Comparing Ski Resorts in Colorado

Intrawest is the owner of Steamboat, Copper Mountain and Winter Park. It also owns the famous Whistler/Blackcomb Resort in Western Canada, Mont Tremblant in Eastern Canada and many other popular ski areas in North America. However, unlike their Canadian sister resorts, the Intrawest Colorado ski areas are not noted for their exciting nightlife and off-slope activities. Nonetheless, all of the Intrawest Colorado resorts are known for modern snow-making equipment, high-speed lift systems and professional ski schools.

Copper Mountain is the only Intrawest Colorado resort that does not have a gondola. Visitors to Colorado can purchase season pass and lift ticket packages, which, depending on the price, can be used at one or more Intrawest Colorado resort.

Vail Resorts owns Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail and Beaver Creek. It also has managing interests in Arapahoe Basin, which means that season pass and lift ticket holders have the option of using this area. Breckenridge is located in a former Victorian mining town, which has a variety of historic attractions as well as an active nightlife, shoppin and restaurant scene. Although it was once known as a strictly beginner/intermediate resort, because of the addition of the new Imperial Express lift, Breckenridge now offers lift-serviced backcountry skiing. It also has a gondola, which is a blessing, since Breckenridge is one of the coldest Colorado resorts.

Keystone is located in a self-contained village, which makes it convenient for anyone looking for a total resort experience. Vail and Beaver Creek are upscale, with outdoor escalators in the village area, and pricey shops and restaurants. Vail Resorts are famous for groomed slopes. However, even though with a managing interest in Arapahoe Basin, the Basin, as locals call it, is a no-frills area, with steep terrain and a relaxed ambiance. It competes with Loveland for being first to open and last to close.

The area we call Aspen is actually made up of four resorts, Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands. These are Colorado's most upscale ski areas, which are frequented by celebrities and other beautiful people. The mountains all have high-speed lifts and gondolas, and unlike the typical ski resort cafeteria, Aspen's dining venues actually serve tasty and healthy food.

In addition to Colorado's more commercial resorts, Colorado has a number of smaller, privately owned ski areas that have old-fashioned lifts, a minimal amount of snow making and infrequent grooming. Examples include Eldora, Loveland and Ski Cooper.

Areas like Telluride, Wolf Creek and Crested Butte are privately owned ski areas, which are not in close proximity to any Colorado airport. While these resorts have many of the amenities of the corporate-owned resorts, their location means they are not as crowded. At these ski areas, the resort is an integral part of the culture of the town. For example, the Telluride gondola is also used as public transportation, connecting the town with the mountain village.