There are 32 ski resorts in Colorado. Some resorts are better for beginner skiers and some are better for more experienced skiers. We have prepared a list of the Colorado ski resorts that are best for beginners to save you time in your search.
The 10 best places for beginners to ski in Colorado are as follows:
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Copper Mountain
- Keystone
- Grandby Ranch
- Aspen Buttermilk
- Beaver Creek
- Steamboat Ski Resort
- Winter Park Ski Resort
- Park City Mountain Resort
- Big Sky Resort
Read on to learn more about the best ski resorts for beginners in Colorado including the details of each.
Which Colorado Ski Resort Is Best for Beginners? Top 10
1. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Tagged as one of the best ski resorts in Colorado, the sprawling ski slopes and peaks of Breckenridge offer a vast space for all types of skiers, including beginners.
Although 52% of the ski trails belong to advanced skiers and 33% for those with intermediate skills, the 15% left for beginners is still huge – as compared to other resorts. This is in relation to the size of the ski area, which is 2,908 acres of skiing delight. There are 187 trails, 5 peaks, and 4 terrain parks for beginners to explore.
Beginners can start their ski lessons at once. If you’re a beginner, there are several programs you can choose from, such as adult lessons, child lessons, family sessions, women’s programs, and Breck Bombers Ski School.
You can choose a private lesson for you or for your family with a highly-trained ski instructor – in case you want the lessons customized, based on your progress.
The perfectly groomed ski trails for beginners would provide an ideal place for you to practice your skills. Additionally, the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the resort and the wonderful town would leave an indelible happy experience for you. At Breckenridge, you can also immerse yourself in the awesome scenic spots, and enjoy the genuine hospitality of the locals.
2. Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain offers various summer and winter activities for beginners. For winter, beginners could learn skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter sports. You can start by joining ski lessons given at affordable prices.
What’s amazing is that you can learn how to ski even during summer as the resort offers ski lessons at this time. Ski lessons are given to a maximum group of 10 students. You can also choose private lessons if you prefer to learn alone.
During winter, you could test your skills in the beginners’ trails amidst the 2,465 acres of skiable area of the mountain. There are more than 140 runs for all skiers, with 21% belonging to beginners. That’s a lot of ski trails that you could practice on.
You can try your S turns, small jumps, and also practice your park etiquette. You don’t only learn how to ski adeptly, but you’re also taught how to behave properly in the slopes.
Free mountain tours are provided for people who would want to learn the history and the terrain of Copper Mountain. A program “Ski with a Ranger” is typically offered for free to all skiers. You can learn additional information about the fascinating history of the place and appreciate more what the place has to offer.
3. Keystone Ski Resort
Next on our list for the best ski resort in Colorado for beginners is Keystone Ski Resort. Keystone provides 12% of its 128 trails to ski beginners. The skiable area is 3,148 miles of packed white powder during the winter season.
Beginners have a lot to explore during winter when the resort opens. There are continuing ski lessons for adults, families, individuals, women’s programs, groups, and multi-week kids programs that you can choose from.
It’s a ski resort best for beginners because you can advance gradually in your skills in the same resort without shifting to another place as there are ski runs appropriate to any type of ski skills you have – even when you would become an expert.
A designated learning area only for beginners, the “slow skiing” area ensures that beginners are safe and secure while learning how to ski. Advanced learners are prohibited from entering that space. That’s how the resort values new learners.
4. Granby Ranch
What is the best Colorado ski resort for beginners who want a less crowded place to ski? Granby Ranch is the best place or you. There are acres of beginner’s trails ready for you amidst the 406 acres of skiable area.
There are Ski and Ride School packages that you can get at discounted rates. Also, private and group lessons are offered depending on your preferences.
There are 37 ski trails and a terrain park that skiers can venture in. The summit elevation is at 9,202 feet with the base elevation at 8,202 feet. You can readily advance to the next skill level and test your newly acquired tricks on the slopes.
5. Aspen Buttermilk
Aspen Buttermilk is a ski haven for beginners who want to have fun while learning on spacious, uncrowded beginner slopes. Young skiers are given the freedom to do freestyle and be more creative. Beginners can take advantage of the group or private lessons that the stunning resort offers at affordable prices. These lessons cater to skiers of different ages. Child care is even offered for those who need the service.
In addition, there are guided tours intended to acquaint you with what the resort has to offer, including the trails and the vital spots you have to know. Buttermilk is nestled at 2,030 feet and provides 470 acres of skiable slopes. There are 21 miles of trails with the longest run at 3 miles.
Take note that a large chunk of these trails and skiable area (35%) belongs to beginners. You would certainly have a vast expanse of snow to test your skills. Thirty-nine percent (39%) of these trails are for intermediate skiers; while 21% is for advanced skiers. The rest, 5%, is for experts.
6. Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek offers ski schools to different types of skiers conducted by well-trained and competent ski instructors. Beginners could take advantage of the 1,800 acres of well-maintained terrain and the 3 base areas to practice their skiing tricks.
