The Best Colorado Ski Resorts

The state of Colorado is one of the most popular areas in the United States when it comes to ski resorts (and other winter activities). This is because it is the home to many world-class ski resorts, including world-famous skiing towns Aspen, Telluride and Vail. If you are planning to visit Colorado for skiing purposes, it's a good idea to research some of the state's best ski resort options beforehand.
Telluride

The Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado is famous for its blend of rustic charm, mountainous marvels and top notch skiing. Telluride's surroundings are majestic mountains 14,000 feet high, and this ski resort has a small-town charm that is like no other. Whether you want to ski on beginners' slopes, advanced slopes or even long slopes, Telluride has something for everyone. If you are looking for a laid-back ski resort that doesn't have a lot of crowds, Telluride is a great place to go.

Telluride Tourism Information
Telephone: (970) 728-6900

Vail

Vail is another world-famous Colorado skiing resort. It is often considered to be the best skiing destination in the United States. Vail is so popular because of a combination of optimal snow conditions and the fact that it consists of an astounding 5,289 acres of skiing terrain. There is an array of trails for skiers of all levels of abilities, from beginners to experts. Check out Back Bowls, which boasts almost 3,000 acres of skiing terrain that is wide open.

Vail Resorts
PO Box 7
Vail, CO 81658
Telephone: (970) 476-5601

Aspen Mountain

Aspen Mountain ski resort is home to some of the United States' most diverse and exciting skiing terrain. The atmosphere of Aspen is wonderful, with its clear blue skies and soft, consistent snows. Aspen Mountain spans 675 acres and is popular with higher level skiers because of its many bumps and steep areas. Not only is Aspen beloved for its great skiing, but it also has a rustic appeal and rich culture and heritage.

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort
PO Box 1248
Aspen, CO 81612
Telephone: (970) 925-1220

Monarch Mountain

Monarch Mountain Ski Resort has a cozy location up between the pine and aspen trees of the picturesque San Isabel National Forest. The Monarch Mountain Ski Resort is in central Colorado over the Continental Divide. The area gets abundant snowfall, averaging about 29 feet. Whether you are on the beginning slopes or an expert soaring over fresh powdery terrain, you will enjoy your skiing (or snowboarding) experience at Monarch Mountain.

Monarch Mountain Ski Resort
22720 West Highway 50
Monarch, CO 81227
Telephone: (719) 530-5000

Keystone

Keystone Resort consists of three different mountains, North Peak, the Outback and Dercum Mountains. These three mountains boast some of the finest terrain in all of Colorado, whether they have glades, bumps, lights, hits, rails, steeps or bowls. Check out Area 51, which has the distinction of being the biggest terrain night park in the state.

Keystone Ski Resort
PO Box 38
Keystone, CO 80435
Telephone: (970) 496-2316

Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.