11 Closest Ski Resorts to Denver for Outdoor Fun
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There’s no arguing that Colorado is one of the top skiing destinations in the States. With over 28 ski resorts to choose from, location plays a huge part in deciding where to descend the mountains.
If you’re searching for the closest ski resorts to Denver, you’ve come to the right spot. Luckily, nearly half of all of the ski resorts in Colorado are less than a two-hour drive from downtown Denver!
From Echo Mountain to Copper Mountain, the perfect powder is just around the corner from Denver! Whether you’re taking the family out to hit the slopes or plan to shred them alone, there’s a slope for everyone somewhere.
Bundle up and buckle up before you head out to the best ski resorts near Denver!
Closest Ski Resorts to Denver
Winter Park
⛷️Distance from Denver: 66 miles, 1.5 hours
Welcome to Winter Park, where white-out conditions turn this resort into a winter wonderland! Whether you’re looking to cruise some corduroy or freeride through the trees, this resort has it all.
Winter Park Resort is actually one of the closest major ski resorts to Denver. With two featured mountains and thousands of acres for alpine skiing, this large resort is less than two hours from Denver.
Arrange a ride on the Winter Park Express from Denver Union Station and arrive at Winter Park in just under two hours without the drive!
After a long day of hitting the slopes, hopping on a train ride back to Denver is easier than driving down the mountains with sore shins.
Be sure to check out some of the yummy food and cozy coffee shops while you’re in Winter Park on your winter wonderland escape from downtown Denver!
Echo Mountain
⛷️Distance from Denver: 36 miles, 55 minutes
Technically, Echo Mountain is the closest ski resort to Denver (and most affordable!), but it sits at under 100 acres of ski area.
This small ski resort is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, so if you’re searching for that small-mountain vibe, go shred some snow on one of their seven trails!
Consider taking the trip to go skiing under the stars at Echo Mountain, as they offer night skiing Wednesday through Saturday during the ski season for a stunning experience!
This local spot is perfect if you’re new to the area and searching for some fellow ski bums! It’s also perfect to bring the family after a long day in downtown Denver.
Arapahoe Basin
⛷️Distance from Denver: 64 miles, 1.5 hours
In the Arapaho National Forest of Colorado sits the alpine ski area of Arapahoe Basin. A-basin is known for its exceptional powder and expert terrain but still offers the comfort of the calmer slopes.
This ski resort outside of Denver is usually a front-runner for the ski season by being the first to open the powder to the public! The chutes can get chaotic at the beginning of the season as the locals try to catch the first tracks of the season!
After a day on the mountain, consider stopping by the bar at the base of the A-basin for an apres-ski cocktail or snack!
Loveland Ski Area
⛷️Distance from Denver: 57 miles, 1 hour 10 minutes
Loveland Ski Area is another one of the closest ski resorts to Denver. Loved by locals for many years, this ski destination offers free parking, easy access, and affordable rentals and lessons.
Loveland Ski Area sits on the Continental Divide adjacent to Loveland Pass, so thanks to the high elevation, this ski resort scores a lot of snow! Powder days at Loveland are common, so bust out the skis and snowboards for this trip.
If you’re trying to track down the best tree-line terrain, Loveland is the ski resort you’re searching for. The high elevation and expert terrain on this mountain offer a magical descent down the mountain!
Beaver Creek Ski Resort
⛷️Distance from Denver: 110 miles, 2 hours
Enjoy the most beautiful bluebird day at Beaver Creek Ski Resort! This resort is truly a winter wonderland only two hours from Denver. This high-end daytime destination leaves downtown Denver in the dust.
The charming village life of this world-class Colorado resort offers endless shopping, luxurious lodging, fine dining, and an amazing apres-ski vibe. After hitting the slopes, enjoy exciting events and more fun at the base of the mountain.
Beaver Creek offers enough expert terrain and beginner bunny slopes to keep everyone busy!
