Substantial storms have finally hit the Rockies and winter is in full swing. With most ski resorts offering travel deals and ski packages, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which ski area to actually visit. Located along Highway I-70 from Denver lies Summit County, which offers access to not just one resort, but FIVE! Now the question becomes which one of these world-class ski resorts should we head up to!
Loveland Ski Area
Located right off of I-70 and only 53 miles from Denver, Loveland is known for opening the earliest, as well as being a local's mountain. Although you won't find ample high speed quads, onsite lodging, or upscale shopping, you will experience an annual average of 400 inches and a variety of terrain for an affordable price of $52 (adult, discounted). On a sunny powder day, be sure to head up to Loveland's upper elevation bowls.
Arapahoe Basin
Known as A-Basin by locals, Arapahoe Basin is famous for its challenging terrain, the ‘Beach', and end of year celebration. Open from late October to early June, A-Basin also sports one of the country's longest ski season with an average of 350 inches and a lift ticket of $65. The new addition of the 400-acre Montezuma Bowl greatly increased the area's skiable terrain with 36 new runs. After a long day of skiing, ski down to the ‘Beach', unload your grill from you car, and enjoy a burger. You deserve it!
Keystone Resort
In between Dillon and A-Basin on Highway 6 lies Keystone Resort. In contrast to A-Basin and Loveland, Keystone offers three mountains with 3,148 acres of skiable terrain, ample lodging and restaurants, and a variety of family activities. Skiing highlights includes wide-open cruisers, a world-renowned terrain park, cat skiing, night skiing, and upper-elevation bowls with hiking access. There are many different packages available, with a range of lift ticket prices. Because the same company owns Breckenridge and Keystone, a lift ticket is honored at both resorts.
Breckenridge Resort
Similar to Keystone, Breckenridge is a four-season world-class resort that consists of 2,358 skiable acres and 30 lifts. However, the historic mining town of Breckenridge is truly unique. After a day of skiing freshly groomed beginner and intermediate trails, alpine bowls or North America's highest chairlift, enjoy shopping or a night out on Main Street. Breckenridge is also famous for it's free-skiing and snowboarding terrain, offering five terrain parks for all ability levels and two halfpipes. A three-day lift ticket, valid at both Breckenridge and Keystone, is approximately $249 for adults and $129 for a child ticket.
Copper Mountain
Last but not least, Copper Mountain is tucked away off of I-70, just before Vail Pass. Spanning 2,450 acres with 22 lifts, Copper is a great family resort with expansive beginner and intermediate terrain. Copper also has ‘naturally divided' terrain, meaning that expert terrain, such as alpine bowls, hiking areas, and steep tree shots, is separate from other trails. A welcoming village lies at the base, offering après ski, lodging, shopping, dining, and family activities.
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