- Aspen
- Avon
- Basalt
- Beaver Creek
- Breckenridge
- Buena Vista
- Carbondale
- Cañon City
- Copper Mountain
- Crested Butte
- Cripple Creek
- Dillon
- Fairplay
- Florence
- Frisco
- Georgetown
- Glenwood Springs
- Granby
- Grand Lake
- Gunnison
- Idaho Springs
- Keystone
- Kremmling
- Leadville
- Pagosa Springs
- Salida
- Silverthorne
- Snowmass Village
- South Park
- Steamboat Springs
- Twin Lakes
- Vail
- Winter Park
- Summer in Summit County
- Winter in Summit County
Play: Night Skiing / Snowboarding
Vail
Things to Do at Vail Resort, Colorado
Throughout the US, Vail Resort is synonymous with the American alpine experience. Situated high up in the Gore Valley and surrounded by the White River National Forest, this community is ideally located in proximity to all the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Vail Ski Resort opened on December 15, 1962, boasting one gondola, two chair lifts, eight ski instructors, and a $5 lift ticket. Since then, this resort has become the most extensive ski area on a single mountain in the United States and caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Today, this area consists of three distinct communities: East Vail, Cascade Village, and West Vail. To learn more about how these communities together make a world-class resort. Additionally, neighboring Beaver Creek Resort is a stand-alone resort and community.
Access this region via Eagle County Regional Airport, just 37 miles away, or 2 hours and 15 minutes from Denver International Airport, 92 miles.
About Vail Mountain
The resort’s three base areas are Golden Peak, Vail Village, and Lionshead. During the winter season, signs with grooming reports and trail access information are posted daily at all three base areas. Trail maps for those unfamiliar with the mountain can be found at all lift ticket windows, on-mountain lodges, and throughout the base areas. Visitors should also familiarize themselves with the skier responsibility code on the trail map.
- Adventure Ridge offers excellent activities for families and kids. Tubing, ski bikes, a children’s snowmobile track, and ice skating are available.
- Home to some of the world’s best ski and snowboard instructors. Lessons are available for all levels of skiers, snowboarders, or telemark skiers. Newcomers to these activities are strongly advised to take a lesson—your knees and elbows will thank you for it later!
- The FREE PEAKS program is the best money and timesaver for multiple-day skiers and snowboarders. Contact any of the lift ticket offices to make a purchase. Open until 4:30 p.m. daily.
- Blue Sky Basin is one of the farthest-to-reach areas and is accessible by several lifts and trails from the front of the mountain. The area has no dining options, but a warming hut and bathrooms are available.
- Tired legs are dangerous. If your legs are tired, download on the Vista Bahn, Riva Bahn, or Gondola rather than taking your chances with an injury.
Learn more about central Colorado.
What’s Happening at the Resort
- Their signature events have become very popular. They feature activities such as Top of Mountain Yoga, the Apres Spring Series, a Tase of Vail, GoPro Mountain Games, and more.
- Of course, there is skiing and snowboarding at Vail Mountain. World-renowned back bowls, Golden Peak, and Blue Sky Basin.
- There are plenty of hiking trails. See their Hiking Guide and information about Adventure Ridge. There is also more about gondola access hiking.
- Extensive mountain biking trails with gondola access.
- A long list of events going on in the community.
- Plan your wedding in Vail.
- Vail Dance Festival.
With a European feel, Vail Village and Lionshead Village are designed to accommodate pedestrians. Take a stroll through the villages down the heated cobblestone walkways to enjoy fire pits, sculptures, and water features. As well as its reputation as a legendary mountain town with world-class skiing, plush accommodations, fine dining, and fantastic shopping.
Vail has the Family in Mind
Consider this entire area a giant playground for kids, families, and adults. This resort is packed with places to explore, activities, events, new adventures, and quality time to make lasting memories.
Exploring Arts & Culture
Diversity of cultural and educational activities is an attraction for locals and guests. The community considers its cultural scene top-notch, with access to theatre, music, arts, and educational experiences that will enlighten and lift the spirit.
Colorado Ski Snowboard Resorts
Colorado Ski Snowboard Resorts
Colorado is rich with the best ski snowboard resorts in North America. Skiing or riding in Colorado is a must-do for any real connoisseur. Check out this map which shows interactive location details about all 25 ski areas in Colorado. Get extensive resort details in our Colorado Ski Resort Guide. If you are looking for a family-minded area, view our list of recommendations, and check out what we consider Colorado’s top ski area picks.
Colorado’s world-renowned ski snowboard resorts and accommodating ski towns beckon travelers of all backgrounds, ages, and interests, with every ski resort offering something different. From the hardcore backcountry hike-it crowd to the family of four looking for lessons and a laid-back day on groomed runs, there’s a Colorado ski snowboard resort that will exceed expectations.
View Live Webcam at major resorts for real-time snow conditions.
Be prepare to drive on Colorado’s highways this winter, and check the live webcams of Colorado’s major passes.
