2025-12-10 09:54:52
There’s a reason Colorado remains a top destination for winter travelers year after year. Our 28 ski resorts are nestled near charming mountain towns packed with delicious eats, exciting rest-day adventures and, of course, some of the best descents in the world. Those downhills are also a favorite for athletes like Tony Drees, an adaptive ski champion, instructor and motivational speaker who knows firsthand how transformative time on the mountain can be. Whether you’re just getting started with your first lesson or you’re already a seasoned powder enthusiast, you can plan the perfect winter getaway in Colorado’s Rockies. Find your ski-trip inspiration, with motivational tips and stories from Tony Drees.
Idaho Springs
Echo Mountain’s approachable terrain and close-to-Denver location make it a favorite for spontaneous ski sessions — especially under lit runs in the evening. After you kick off your boots, plan an après-ski soak at Indian Hot Springs, where steamy, mineral-rich pools sit tucked in stone caves and lush, tropical greenhouses. Then refuel at Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub with a craft beer and hearty mountain fare that nods to the town’s gold-mining roots.
Salida
Hailed for its high-elevation terrain and shorter lift lines, Monarch Mountain near Salida is a bit of a hidden gem. Ride the treelined Panorama Lift to the top for 360-degree views of the Continental Divide. On your rest day, roam through downtown Salida, a Certified Colorado Creative District. Browse handmade ceramics at The Maverick Potter, then swing down to Mountain Spirit Winery to sample local wines in a relaxed, rustic tasting room.
Vail
As one of the largest ski resorts in North America, and with seven legendary back bowls, it’s no wonder Vail Ski Resort is one of the most iconic winter destinations in the world. The sheer scale of terrain — plus the luxurious villages that surround the resort — draws snow-sports lovers from across the globe. While you’re in town, dive into the history of skiing at the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame. For an intimate evening, reserve a table at Tavernetta and dig into house-made pastas, slow-braised meats and a standout Italian wine list served in a sleek, warmly lit dining room.
Durango
Purgatory Ski Resort features wide, rolling groomers, sunny skies and approachable terrain that make it especially popular with families and relaxed skiers. Scenic lifts and plentiful blue runs set the tone for an easygoing day on the mountain. When you’re ready to unwind, grab a cocktail at The Bookcase and Barber, a fully functioning barbershop in Durango with a hidden entrance through a bookshelf that leads to a speakeasy serving expertly crafted drinks. On your off day, try ice fishing with Fisher Guide Services at Vallecito Reservoir, where you can settle in and try your luck catching trout and kokanee salmon in a tranquil, snow-blanketed setting.
Aspen
Aspen boasts four distinct mountains: Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands cater to intermediate and expert skiers, while Buttermilk is ideal for families and freestyle enthusiasts. Snowmass, the largest mountain, has something for all skill levels. On a rest day, visit the Aspen Art Museum for rotating exhibits from contemporary artists. Then swing by Sway Aspen for upscale Thai food like crispy pork and shrimp dumplings, bone-in beef ribs with peanut sauce and cocktails as artful as the décor.
Mesa / Grand Junction
At Powderhorn Mountain Resort on the Grand Mesa, wide groomers and blue skies make for laid-back ski days. In nearby Grand Junction, you can pack in a “two-helmet day” — carve turns at Powderhorn in the morning, then gear up for an afternoon ride through the snow-dusted terrain of the Lunch Loops mountain-bike trail system. Wrap it all up with bold tacos and housemade salsas at Tacoparty, where the atmosphere is as bright as the flavors on your plate.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte Mountain Resort is known for gnarly terrain parks, expert runs and some of the steepest tree-cut trails in North America. On your rest day, explore the galleries, shops and colorful storefronts of downtown Crested Butte. Then head to Two Twelve for a seasonal menu — think braised buffalo, locally foraged mushrooms and creative vegetable-forward plates served in a warm, modern space.
Silverton
Silverton Mountain Ski Area is Colorado’s boldest choice for advanced skiers, with a single lift, no groomers and mandatory avalanche gear for all visitors. This expert-only experience pairs massive vertical drops with untouched powder runs. Off the mountain, head into the backcountry on a snowmobile tour with Ice Pirate Backcountry Adventures, then wind down at El Bandito, a cozy cantina tucked into Silverton’s main drag, ideal for high-piled nachos and juicy margaritas.
