Top Ski Resorts Near Denver

Staying in Denver for a few days, or you have an afternoon of free time. Is getting some skiing or riding in at the top of the list? Check out these awesome ski resorts near Denver. It doesn’t get any closer or more affordable than these Denver ski resorts.

Can you experience Colorado’s exceptional skiing and snowboarding right from Denver? Depending on your window of time, there are some outstanding choices just around the corner. The drive from Denver to any of these ski resorts close to Denver is not that far, but you need to check out the weather and road conditions. Be prepared for winter driving before you head out or consider taking one of the shuttles that serve these resorts.

Echo, Denver’s Ski Area

If Denver, Colorado, has a ski area, Echo Mountain is it. Just 51 minutes from metropolitan Denver makes doing business in Denver and skiing in the afternoon possible. Especially considering Echo Mountain is the only ski/ride resort in Colorado that is fully lit. The area closes at 9 pm Wednesday through Saturday, so you can take your time getting there and still wear your legs out before hitting the sack. Echo Mountain is Colorado’s best ski resort near Denver.

Even better, if you’re new to skiing or riding, you can reach out to an Echo Ambassador for FREE tips and help. These folks are gratis of the ski area and eager to help out. Echo Mountain is rock’n with music played throughout the ski area and on the tubing hill. It’s also one of the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado. Have fun and learn with free Ambassador help at Echo Mountain.

Ready for More, Loveland Ski Area 

If you are ready to experience more of what Colorado has to offer, Loveland Ski Area is ready when you are. Just 1.5 hours from Denver is 1,800 skiable acres located right at the base of Eisenhower Tunnel. This resort has all the features of Colorado’s more popular resorts minus the resort town. Due to its high elevation, it is one of the first resorts to open and has a long season that often extends into May. Eliminate the driving hassle and take the shuttle bus from Denver.

At Loveland, lift tickets and special programs are much more affordable than the big-name resorts. They offer an assortment of clinics, lessons, private family experiences, and a FREE 18-passenger snowcat that accesses Loveland’s most exhilarating terrain. Loveland is Colorado’s most real ski resort near Denver. 

Just a Little More Out of the Way, A-Basin

Arapahoe Basin, located south of Loveland Pass on U.S. Highway 6, and only 1 hour 12 minutes from Denver. This resort is similar to Loveland as a high-elevation area and has a total of 1,428 skiable acres. Known for its extended season, which can reach into early July on a good snow year. This area is reputable for dishing out advanced and expert terrain. They do have a learning hill with a separate lift ticket ($49) for all-day use. All lift tickets must be purchased online. Arapahoe Basin is Colorado’s extreme riding and skiing near Denver.

Eldora, Boulder’s Ski Area

If Boulder brings you to Colorado, you’re in luck! Just 36 minutes from Boulder (or 1 hr 10 mins from Denver) is Eldora Resort. You can even hop on the Ski-n-Ride bus that shuttles between Eldor and Boulder several times a day. This super-friendly laid back resort offers age-specific multi-week programs and clinics. They have a nice variety of terrain with a good selection of beginner and expert runs. The resort mainly caters to day skiers due to the lack of any accommodations.

Ride Ski Close to Denver, Not to be Missed

These ski areas close to Denver are not to be missed. Take advantage of skiing and riding Colorado style just an hour or so away. There’s no need to plan a multi-day ski trip or rob your savings account just to go skiing or riding. Not only are these resorts close to Denver, but they offer really affordable skiing and riding. Like big-name Colorado resorts, they have clinics, kid’s programs, terrain parks, and other learning opportunities. Riding and Skiing close to Denver is an opportunity to learn and sharpen your skills at an everyday cost.

by Kathleen Fitzsimmons