You can line up for the big—and ever expanding—corporate skis resorts. Or head to these independently owned resorts that focus on keeping the soul in skiing and snowboarding.
With over 25 resorts, and many of the largest in the nation, Colorado has a ton to offer skiers and riders looking for lift-accessed turns. However, sometimes the traffic, the waiting and the general hubbub of a big resort can turn what’s supposed to be a relaxing outing into a stress fest. Luckily, our state is also home to smaller, independent areas that deliver big on all counts. With stellar snow, ample space to shred, chill vibes, and affordable prices, these hidden gems offer a classic Colorado ski experience that makes you remember why you love skiing here.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort
The Deal: Above the desert on Grand Mesa, the world’s biggest flattop mountain, this understated resort near Grand Junction boasts stellar views, short lift lines, impeccable tree skiing, 250 inches of fluffy pow, and a family-friendly vibe.
Don’t Miss: With five lifts—including The Flat Top Flyer, a high-speed quad launched in 2015—serving 42 trails, two terrain parks, and loads of beginner and intermediate runs, Powderhorn is ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels.
The Deals: All of this comes in a package that won’t break the bank. Committed to making skiing and snowboarding accessible to more people, this year Powderhorn has launched Mission: Affordable, a program offering season passes at reasonable rates (two adults and two kids 12 and under can ski all winter for the price of a single season pass from many other resorts) and the newly designed Learn to Ski Free program, a three-session series open to brand-new or beginner skiers & snowboarders ages five and up that includes free lessons, rental equipment, and EZ Rider lift ticket. powderhorn.com
Ski Cooper
The Deal: Perched on Tennessee Pass just 10 miles from Leadville near the former training site for the legendary World War II ski troops of the 10th Mountain Division, Ski Cooper delights those who venture here with plentiful, billowy, all-natural snow—not to mention short lift lines, lengthy runs, and spectacular views of the state’s highest peaks, including Mounts Massive and Elbert.
Don’t Miss: All the diverse terrain—think cruisers, bumps, trees and inviting backcountry—means that skiers of all stripes will find adventure and powder stashes at this resort nestled in the heart of the Rockies. For something a bit spicier, book a guided Chicago Ridge Snowcat Skiing excursion where you can spend the day enjoying serene, crowd-free turns in open bowls and glades through an area comparable in size, length, pitch and vertical drop to Vail’s Back Bowls. Wrap up your experience with a visit to Cooper’s new Mountaintop Yurt. Here you can soak up the never-ending views during the day or head up in the evening for an unforgettable Moonlight Mountaintop Yurt dinner experience.
The Deals: With full-day adult lift tickets priced at just $56, Cooper is one of the most affordable ski resorts around. skicooper.com
Ski Granby Ranch
The Deal: Wide-open terrain, gentle slopes, constant trail grooming, exceptional service and convenient access make this family-owned resort a long-time favorite for diverse groups. The trails here run the gamut from beginner to advanced—including tight trees, open bowls and a terrain park—and they all start and end at the same point, so each member of a family or group can ski runs that match their skill level and still meet up at the bottom.
Don’t Miss: It’s the ideal place to learn in a safe environment, largely due to the fact that half of its runs are rated for beginners. The professional instructors at Granby Ranch Snow School bring skiers and riders through a unique progression that allows faster improvement, and they incorporate a gentle beginner hill with seven Progression Terrain Parks so students can connect turns and perfect jumps quickly.
The Deals: If you complete two ski or snowboarding lesson packages, you graduate with a Get On the Snow season pass to Granby Ranch. With so many other amenities, including a free sledding hill and snow play area for kids, night skiing, lift-served tubing on select Saturdays and a variety of across-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, Granby Ranch really does offer something for everyone. granbyranch.com
Wolf Creek Ski Area
The Deal: Known for getting the most snow in state—the place averages a whopping 430 inches of the fluffy stuff per year—this chill ski resort perched at 11,900 feet on the Continental Divide makes dreams come true for powder hounds seeking fun, challenging, uncrowded slopes.
Don’t Miss: With the addition of a 10th lift this season, a high-speed, detachable quad named the Charity Chairlift, skiers and riders will gain even more access to the trees, snow stashes and steeps characteristic of the 900-acre Alberta Area.
The Deals: This is an ideal place to up your skiing or snowboarding game: Adventurers looking to hone their skills will be stoked about Wolf Creek’s new clinics for the 2018-19 season: The Current Affairs Series pairs a discounted lift ticket with a two-hour lesson highlighting techniques for the current conditions. Tuesday Turns pairs a discounted lift ticket with a two-hour morning lesson focusing on refining technique. And don’t miss the upgradeed Ms. Mondays (Ladies’ Day) and Forever Young Ski and Board Clinic (Baby Boomers Clinic). wolfcreekski.com
