TOP 5 SKI RESORTS IN COLORADO

Colorado is home to a wide variety of ski resorts that offer everything from advanced challenges to beginner experiences. Whether you're an expert or a first-timer, there is a slope for everyone within this state.

Here are my top 5 ski resorts in Colorado

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is known world-wide and is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado. One can explore 187 trails with just under 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, half of which consists of groomed trails. 11/35 of the lifts are magic carpets for beginners. The cute town of Breckenridge also offers a wide variety of dining, shopping, and spa options. Winter activities include snowshoeing, dog-sledding and snowmobiling.

Beaver Creek

Visitors traveling to Beaver Creek will be able to experience 167 trails within 2,000 skiable acres. Only about a 10-minute drive from Vail, the resort averages around 325 inches of annual snowfall. Within the resort is McCoy Park which is great for beginner and intermediate skiers. There are 17 trails throughout this family-friendly zone which is great for beginner families.

Keystone

This resort is for skiers and snowboarders that are wanting to advance their skills. 49% of Keystone's 130 trails are ranked as advanced or expert while only 12% are beginner. Keystone feature 20 lifts, more than 3,000 skiable acres and averages around 235 inches of snowfall each year. Keystone is also one of the few resorts that offers night skiing on select nights.

Aspen Buttermilk

The town of Aspen offers four resorts; Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass Ski Resort. However, Buttermilk is a personal favorite of mine because it is where I first learned how to snowboard. The resort is known for being a beginner's mountain but accommodates skiers of all levels. There are 44 trails across approximately 470 acres; 35% rated easy, 39% rated more difficult and 26% rated most difficult.

Granby Ranch

Granby is one of Colorado's best kept secrets and is perfect for a family getaway. Approximately a two hour drive from Denver, Granby Ranch offers 35 ski trails, six terrain parks, ski and ride school, rentals and convenient ski-in ski-out lodging. I ended up taking one of my best friends here to help teach her how to snowboard and the resort was a perfect place to learn without the fear of large crowds.