Top 11 Ski Resorts Near Denver By Distance

There are a variety of ski resorts near Denver that are only an hour or two away from the city’s center. For enthusiasts, the trip is worth it, rivaling the beauty of the Swiss Alps with towering mountains, powdery snow and charming town centers. Denver ski resorts are abundant, cozy and pair well with the Epic, Ikon and Indy passes. These handy options offer unlimited skiing at favorite destinations like Breckenridge and Vail, with no wait at the ticket window required. While passes streamline the experience, there are other factors to consider, like traffic, especially during winter weekends. Congestion on I-70 can slow traffic, especially during peak hours in the morning and afternoon. This guide simplifies choosing among the best ski resorts near Denver, focusing on accessibility and travel time to the must-visit options that draw winter sports enthusiasts from across the globe.

Jennifer Broome

Echo Mountain is one of the closest ski resorts to Denver, so you can be on the mountain in less than an hour from downtown. If you’re staying in the city at an accommodation like the AAA Four Diamond-designated Le Meridien Denver and want an easy commute without an overnight stay, consider this ski resort. It’s also more affordable than other Colorado-based resorts like Breckenridge, so it’s a top choice for skiers on a budget.

Echo Mountain has seven runs across 60 skiable acres of terrain and is one of the best ski resorts near Denver for those new to skiing, with the easy-to-tackle Yard Sale practice area. Additionally, a third of the mountain’s trails are ranked as green square (beginner) runs. So this is a family-friendly option, especially for those traveling with small children.

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Eldora Mountain Resort has 680 skiable acres, with the longest run a whopping three miles. Guests enjoy downhill skiing opportunities, cross-country and snowshoeing. Fifty percent of the trails at Eldora Mountain are labeled as blue square (intermediate), and 30 percent are black diamonds (challenging), so the mountain is most suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

There is no night skiing at this mountain and little to do after dark, so most visitors head back to Denver or stay just under 40 minutes away in the charming town of Boulder. Accommodations like the AAA Three Diamond-designated Hotel Boulderado serve as the perfect resting spot after a long day on the slopes.

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Loveland Ski Area is only 57 miles west of downtown Denver, making it one of the most convenient mountains on this list of top places to ski near Denver. The resort boasts 94 trails, with almost 50 percent being ranked as advanced. So this mountain is definitely not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a real challenge near downtown Denver, look no further than Loveland Ski Area.

The AAA Three Diamond-designated Keystone Lodge & Spa is a quick drive from the Loveland Ski area, just over six miles away. The resort offers amenities like a heated outdoor pool, full bar and restaurant and a series of local trails and recreational areas for guests to enjoy.

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Arapahoe Basin, known as A-Basin, features a summit elevation of 12,050 feet and spans 1,428 acres, with seven distinct mountain zones for visitors to explore. It’s a historic ski spot that’s been in operation since 1946 and contains eight chairlifts and 147 trails. Since half the mountain rests above the timberline, there are cooler temperatures and longer skiing seasons.

With the Basin situated just under an hour and a half west of downtown Denver, it’s a relatively easy commute, but some may prefer to spend the night to make the most out of their time on the slopes.

Since Arapahoe Basin doesn’t have on-site lodging, consider a nearby favorite like the AAA Three Diamond-designated Hyatt Place Keystone, about 10 minutes away from the mountain.

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There are two mountains at Winter Park with 171 individual trails between them. It’s one of the most scenic commutes from Denver, thanks to the Winter Park Express train that shuttles skiers directly to the resort during the winter months. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding well into the Spring, so if Winter passes you by this year, the resort has you covered.

Winter Park is about 2.5 hours away via the Winter Park Express train. The drive from Downtown Denver is significantly faster and just as scenic as long as you’re avoiding peak times, taking just under an hour and a half. For a convenient stay in town, Winter Park’s Diamond-approved Best Western Alpenglo Lodge is just minutes from the slopes and offers a complimentary breakfast.

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Keystone Resort, just outside of Denver, is brimming with trail options, and there’s no shortage of excitement for the whole family. Keystone Mountain has 140 trails of varying difficulty, making it one of the best ski resorts near Denver for beginners and advanced skiers alike.

Night skiing, the world’s tallest snow fort and the Kidtopia program mean flexible options for all ages. The Kids Ski Free program is best for budget-conscious parents.

The Keystone resort is just under an hour and a half from the city center. There are plenty of condo-style accommodations like the AAA Three Diamond-designated Hyatt Place Keystone.

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Copper Mountain is a tad more convenient to reach than Breckenridge, without skimping on any of the best mountain views near Denver. Copper Mountain is also a little less expensive and usually less crowded than Breckenridge. It’s also a fantastic mountain in its own right, with over 140 runs and almost 2,500 skiable acres.

It stands out for its natural terrain organization, with gentler runs on the right, intermediate ones in the middle, and challenging black-diamond runs to the left. This makes it easy to navigate and prevents skiers from getting lost. For an unforgettable stay, the AAA Three Diamond-designated Cambria Hotel Copper Mountain is a regal option, not far from the resort’s foothills.