Frisco
Frisco makes a great ski-trip home base, especially with Copper Mountain just down the road — a favorite for its high-alpine bowls and long, varied runs. In the afternoon, anglers can venture to the nearby Blue River in Silverthorne for some fly-fishing, where steady water flow keeps trout-filled stretches of water open all winter long. As the sun sets, head to Kemosabe at Silverheels, an American sushi grill known for its lively atmosphere and expertly prepared sashimi and steaks.
Winter Park
Hop aboard the Winter Park Express train from Denver’s Union Station, which drops you right at the base of Winter Park Resort. Here, two sections offer something for every skier, from beginner-friendly greens on the front side to the exhilarating tree runs of the Mary Jane side. The resort is also home to the National Sport Center for the Disabled, one of the country’s leading adaptive programs. After a day on the slopes, head to A-Frame Club, where retro-inspired cabins, a roaring fireplace and craft cocktails create one of the coziest après scenes in the Rockies.
Meet Tony Drees
If you visit Aspen Highlands, don’t be surprised if you spot Tony Drees surrounded by an eager group of students or whooshing past you on three-track skis. As an instructor and avid adaptive skier, he easily clocks over 100 days on the mountain each season.
However, as a military veteran who lost his leg in 2018, his sunny ski days were not born from an easy journey. The award-winning documentary “One For All” tells his story of resilience through the unimaginable as he becomes the first Black amputee to do a ski-jump backflip at 55 years old. Today, he translates the lessons he’s learned to inspire skiers of all stripes, ages and abilities, so they too can get a piece of that joy.
“For me, to be able to show up every day and have this [mountain] as my office view — and that I get to do this thing that I love so much around a bunch of people that also love it so much — what that does for my mental health is almost unquantifiable.”
Experience the wonder of skiing in Colorado for yourself. From beginner-friendly bunny hills to black-diamond glades, there’s a route for every skier at these resorts. Get to know them all at Colorado.com/28Resorts.
Overcoming Fear as a Beginner
Whether it’s your first time on the slopes or you’re trying your very first black diamond, fear is a natural part of visiting the mountain. Drees sees the process of overcoming that feeling as one of the most rewarding parts of the sport. In fact, he often compares the learning curve to everyday challenges — saying that conquering obstacles on the mountain can help you face life’s obstacles after you return from vacation.
“You’re going to fall. You’re going to take a hit … that’s what life is full of. No one goes to après ski and talks about how many times you fall. What you talk about is how you were able to get back up and conquer that thing that you were initially scared of.”
Adaptive Ski Programs
After losing his leg, training for adaptive skiing helped Drees through the difficult transition. At the time, his teenage sons were getting excited about winter sports, so he made it a goal to get out on the mountain with them.
“It’s liberating. It helps you gain a sense of independence. It helps you gain a sense of community and for me, it gave me a purpose. I wanted to ski with my sons.”
While Drees teaches all forms of skiing, one-third of his year is dedicated to adaptive lessons through Challenge Aspen, where he instructs and skis alongside people with disabilities. And he notes that there are adaptive programs throughout Colorado that can accommodate people with various forms of adaptive equipment.
“What I love about adaptive and what I love about skiing, in general, is that regardless of your ability level, there’s something for you.”
Ski-Trip Tips
When it comes to ski-trip tips, Drees suggests drinking plenty of water, eating a good breakfast and scheduling in some extra time to adjust to the mountains’ high elevation.
“If you fly into Denver, I recommend that you stay in Denver for a day and acclimate to the altitude. Even if you come straight to the mountain, don’t ski your first day. Maybe go get your gear and wander around to get used to the environment.”
And if it’s your first time taking on the slopes, be sure to schedule a lesson to ensure a safe start for you and everyone else on the hill. Prepare for a few falls and challenges — and most importantly, lots of fun and laughs.
“There’s going to be joy. There’s going to be accomplishment. There’s going to be adrenaline. … They all have an opportunity to be present, to light up. That’s the beautiful part.”
Learn more about Tony Drees’ story at transition-expert.com.
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