Red Buffalo Park is primarily dedicated to beginners and intermediate skiers as the slopes feature sufficient and safe trails for them. A Kid’s Adventure zone makes it easier for kids to have a safe area where they could learn how to ski. If you’re an adult beginner, you also have an appropriate trail to ski on.
The 150 ski trails provide 19% for beginners; 43% for intermediate skiers and 38% for advanced skiers spread amidst its 1,832 skiable area. The longest Beaver Creek run is 2.75 miles and the summit elevation is at 11,440 feet, with the base elevation at 8,100 feet. You have enough space to learn how to ski.
7. Steamboat Ski Resort
One best ski resort for beginners is Steamboat Ski Resort. This is because the slopes, the amenities, and the lessons offered to beginners are outstanding. Fourteen percent (14%) of the 165 trails and 2,965 acres of skiable area is dedicated to beginners. That’s a lot of runs you can engage in. Forty-two percent (42%) is for intermediate skiers, while 44% is for advanced skiers. There are terrain parks you may want to explore as well.
Competent ski instructors have a special program called the SnowSports School for beginners. If you’re an adult, a teen, or you have kids who want to learn how to ski, there are specific lessons for each of these groups. For kids, the Kids’ Ski Week Program could be a perfect option. You could also choose to learn privately or with a group.
8. Winter Park Ski Resort
Recognized as the Top Adventure Town in Colorado, Winter Park is also one of the best ski resorts for beginners. Nestled at an elevation of more than 12,000 feet at its peak, this scenic resort provides 3,091 acres of skiable area. There are 167 runs with 8% allotted to beginners.
This may seem a small percentage but in relation to the number of runs and the size of the area, it’s quite a considerable amount of trails for first-timers. Intermediate skiers claim 17% of these slopes; so, you can advance quickly to intermediate and explore 25% more of the ski trails.
You can learn how to ski from experts and establish your skills soon enough. It’s an all-year-round resort, so lessons are opened during different seasons. As for ski lessons, you could choose various programs offered, based on your age and preferences.
As proof of the resort’s exemplary record, it was voted as the “Best Ski Resort in North America” in 2018, as well as the “Number 1 Ski Resort in North America”, in 2019. This distinction, likewise, includes its beginners’ ski services.
9. Park City Mountain Resort
Next on our list of the best ski resort in Colorado for beginners is Park City Mountain Resort. Learning how to ski in Park City is a rewarding adventure as you get to appreciate the spectacular view around you. The resort offers ski lessons to various age groups that include: adults, teens, and children. You could also choose from individualized training or group training.
There are specialty programs, such as Ski College, Ski Academy, Local Women’s Programs, and Local Youth Programs. You’re free to pick one that responds to your needs as a skier.
There are 324 thrilling runs that occupy the 7,300 acres of skiable area. It’s an extensive network of trails that all types of skiers would definitely enjoy. The easiest runs are 7%, but you would advance speedily to the intermediate skiers because the lessons are well-tailored and prepared for beginners to pick on quickly.
These intermediate runs claim the majority of the slopes at 49%. So, if you combine them together, that would be a total of 56% that you can romp and frolic in. The remaining 44% is for experienced skiers. There are 7 terrain parks that you could also try. When you acquire some skills, you may want to accept the challenge of the resort’s longest trail at 3.5 miles.
10. Big Sky Resort
Big Sky Resort provides a myriad of summer and winter activities for visitors. During winter, skiing, snowmobiling, adventure zipline, snowshoe tours, and dog-sledding are some of the events you can join in. So, you won’t run out of activity after your skiing lessons.
Fifteen percent (15%) of the 5,850 skiable areas belong to beginners. From these majestic slopes, 300 named trails have emerged on the 4 interconnected mountains.
The elevation of its peak is at 11,166 feet with the base peak at 6,800 feet. When you have sufficient skiing ability, you could enjoy the longest run at 6 miles. You could have a showdown with your family and friends at any of its splendid 7 terrain parks. For food and lodging, you can conveniently visit the nearby establishments for your needs.
It’s a beginner’s dream place, where you enjoy the comforts of home and learn skiing at your own pace in a wonderful environment.
Conclusion – 10 Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Beginners
So to recap, what is the best Colorado ski resort for beginners? The 10 best Colorado ski resorts for beginners are as follows:
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Copper Mountain
- Keystone
- Grandby Ranch
- Aspen Buttermilk
- Beaver Creek
- Steamboat Ski Resort
- Winter Park Ski Resort
- Park City Mountain Resort
- Big Sky Resort
These Colorado ski resorts have their own perks to offer; so, we cannot recommend only one. I highly recommend trying any of these Colorado ski resorts if you are a beginner skier. Take some lessons or just ride slowly with a friend. Before you know it, your skiing skills will improve to an intermediate level, and then you can try steeper runs.
