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The 5 Best Ski Resorts Near Colorado Springs, 2023/24

The 5 Best Ski Resorts Near Colorado Springs, 2023/24
Jack Lee
Written by Jack Lee / Photos by Jack Lee
Last updated May 22, 2022

Here is our list of the best ski resorts near Colorado Springs as rated by local skiers. Read about what each resort is famous for along with its pros and cons! Check out which resorts made our cut.

Distance from Colorado Springs - 171 km (2.5 hour drive)

breckenridge ski resort
Breck in a snapshot

Why Ski Breckenridge

Breckenridge has the highest summit elevation in the US and is one of the most popular resorts in Colorado. The resort has a nice selection of terrain that spreads out over five peaks and a historic mining town with fantastic après ski. After a big day on the slopes and an even bigger night in town, there's a wide variety of accommodation for you to wind down in. If you want ski-in/ski-out you’ve got it, or if you’d prefer to save money and don't mind being a bit further from the slopes, that’s also an option. With plenty of things to do, Breck is definitely not to be missed! Just make sure you’re prepared against possible altitude sickness!

Known for

Breckenridge is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado with a world-renown ski town

Highlights

  • Breckenridge has tons of activities besides skiing such as dog-sledding and snowmobiling
  • Experience the unforgettable nightlife in this vibrant Colorado ski town
  • Offers a diverse range of resort lodgings from affordable to lavishly high-end
  • Due to its popularity, big crowds at the resort are a pain

23/24 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 10 2023
  • Closing Date: May 07 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Denver Intl. Airport - 167 km (2.5 hour drive)

Distance from Colorado Springs - 171 km (2.5 hour drive)

breckenridge ski resort
Breck in a snapshot

Why Ski Breckenridge

Breckenridge has the highest summit elevation in the US and is one of the most popular resorts in Colorado. The resort has a nice selection of terrain that spreads out over five peaks and a historic mining town with fantastic après ski. After a big day on the slopes and an even bigger night in town, there's a wide variety of accommodation for you to wind down in. If you want ski-in/ski-out you’ve got it, or if you’d prefer to save money and don't mind being a bit further from the slopes, that’s also an option. With plenty of things to do, Breck is definitely not to be missed! Just make sure you’re prepared against possible altitude sickness!

Distance from Colorado Springs - 217 km (2.5 hour drive)

north peak at Keystone
North Peak at Keystone

Why Ski Keystone

Keystone is a large ski resort with some of the best long groomers in Colorado. Experienced intermediates will be in heaven, but advanced riders could find that the trails simply aren’t challenging enough. The resort is also extremely family-friendly because the slopes at Keystone make it easier for the whole family to ride together. Night-skiing is available after sunset and continues as late as 9 pm, with an excellent mix of green and cruisey blue terrain. There are plenty of accommodation and entertaining dining options to suit every budget. The main downside would be that crowds can get pretty hectic, especially on weekends.

Known for

Keystone is one of the best family-friendly resorts in Colorado and has the largest night skiing operation in the state

Highlights

  • Keystone is popular for its Kidtopia play area and endless family-friendly programs
  • Great for beginner skiing as the learning area is located at the bottom and top of the mountain
  • Boasting one of the best terrain parks in Colorado with its own lift
  • Crowds can be a problem if you're skiing on a weekend

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Oct 28 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 17 2023

Closest airports

Denver Intl. Airport - 145 km (2 hour drive)

Distance from Colorado Springs - 217 km (2.5 hour drive)

north peak at Keystone
North Peak at Keystone

Why Ski Keystone

Keystone is a large ski resort with some of the best long groomers in Colorado. Experienced intermediates will be in heaven, but advanced riders could find that the trails simply aren’t challenging enough. The resort is also extremely family-friendly because the slopes at Keystone make it easier for the whole family to ride together. Night-skiing is available after sunset and continues as late as 9 pm, with an excellent mix of green and cruisey blue terrain. There are plenty of accommodation and entertaining dining options to suit every budget. The main downside would be that crowds can get pretty hectic, especially on weekends.

Distance from Colorado Springs - 230 km (2.5 hour drive)

on mountain chief looking into copper bowl at copper mountain
On Mountain Chief looking into Copper Bowl

Why Ski Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain is a great choice because the natural topography of the mountains splits the slopes neatly into three distinct sections. The East Village is best for advanced skiers, Centre Village for intermediates, and West Village for beginners, with efficient lifts to keep the crowds away. The resort is great for families with similar skiing abilities and the snow tubing doesn’t get more fun than here! Although Copper Mountain isn’t as expensive as Vail or Aspen, you'll still pay a premium to stay in the ski village. Centre Village is where you’ll find the most facilities, restaurants, and shops, so if being close to amenities is important, stay here. For more affordable options try Frisco or Silverthorne.