Colorado’s Top Snowboard Terrain Parks
Colorado has a premier selection of snowboard halfpipes and terrain parks. Some of our top picks include:
- Arapahoe Basin – 5 terrain parks featuring halfpipes and terrain park features for all abilities.
- Aspen – In the heart of Aspen. Intermediate to advanced skiers.
- Snowmass – A progressive lineup of terrain elements to challenge any level. Central location.
- Buttermilk Mountain – Home to the Winter X Games
- Breckenridge – A variety of terrain parks from beginner to pro pipes.
- Winter Park resort – 7 parks to choose from starter to very advanced.
- Telluride – Over 100 features created for all ability levels.
- Vail – Choose from two terrain parks, pro-style features to beginner and kid-sized jumps.
- Beaver Creek – Signature parks collection
- Keystone – Home to the award-winning A51 terrain park, more than 100 features
- Loveland – Something for everyone, new features every year. Two lifts access the park.
- Frisco Adventure Park – just $29 per day
Nordic Skiing
Nordic skiing, otherwise known as cross-country skiing is fundamental to Colorado’s ski history and life in the mountains. Cross-country skiing is perfect for those who enjoy the cardio workout and the slower pace to enjoy the surroundings. Nordic centers can be found near all major ski areas and beyond. Visit our cross-country ski page to learn more.
Backcountry Ski Locations
For those off-the-beaten-path types. Backcountry skiing is readily available. One thing all backcountry areas have in common is they are not managed. Meaning you are on your own. No groomed runs or ski patrol to help you out in case of emergency. Backcountry skiers need to be advanced in their knowledge of avalanche danger and survival, and carry safety equipment. Be able to read maps, and navigate terrain. Most of all have the ability to ski safely in the chosen area. It helps to have a checklist of items you need to bring along.
A Short List of Popular Backcountry Ski Areas
- Quandary Peak – Has intermediate and advanced terrain.
- Loveland Pass – Advanced and extreme terrain.
- Rocky Mountain National Park – Advanced and extreme terrain.
- Red Mountain Pass – Hugh variety of terrain from moderate to extreme.
- Berthoud Pass – Variety of terrain, mostly expert.
- Crested Butte – Variety of mostly extreme terrain.
Finding the Right Colorado Ski Snowboard Resort
With so many ski snowboard resort choices in Colorado, it’s hard to go wrong. With just a little investigating you can easily figure out what ski snowboard resort will fit your group’s ski snowboard ability level and style. Most resorts have ski snowboard schools, clubs, clinics, childcare, and more available. Additionally, there is always a variety of lift ticket prices, passes, and special offers to check out. If you’re on a budget, there are several resorts to consider. Or, if you have a lot of kids with you, there are options. Perhaps some of your group members are more interested in off-slope or non-skier activities. Whatever your ski snowboard vacation needs are, Colorado is here to deliver.
Denver
Things to Do in Denver, Colorado
Dining and Shopping in Denver
Denver restaurants, galleries, and shops pepper 20 diverse neighborhoods. From the stately Victorian mansions of Capitol Hill and the rich African-American culture of historic Five Points, to the quaint, tree-lined streets of Old South Gaylord and Old South Pearl. The area’s laid-back attitude and class are exemplified in the art districts and communities surrounding downtown.
Meanwhile, the heart of downtown is still the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian promenade lined with restaurants, shops and seasonal programming. Free hop-on-hop-off shuttle buses leave either end of the Mall every 90 seconds, making everything downtown easy to reach. Check out Colfax Avenue, the Golden Road history. At 26.5 miles long, it’s the longest commercial street in the U.S.
At the end of the Mall is LoDo, a hip historic district with a vibrant nightlife. LoDo is overflowing with more than 200 bars, lounges, brew pubs, jazz cafés, restaurants and music clubs. In 2007, the neighborhood welcomed the stunning new Museum of Contemporary Art. Attracting some of the nation’s top talent and offering a staggering rooftop view of the beautiful skyline.
Nearby, the Cherry Creek Shopping District is a village within the city, filled with nearly 500 shops, independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and galleries.
The Denver Music Scene
Check out the music scene, with some of the best sounds – from top acts to independent artists – that can be heard nationwide. The world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre welcomes a new music season each summer, along with weekly outdoor films from late May to mid-August.
Professional Sports
For the more sports-minded, MLB’s Colorado Rockies, play at the centrally located Coors Field in LoDo. Denver hosts seven professional sports teams in total, including the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, the NFL’s Denver Broncos and the NBA’s Denver Nuggets.
Experiencing Denver Colorado
Perhaps you have found yourself in this area on business or for another reason. Experiencing Colorado from Denver is just around the corner. Many urban parks cater to a variety of popular sporting activities such as fishing, boating, cycling, rollerblading, walking the dog or going for a jog. Plus, there are State Parks scattered about and Rocky Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is nearby. Getting out into the great outdoors and experiencing the Rocky Mountain High is just outside your door.