Breckenridge Ski Resort
⛷️Distance from Denver: 80 miles, 1.5 hours
Welcome to winter in Breck! Breckenridge Ski Resort is easily one of the most visited ski resorts outside of Denver, with an easy drive down I-70 or a more scenic drive up Highway 9. This stunning ski resort is spread across five snow-covered peaks of skiable terrain.
From sledding to skiing and gondola rides to roller coasters, this family-owned ski resort offers a variety of weekend fun for the family.
Just below the base of this resort sits the lively mountain town of Breck, where bakeries, breweries, and boutiques fill the second half of your day just outside of the Breckenridge ski resort.
Vail Mountain Resort
⛷️Distance from Denver: 98 miles, 2 hours
Vail Mountain Resort is a short drive over the mountain from Breckenridge Ski Resort but still makes the list of ski resorts closest to Denver! In under two hours, you could be shredding the mountaintops and valleys of Vail!
Vail Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in Colorado, with over 5,000 acres of backcountry and trails.
Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowboarding are just some of the snowy activities featured in the winter, and there are many more to spend the summer outdoors, too!
Vail Mountain Resort features three vibrant villages at the base of the resort for a charming apres-ski vibe with many restaurants and shops to warm up in!
Eldora Mountain Resort
⛷️Distance from Denver: 48 miles, 1.5 hours
Eldora Mountain Resort is Denver’s backyard ski resort just outside of Boulder. This relaxed resort is longing for locals and small-town skiers.
Perhaps one of Colorado’s best-kept ski secrets is this resort right here! It’s perfect for families and beginners and is less than 50 miles from Denver. The lack of lift lines lure in the locals and ski lovers to hit the slopes without the long waits!
As a smaller ski area, this resort has limited options for food and shopping, so pack the snacks (and, of course, the skis) and hit the slopes with the whole family!
Copper Mountain Resort
⛷️Distance from Denver: 78 miles, 1.5 hours
Copper Mountain Ski Resort is nestled in between Vail and Breckenridge for a cozy, charming ski resort close to Denver.
The progression of the slopes at Copper Mountain is perfect for beginners working their way up to the intermediate and expert slopes. For the non-skiers, Copper Mountain offers more than just the backcountry with other activities found in The Barn.
This part of the park offers many activities for the family to enjoy!
It’s said by many that Copper Mountain is the mountain to start on, and with many other ski resorts nearby to work up to, we’d have to say the same!
Granby Ranch
⛷️Distance from Denver: 86 miles, 2 hours
There’s more to this ski resort than just skiing, so if hitting the slopes isn’t your style, try visiting in the summer or searching for another snowy activity! Adventures await at this all-season resort!
Ski this winter at this family-focused ski resort near Denver, Granby Ranch! This resort is made up of two mountains, both divided by the level of terrain.
One mountain features beginner and immediate slopes, while the other mountain features blue and black runs for the expert skier!
With Nordic and night skiing, this all-around ski resort is perfect for hitting the slopes any time of day! Of course, Granby Ranch also gives a vintage vibe in the summer with many other activities around the ranch.
Keystone Ski Resort
⛷️Distance from Denver: 70 miles, 1.5 hours
Keystone Ski Resort is owned by Vail Resorts and spreads across three separate mountain peaks, perfect for searching for the perfect patch of snow to sink your skis into!
This kid-friendly resort offers many activities for the family, including ice skating down in the village.
With a slightly higher-than-average snowfall, this ski resort is perfect for packing powder, and since the resort is spread across three different peaks, there’s an atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Keystone is one of the closest ski resorts to Denver. Find the key to your ski resort vacation in Keystone just outside of Denver!
Final Thoughts: Best Ski Resorts Near Denver
There is certainly no shortage of ski resorts near downtown Denver. These eleven ski resorts are less than a two-hour drive from the downtown frenzy, making them the closest ski resorts to Denver!
Bundle up and break out those skis to hit the bunny slopes, shred some snow under the stars, or simply sip on some cocoa at some of the most charming ski resorts in Colorado all within a close car ride from Denver!
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