Summit County Colorado Area Ski Resorts

There are four ski resorts within Summit County, Colorado. Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Breckenridge ski areas all share a common mountain range. Keystone and A-Basin, or Arapahoe Basin, sit side by side along US 6 near Loveland Pass. Breckenridge is just south of the reservoir and Copper Mountain is a little to the west. All four ski resorts may compete for business in the same area, but each have unique features and qualities that lure different clientele.

Arapahoe Basin is open from early October to June. It sits at a higher elevation, its summit reaching 13,050 feet, than the other three resorts and therefore has no snow making system. It naturally receives about 360 inches of snow a year. The terrain at Arapahoe Basin is dedicated mostly to intermediate skiing and snowboarding. There is very little terrain for beginners. Probably the most renowned run at the resort is Palavicinni, the longest and steepest run in the country.

Copper Mountain has become a favorite among the locals. But improvements in recent years, such as a new snowmaking system and new lifts, have given the resort increasing popularity with visitors. Copper is open from mid November to late April and has an average annual snowfall of 280 inches. With a vertical drop of 2,601 feet, most of its terrain, 36%, is considered difficult. It does have a significant amount, 21%, of terrain dedicated to beginner runs making it a great mountain for the whole family or for groups of skiers with varying abilities.

Keystone ski area encompasses three mountains, all accessible at Keystone Village Base. The resort is open from late October to early May, for almost 12 hours a day from 8:30am to 9pm. It is the only resort in the county to offer night skiing and a night terrain park. Each mountain on Keystone lures a different type of skier or snowboarder. Keystone Mountain is known for vast open groomed trails with a handful of slow skiing areas, great for beginners and families. You will find great moguls on North Peak and tree skiing on Outback Mountain. At Keystone's base area you will find a Nordic skiing track, an ice rink, sleigh rides, and snowmobiles for rent. The resort more or less created the town of Keystone.

Breckenridge ski area is by far the most historic, the town founded in 1859. The resort has four peaks, referred to as Peak 7 through 10. It has a vertical drop of 3,398 feet and over 2,000 acres of terrain for skiing or boarding. It is a great ski area for intermediate and expert skiing. The town of Breckenridge is also a great place to spend some time as it has great dining, shopping, nightlife, galleries, and boutiques. Out of the four ski areas in Summit County, Colorado, it is really hard to go wrong no matter where you chose to spend your days.