AAA / Jennifer Broome

Breckenridge is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to ski resorts — and for good reason. The resort boasts almost 3,000 acres of skiable terrain on five different peaks and 187 unique trails. Moreover, it’s super family-friendly, with options for skiers and snowboarders of all different abilities, from beginners to experts.

The AAA Three Diamond-designated Valdoro Mountain Lodge by Hilton Grand Vacations is the holy grail of accommodations in the area, so make sure to book a room for quick access to local amenities.

Right at the base of the resort is the cute and walkable town of Breckenridge. There are ample après-ski opportunities, with lots of bars downtown alongside local shops, restaurants, delicious food and local music.

Jennifer Broome

Granby Ranch is a neighbor to (and often overshadowed by) the massive Winter Park, but it’s one of the best-kept secrets in Colorado for powder chasers due to its overall lower traffic. The resort’s clever 41-trail system is split between two mountains. East Mountain offers easy and intermediate runs, while West Mountain offers advanced slopes.

Because the resort is compact relative to other Denver ski trip destinations on this list, it’s an excellent choice for newer skiers. Its straightforward layout is great for those with small children. Worldmark Granby Rocky Mountain is a popular hotel for overnight guests, offering a pool, a recreational lodge, and sweeping mountain views.

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The town of Vail and its resorts have long been known as a luxury winter destination for skiing near Denver. Its stunning snow-capped setting and breathtaking trails keep visitors coming back for more. Whether you’re looking to take on some of the most challenging runs or practice your technique, Vail offers 5,317 acres of skiable terrain to explore.

Off the slopes, you’ll find some of the region’s best restaurants and après ski in Lionshead and Vail Village. And its genuinely iconic location delivers spectacular views no matter where you are in the resort. For a truly luxurious stay in the famed mountain town, book a night at the AAA Four Diamond-designated Grand Hyatt Vail, tucked away in the quieter Cascade Village corridor of Vail.

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Beaver Creek Resort is an unforgettable ski destination located just under 2 hours west of Denver. You’ll discover comforting amenities like heated sidewalks, escalators and even freshly baked cookies for guests at this mountain alongside 167 trails spread over 2,000 skiable acres.

Beaver Creek offers a convenient shuttle service from Denver International Airport to make traveling even more accessible. So if you’re flying into Denver from out of town, consider this option for easy access. The AAA Three Diamond-designated Beaver Creek Lodge has everything you need for your time off the slopes, from spa amenities to a full restaurant and bar.

Skiing near Denver is a win with its ideal conditions, towering mountains and charming towns all within a day’s drive of downtown. However, just a little preparation can make all the difference during your visit. Here are three top considerations before heading to the best ski resorts near Denver.

Interstate 70 is famous for its scenic views, and many hop on its stretch for an awe-inspiring Denver-to-Breckenridge road trip. It also connects visitors to several other Denver ski resorts. But this popular drive gets busy during ski season.

GoI70 is the best resource for visitors and provides helpful traffic and weather tips that help avoid peak travel times. GoI70 recommends heading to the mountains early in the morning to avoid traffic, which starts between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., depending on the day.

The site also recommends waiting until after 7:00 p.m. to head eastbound towards Denver, and spending the night on Sunday before heading back early Monday morning. There is a weekly traffic report that predicts more specific patterns for visitors to check a few days before heading to the slopes.

The city of Denver is known as the Mile High City, sitting 5,280 feet above sea level. However, many resorts sit at 10,000 feet in elevation, with summits that rise even higher. As a result, altitude sickness is a major risk. This happens because there is less oxygen available at these heights, which can lead to headaches, nausea and dizziness.

To minimize or prevent the effects of altitude sickness, make sure to ascend mountains slowly, get plenty of rest between activities and try to return to a lower altitude when sleeping. You can also take preventive medications or natural supplements, such as ginger, to try and reduce some of the effects of altitude.

Skiing in one of Colorado’s many resorts is a bucket list-worthy experience and is best paired with the right accommodation. If you plan to head to Denver at the end of the day, make sure you book accommodation beforehand so everything runs smoothly. Nothing beats staying near a ski resort, and hotels like the AAA Four Diamond-designated Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch are perfect for travelers who want seamless ski-in and out access for multi-day trips.

A AAA membership unlocks additional benefits in these idyllic towns with their concierge-style booking system, resort discounts and travel insurance options that protect you and your loved ones from volatile weather and unplanned emergencies.

Whether you’re planning an ultimate Colorado road trip that hits several ski resorts near Denver or have a single destination in mind, AAA Travel can help you plan the perfect stress-free, snow-filled vacation.

Instead of navigating logistics alone, let an AAA travel agent assist you today and curate a customized package that matches your availability, budget and travel style.

With AAA doing the heavy lifting of formulating your vacation, you can just sit back and daydream about your next trip. Sign up for an AAA Travel membership today and get ready to hit Colorado’s glistening slopes.