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The above map shows the six closest ski resorts to Colorado’s capital city, Denver and all its lodging and attractions. Head to one of these fantastic Colorado Rockies ski areas for minimum time in the car and maximum time on the slopes!
The closest is Echo Mountain Park, just 35 miles from downtown Denver. Its a new, modern ski hill with 15 trails and an ever-changing terrain park. Freestyle skiing and boarding is highly encouraged at this small, fun ski area. To reach Echo Mountain from Denver head west on I-70 to Evergreen Parkway (CO-74), Exit #252; follow Evergreen Parkway approximately three miles to Squaw Pass Road (Hwy 103) and turn right; follow Squaw Pass (Hwy 103) 12 miles to the ski area.
Eldora Mountain Resort is the closest ski area to Boulder, Colorado, just 21 miles west. Its also the second closest resort to Denver, just 47 from the state capitol’s downtown. The mountain opened for skiing in 1962 and boasts Colorado’s best snowmaking system, reaching 100% of their groomed terrain. It is also one of the only resorts in Colorado on the east side of the Continental Divide.
Loveland Ski Area is near the small town of Georgetown, Colorado just 53 miles west of Denver on I-70. Its proximity to the state capitol and its over 400 inches of snow make it one of the Front Range’s most popular resorts. The ski area is made up of Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley. The two areas used to be connected by a double chair lift, but are now served by bus. It gets its name from Loveland Pass, which divides it and Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (A-Basin), another local favorite.
Arapahoe Basin, known as “A-Basin” or just “The Basin,” lies 68 miles west of Denver on the west side of Loveland Pass. It is popular for its short lines and long season. The ski area is also such a favorite amongst Colorado natives because it has a very laid-back atmosphere and tough terrain. A-Basin’s altitude in the White River National Forest reaches a peak of 13,050 feet and has terrain above the tree line including powder-filled bowls.
Keystone Ski Resort, 90 miles from Denver, spreads across three different mountains: Dercum, The Outback and North Peak. The total area is a stunning 3,148 acres. Take your pick from Keystone’s 130 trails that descend 3,128 feet of vertical. Keystone has two unique villages and six neighborhoods, one of which centers around a man-made lake that is home to the U.S.’s largest Zamboni-groomed ice-skating rink (5 full acres!).To reach Keystone driving, take Interstate 70 west from Denver.
Winter Park is owned by the city of Denver and is also about 90 miles west on the well-maintained Interstate 70. The resort and town of Winter Park are at the southern end of the Fraser Valley. Families love Winter Park for its activities like hayrides, sleigh rides, and sledding as well as the ski and board school on the mountain. The ski resort receives a stunning amount of 375 inches of snow per year, which blankets the area and stays for six months. The area has 143 trails on 3,060 acres with another 1,212 acres of off-piste terrain like Vasquez Cirque and some glade skiing.
