski season, or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (though it can be a challenge finding availability).
Residence Inn by Marriott Breckenridge
- Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who want to be right on Main Street or travel with their pets.
- Why stay here: The rooms are larger than typical hotel rooms, there’s a free breakfast and a short walk to the shopping and restaurants downtown. A year-round outdoor pool and hot tub make this Residence Inn stand out from others in the chain.
- Best way to book: Direct via Marriott to earn or redeem points.
- Book now
Rates from $400 per night during ski season, or 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Steamboat Springs
Dubbed “Ski Town USA,” Steamboat offers a little of something for everybody. The town, like so many others in Colorado, can trace its roots back to the Old West and has maintained some of that architecture. It’s about a three-hour drive from Denver (in good weather) or you can fly into Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN), which is about 40 miles away and gaining more nonstop flights each year.
One of the great things about Steamboat is its relatively low elevation: The base of the slopes is just 6,900 feet above sea level, making it much easier to ski for those prone to altitude sickness.
Steamboat is also known for snow with lower water content than on some other mountains, creating light, fluffy powder you don’t have to fight with. In fact, the resort has trademarked the phrase “Champagne Powder.” Read more about Steamboat in our full review.
Where to eat
Steamboat Springs is a relatively tiny city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fill up on good grub. Stop by Aurum for happy hour deals and fresh, seasonal American cuisine. Chef Kate Rench creates fanciful feasts where the menus change according to the season at the aptly named Cafe Diva, which also boasts an impressive wine list. Sauvage serves contemporary French-fusion fare, while those who just want some great Mexican food should book a table at Salt & Lime.
Where to stay
There are a handful of great hotel options for a Steamboat Springs ski trip.
Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
- Best for: Marriott loyalists who want to be steps away from the slopes.
- Why stay here: Since this is part of Marriott’s timeshare collection, there are larger options available for groups, up to three-bedroom villas. That means space to spread out and a kitchen to cook your own meals.
- Best way to book: Direct via Marriott to earn or redeem points and enjoy elite-status benefits.
- Book now
Rates from $300 per night during ski season, or 63,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
The Steamboat Grand
- Best for: Those who want nice rooms close to the slopes and the amenities that come with a large resort.
- Why stay here: There’s a wide variety of room types here, from standard rooms to condos and luxury penthouses. There’s a large outdoor heated pool and two hot tubs, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes
- Best way to book: Direct via the hotel.
- Book now
Rates from $560 per night during ski season.
Residence Inn by Marriott Steamboat Springs
- Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who are willing to trade location for saving a bit of money. This pet-friendly hotel is relatively new and less than 1.5 miles from the mountain. A free local bus takes you right to the slopes.
- Why stay here: With a free breakfast, heated outdoor pool, free s’mores, this is a great option for people on a budget
- Best way to book: Direct via Marriott.
- Book now
Rates from $300 per night during ski season, or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.