Ski Denver

words by > Alex Miller

CLOSE POWDER

Colorado has some 30 ski escapes, from tiny Cooper and unlight to behemoths like Vail and Breck enridge. So, if you’re landing at Denver International Airport, where do you head if your goal is just a day or two on the slopes?

Some of the best of the state’s ski areas are within two or three hours of the airport, and the following eight spots represent what many consider the best skiing on the planet. All are easy to get to, and if you’re going for more than a day, a multi-day pass can save you a lot—just check the website for each resort to see what kind of deals they offer. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect at each.

WINTER PARK AND MARY JANE
Distance from DIA: 90 miles
You get two ski areas for the price of one, with Winter Park—the main mountain— and Mary Jane, the more extreme, bumpy backside. Coloradans love Winter Park for its diverse terrain, relatively low crowd factor and abundance of tree-skiing options. There is plenty of challenging terrain, as well as a variety of green and blue trails for beginning and intermediate-level skiers. www.skiwinterpark.com

LOVELAND
Distance from DIA: 70 miles
Truly a ski area, not a resort with lodging, Loveland is the closest of the larger hills to Denver. Situated just above I-70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel, it may not be the most picturesque area, but its high altitude—base is 10,600 feet— almost always ensures plenty of high-quality snow a good part of the year. Loveland has a lot of above-timberline, bowl-style skiing, and 80% of its terrain is intermediate or advanced. www.skiloveland.com

ARAPAHOE BASIN
Distance from DIA: 90 miles
Known locally as “The Legend,” A-Basin is up the road from Keystone, but in another galaxy as a skiing experience. With a summit elevation of over 13,000 feet, it’s full of steeps and above-timberline bowls— and it’s not for the timid. Don’t look for fur coats and fancy restaurants here—it’s a small, old-school ski area loved by hard-core skiers and boarders. www.arapahoebasin.com

BRECKENRIDGE
Distance from DIA: 105 miles
Second only to Vail in the number of skiers who visit each year, Breckenridge is a big, busy resort perched above a genuine Colorado mining town with over 250 historic buildings. With four mountains, 29 lifts and some 2,300 skiable acres, Breckenridge is the whole enchilada, with plenty of terrain for skiers and boarders of all abilities. It also has 25 acres of terrain parks for the jibbers and jumpers, plus an astounding array of shopping, dining and lodging options both on-mountain and in the town. www.breckenridge.com

COPPER MOUNTAIN
Distance from DIA: 100 miles
While Copper Mountain doesn’t have a historic base village like Breckenridge or Aspen, the mountain is huge: 2,400 acres served by 22 lifts. Beginners love Copper because it has two sections devoted almost exclusively to green runs, which means they don’t have to dodge speed demons while trying to figure things out. Copper also has excellent advanced terrain and stunning views from the top. The mountain tends to oversell itself, so on weekends during peak season, try to find your way to the upper lifts, which are less crowded. www.coppercolorado.com

KEYSTONE
Distance from DIA: 96 miles
Keystone Resort is known as a great family destination, with plenty of lodging and activities in addition to three great mountains: Dercum, North Peak and The Outback. There’s something for everyone here, with lots of challenging terrain as well as plenty of milder stuff for the kids and not-ready-for-prime-time adults. Keystone is also known for excellent restaurants and its full-service Nordic skiing center. keystone.snow.com

VAIL
Distance from DIA: 122 miles
This is the place to be for Colorado skiing, usually voted No. 1 in Skiing Magazine’s annual reader poll. The sheer size of Vail is astounding: 5,300 acres, 33 lifts and 193 trails. Just when you think you’ve seen the whole thing, you come across a rise and see another area you haven’t visited yet. Vail also has a bustling village with some of the state’s top restaurants and all kinds of interesting shops. You’ll spend more here than you will at other resorts, but if variety, fast lifts and a well-tended mountain is your thing, it’s tough to top Vail. www.vail.com

BEAVER CREEK
Distance from DIA: 132 miles
If Vail is all hustle and bustle, its sister resort, Beaver Creek, is the place to go for a little more peace and quiet. The Beav still has plenty of terrain—1,800 acres served by 16 lifts—and a friendly atmosphere is enjoyed by everyone, including the billionaires who own the slopeside mansions. Beaver Creek is home to the famous “Birds of Prey” World Cup ski runs, rugged terrain on Grouse Mountain and a top-notch performing arts center. www.beavercreek.com