It’s no surprise that Colorado has been voted the No. 1 ski destination in the USA by Ski Magazine readers every year since 1996. Snowmaking, wide-open bowls, and even pajama skiing are just some of the reasons why this state attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. Take a look at what makes Colorado the best skiing and snowboarding destination below! Colorado offers the best of both worlds when it comes to skiing and snowboarding: world-class resorts, year-round accessibility to Denver, and a plethora of activities off the mountain.
Nature
1)The Weather
The weather in Denver makes it the best skiing and snowboarding destination in the country because of the proximity to mountains, amazing scenery, and terrain.
Fun in the Sun
Denver has access to 300 days of sunshine each year with a high annual snowfall average – more than any other major city in the nation. A crucial element of the early-season advantage is altitude. For example, the base elevation at both resorts is 11,000 feet above sea level.
Ski Season Lasts Longer
Denver’s ski season lasts longer than most other destinations. One of the best parts about skiing in Denver is that there are so many different slopes for different skill levels- beginner, intermediate, and advanced. For any late-season getaway when all of North America’s resorts have closed for the year, Arapahoe Basin has amazing conditions through May, with some places with rideable snow even until July.
2) Amazing Scenery
Colorado’s skiing and snowboarding landscapes are breathtaking, with tall mountains, pristine powder snow, and views of mountain ranges that stretch to the horizon. You can catch the perfect view while going up some of the highest ski-tow heights in the nation. With resorts that reach an elevation of up to 14,000 feet, you can see beautiful views of the scenic Rocky Mountains. The Rocky Mountains boast deep snow, awe-inspiring scenery, more vertical feet and longer trails- some up to four miles-, and plenty of winter sports activities.
Excellent Amenities
1) Resorts
It’s no wonder that some of the best ski resorts are found here; from Vail Resort to Breckenridge and Keystone. The Winter Park Resort was named the Best Ski Resort of 2018 by USA Today. Durango Mountain Resort also offers excellent opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities such as ice skating and snowmobiling. You can stay at charming bed-and-breakfasts or boutique hotels like the Inn at Silver Creek, or at one of America’s best ski towns like Crested Butte or Steamboat Springs.
2) Activities for Everyone
Colorado has a lot more to offer than just skiing and snowboarding, though. There is plenty to keep you occupied when you are not on the slopes. Denver, the capital of Colorado and its largest city, is just a one-hour drive from some of Colorado’s best resorts and ski towns like Breckenridge and Vail. Denver has a multitude of restaurants to choose from and cultural attractions like the Denver Art Museum. And if you’re coming with kids, they’ll love visiting LEGOLAND Discovery Center West in Longmont or playing at Silverthorne’s Stonecrop Family Fun Center.
Colorado- it’s one of the most visited states for people who want to explore nature, with some of the best scenic drives in America, great mountain biking trails, and national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park, Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park that are perfect for hiking or camping. Attracting more than 12 million visitors annually to its more than 300 resorts (according to state tourism officials) from family-friendly slopes to challenging terrain for expert skiers and snowboarders, and anyone looking for a vacation they won’t forget, there is something for everyone at Colorado ski resorts.