Known for

Copper Mountain is famous for having naturally divided ski terrain and a down to earth Colorado vibe

Highlights

  • Copper Mountain is one of Colorado’s best family friendly resorts with plenty of kids activities
  • An affordable option compared to other Colorado ski resorts
  • Fantastic variety of terrain to suit all ability levels
  • Not much of a town compared to other Colorado resorts like Breckenridge and Keystone

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 14 2022
  • Closing Date: May 07 2023

Closest airports

Denver Intl. Airport - 161 km (2 hour drive)

Distance from Colorado Springs - 230 km (2.5 hour drive)

on mountain chief looking into copper bowl at copper mountain
On Mountain Chief looking into Copper Bowl

Why Ski Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain is a great choice because the natural topography of the mountains splits the slopes neatly into three distinct sections. The East Village is best for advanced skiers, Centre Village for intermediates, and West Village for beginners, with efficient lifts to keep the crowds away. The resort is great for families with similar skiing abilities and the snow tubing doesn’t get more fun than here! Although Copper Mountain isn’t as expensive as Vail or Aspen, you'll still pay a premium to stay in the ski village. Centre Village is where you’ll find the most facilities, restaurants, and shops, so if being close to amenities is important, stay here. For more affordable options try Frisco or Silverthorne.

Distance from Colorado Springs - 208 km (2.5 hour drive)

view looking from arapahoe basin summit
Looking down from A-Basin Summit

Why Ski Arapahoe Basin

They call Arapahoe Basin ‘The Legend’ so be prepared for some of the most extreme terrain available in Colorado. A-Basin is a true locals mountain, with a laid-back vibe that will delight some but put off others. The more experienced and low-maintenance you are, the more fun you’ll have here, so skiing newbies or those looking for a more catered experience should probably look elsewhere. There are limited amenities and no lodging options in A-Basin but the next best option would be in Keystone, otherwise, you could consider lodging in Summit Cove, Dillon/ Silverthorne or Frisco. Though there is no real base village, who needs that when you’re jumping off cliffs or skiing in July?

Known for

Arapahoe Basin has gained a reputation of having a “local's mountain” vibe in Colorado and offering extreme terrain

Highlights

  • Arapahoe Basin boasts one of the longest ski seasons (October - June)
  • Incredible advanced terrain
  • Budget friendly compared to other Colorado ski resorts
  • Very limited amenities and no lodging at the base

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Oct 23 2022
  • Closing Date: Jun 04 2023

Closest airports

Denver Intl. Airport - 142 km (2 hour drive)

Distance from Colorado Springs - 208 km (2.5 hour drive)

view looking from arapahoe basin summit
Looking down from A-Basin Summit

Why Ski Arapahoe Basin

They call Arapahoe Basin ‘The Legend’ so be prepared for some of the most extreme terrain available in Colorado. A-Basin is a true locals mountain, with a laid-back vibe that will delight some but put off others. The more experienced and low-maintenance you are, the more fun you’ll have here, so skiing newbies or those looking for a more catered experience should probably look elsewhere. There are limited amenities and no lodging options in A-Basin but the next best option would be in Keystone, otherwise, you could consider lodging in Summit Cove, Dillon/ Silverthorne or Frisco. Though there is no real base village, who needs that when you’re jumping off cliffs or skiing in July?

Distance from Colorado Springs - 206 km (2.5 hour drive)

breckenridge ski resort
Welcome to Monarch Mountain!

Why Ski Monarch Mountain

Monarch may be a small ski resort but it is extremely popular for locals in the Colorado Springs area. Beginners and intermediates have a good selection of terrain, while advanced and expert skiers and riders can go for the steep bowls, chutes, and tree runs. Being a bit further south west of Denver than the other resorts on this list, Monarch is harder to get to but that's what keeps the crowds away. While there is no ski-in/ ski-out lodging here, most people stay in the nearby town of Salida which has very affordable accommodation and several restaurants.

Known for

True local mountain with plenty of reliable snow

Highlights

  • Remote location keep crowds to a minimum
  • Incredible views of surrounding mountain ranges
  • Affordable lift tickets compared to larger Colorado ski resorts
  • No lodging at base and limited lodging nearby

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 01 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport - 72 km (1 hour drive)
Denver Intl. Airport - 290 km (3.5 hour drive)

Distance from Colorado Springs - 206 km (2.5 hour drive)

breckenridge ski resort
Welcome to Monarch Mountain!

Why Ski Monarch Mountain

Monarch may be a small ski resort but it is extremely popular for locals in the Colorado Springs area. Beginners and intermediates have a good selection of terrain, while advanced and expert skiers and riders can go for the steep bowls, chutes, and tree runs. Being a bit further south west of Denver than the other resorts on this list, Monarch is harder to get to but that's what keeps the crowds away. While there is no ski-in/ ski-out lodging here, most people stay in the nearby town of Salida which has very affordable accommodation and several restaurants.