The 6 Best Ski Resorts Near Denver, 2024/25

1. Winter Park Resort

Winter Park is the closest large ski resort to Denver and is ideal for families and those seeking diverse terrain.

• Opening Date: 8 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 27 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Denver International Airport (DEN) - 90 miles (2-hour drive)

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) - 120 miles (2.5-hour drive)

Colorado Springs Airport (COS) - 140 miles (3-hour drive)

Winter Park is one of the most affordable family ski resorts near Denver, making it popular for weekend getaways. With two main interconnected mountains, Winter Park and Mary Jane, the resort offers 3,081 acres of skiable terrain. Winter Park caters to beginners and intermediates, while Mary Jane Territory is famous for challenging mogul runs and black diamond terrain. 

You will be able to find lodging in the Village at the base of the resort which are most suited for families that value proximity to the slopes. After you hang up the skis for the day, enjoy other resort features, such as the Coca-Cola® Tube Park, a complex network of tube lanes where families can slide down the hills. The resort also offers scenic gondola rides, Hideaway Park and the Grand Park Community Recreation Center, a family center with an indoor swimming pool, a lazy river, a water slide and a climbing wall. Staying in the Village at Winter Park provides family-friendly accommodations close to the slopes, while the town of Winter Park offers more dining, shopping, and affordable lodging options. Kids will especially enjoy the opportunity to create their own pizzas at Hernando’s Pizza Pub. The friendly staff and relaxed environment make it an ideal spot for family meals. For adults, the menu at Randi's Grill & Pub features a range of options, from traditional Irish dishes like shepherd's pie to classic American favorites such as burgers and sandwiches, including a children's menu with kid-friendly portions and options.

• View Winter Park Ski Packages

2. Keystone Resort

Keystone is one of Colorado’s most family-friendly resorts and has the state’s largest night skiing operation.

• Opening Date: 2 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 6 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Denver International Airport (DEN) - 97 miles (2 hours)

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) - 73 miles (2 hours)

Colorado Springs Airport (COS) - 135 miles (3 hours)

Keystone treads the middle ground between luxury ski resorts like Vail and bustling ski towns like Breckenridge, offering an affordable experience while remaining competitive in other aspects. This place is a family favorite because it’s easy for groups with different skiing abilities to stay together on the mountain. Leave your kids at Kidtopia’s snow fort, a winter wonderland for kids and a hit with families, with weekend fireworks adding extra excitement, while you enjoy the huge ski area with terrain that will keep you skiing or boarding new trails for days on end. Though there's not much extreme terrain here, Keystone has one of the country’s best terrain parks. All sorts of different accommodation options are available here, and there’s usually something to suit most budgets, with prices a notch lower than at Aspen and Vail. If you’re looking to explore dining or nightlife, the nearby town of Keystone offers a range of options, with affordable lodging perfect for families and groups. Plus, Keystone’s extensive night skiing lets you squeeze in more slope time than at any other resort near Denver.

• View Keystone Ski Packages

3. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) has a “local’s mountain” vibe and some of Colorado’s best extreme terrain.

• Opening Date: 2 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 8 Jun 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Denver International Airport (DEN) - 96 miles (2 hours)

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) - 65 miles (2 hours)

Colorado Springs Airport (COS) - 125 miles (3 hours)

A-Basin is a favorite for spring skiing near Denver. With a summit elevation reaching 13,050 feet, it allows the resort to stay open into June and sometimes even later. Arapahoe is easy to reach from Denver making it a no-brainer for skiers that want to take a quick weekend ski trip. The Beach, located at the base, is a popular spot for tailgating, where visitors set up grills and relax between runs. While it lacks the amenities of larger resorts, A-Basin makes up for it with incredible views, challenging terrain, and a relaxed, no-frills vibe. Since there’s no lodging on-site, nearby options in Keystone, Silverthorne and Frisco offer convenient places to stay, with more dining and nightlife options within a short drive.

• View Arapahoe Basin Ski Packages

4. Eldora

Eldora offers a surprising variety of terrain for its small size and is one of the most convenient ski areas for Denver locals.

• Opening Date: 7 Nov 2024* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 20 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Denver International Airport (DEN) - 60 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) - 36 miles (1 hour)

Colorado Springs Airport (COS) - 63 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

Eldora is just an hour from Denver, making it ideal for day trips. Despite its smaller size, Eldora’s variety of terrain includes everything from gentle greens to glades and double blacks, plus a network of cross-country trails. Without the distractions of a major resort village, Eldora is all about exceptional terrain and a straightforward, skier-focused experience. There are 10 lifts which serve everything—easy greens, cruisey blues, challenging blacks and double blacks. In addition to alpine skiing, the resort has roughly 25 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. The Beavers and Steep Gullies provide a backcountry feel within resort boundaries, featuring tree runs, steep chutes, and open bowls for experienced skiers. Wind conditions can sometimes affect the mountain, but on calm days, it’s hard to beat for convenience and price. Its compact layout also makes it easy for families and groups to stay connected on the mountain.

5. Loveland

Loveland is a favorite among locals, offering free cat skiing along the Continental Divide and affordable lift tickets.

• Opening Date: 9 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 7 May 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Denver International Airport (DEN) - 80 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) - 72 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

Here at Loveland, you’ll find that classic mid-West ski experience – a small base lodge serving up inexpensive hot cocoa and comfort food, filled with locals who are all about skiing. With one of Colorado’s longest seasons, from October to May, Loveland is a favorite among locals seeking a pure, powder-filled mountain experience without the resort frills. You can expect uncrowded slopes and lift tickets on the cheaper side. While Loveland’s mountain stats are roughly on par with Breckenridge and Copper Mountain, it has a higher elevation, which means consistently good conditions, with fewer crowds than larger resorts. Known for its affordable prices and the rare offering of free cat skiing, Loveland is ideal for those looking for challenging terrain without resort fees. Nearby Silverthorne and Georgetown provide lodging and dining options, offering convenient access to the slopes.

6. Echo Mountain

Echo Mountain is the closest resort to Denver, perfect for a budget-friendly or last-minute trip.

• Opening Date: 13 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 13 Apr 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)

Denver International Airport (DEN) - 60 miles (1 hour)

Colorado Springs Airport (COS) - 100 miles (2 hours)

Echo is the closest resort to Denver, but if you’re driving, make sure your car has an all-wheel drive, as the winding roads can get ‘interesting’ during the winter. Echo Mountain’s proximity to Denver makes it a convenient choice for beginners or casual skiers looking for a quick, low-commitment option. Coming in at only 600 feet of vertical drop, all runs are a top-to-bottom affair, and all are serviced by a single triple chair. If you’re a beginner skier, traveling on a budget, or value proximity to Denver, then Echo Mountain would no doubt be the best place to try out the sport in a low-commitment setting, with budget-friendly lessons that are perfect for beginners or anyone looking to practice without breaking the bank. Convenient rental options also make it easy for newcomers and casual visitors to get gear. But if you’re a powderhound at heart, Echo Mountain’s expert terrain and vertical just don't compare to other resorts in the area. The small size and affordable prices make it accessible for families and beginners, while the entire mountain’s night skiing offers unique flexibility for after-work or weekend getaways.