Colorado Skiing
Breckenridge Ski Area
As the third largest ski resort in Colorado, Breckenridge has 2,031 skiable acres with 136 trails reached by 19 lifts. On average it receives 255 inches (21 feet) of snowfall per year. Peak 8 is 12,998 feet and offers a variety of trails. If you are a novice or intermediate skier try Peak 9; however, Peak 10 is primarily expert territory. On Peak 7, you will find a double black diamond challenge with a vertical of 12,000 feet.
Aspen
Made up of 4 mountains: Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass-the
Aspen area resorts (970-925-1220) have a plethora of skiing
adventures. The Aspen is one of America’s original hard-core
ski mountains and has 23  double
diamond runs and 1/3 of the mountain runs are ungroomed.
Other runs are designed for the advanced and intermediate
skier, so it is not recommended for beginners.
Aspen Mountain gets an average of 25 feet of snow per year at its 11,212 foot summit. There are 76 trails on 700 skiable acres plus 1,500 acres of powder skiing in back bowls which can be accessed by the resorts 8 lifts.
The Aspen Highlands area has slopes from beginner to expert. On Freestyle Friday, an Aspen Highlands 25 year tradition, you can see some of the best ski competitors. The Highlands are served by 9 lifts and 81 trails. On the Grand Prix run, great for intermediate to experts, you will find two motto jumps, a 16x35 foot tabletop fun box with a jib barrel, and a spin ramp with a log slide.
At Snowmass, you are sure to find whatever winter adventure you crave. Whether you are beginner or have skied for years, Snowmass will keep you busy. With 80 trails, 22 lifts and a vertical drop of 4,406 feet, Snowmass is the perfect place to ski. It has a ski school, instructors, children’s programs, and an area for snowboarding.
Buttermilk Mountain has been called “America’s best place to learn how to ski”. It has 45 trails, 7 lifts and a vertical drop of 2.030 feet. It is divided into 3 segments-Buttermilk main with its intermediate trails, Buttermilk West which is especially for the novice, and Tiehack for the intermediate-advanced. Also at Buttermilk are the Kevin Delany Snowboard Camp and a snowboard park with a 23% grade.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte in the southern Rockies is perhaps one of Colorado’s best kept secrets. It has numerous trails for the beginner to the expert. There are 550 acres of extreme limits with double black diamond ungroomed terrain. Its 85 trails are reached by 13 lifts. There are programs for the physically challenged, a ski school for children, rental equipment, a day and a nursery. Other snow fun includes snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and snow shoeing.
Winter Park
At Winter Park’s Winter Park Resort, you can ski its 134 runs-the largest of
which is 5 miles long. There are 2,581 acres of skiable
terrain and 20 lifts. The Winter Park Children’s Center
includes a play area, a rental shop and a children’s instruction
area.
Keystone
Learn more about the Keystone
Ski Resort area. Keystone is as popular as the destinations
above and is a must stop for any skiing enthusiast.
Photo Credits: Banner Skiing Photo by Experiencias
de viagemde1 Brasileiro ; Group shot by Todd Neville ; Happy
couple by McClave
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