25 Reasons Colorado Owns This Title If the Rocky Mountains are Colorado’s defining geographic feature, skiing and snowboarding must be its signature activities. Colorado is, aer all, the No. 1 destination for skiing and riding in the country. 1 ARAPAHOE BASIN Best known for having one of the longest ski seasons in North America (oen from mid-October to early June), A-Basin also boasts North America’s highest elevation terrain park and its own “beach,” a home base for concerts, parties and tailgating. 2 ASPEN HIGHLANDS When new snow at Aspen Highlands reaches mammoth proportions, you’re in for an epic day of Colorado’s signature light-and-dry powder. Insiders at the ski area rec-ommend studying the trail map to find hidden gems that drop into gladed, untouched expert areas. 3 ASPEN MOUNTAIN While Aspen is known throughout the world as a posh winter playground, more skiers are discov-ering the mountain’s challenging double blacks and chutes. In town, stop into the nu-merous galleries and the Aspen Art Museum or see a show at the Wheeler Opera House or the Harris Concert Hall. 4 BEAVER CREEK RESORT You can tell from its marketing slogan, “Not Exactly Roughing It,” that Beaver Creek will charm those seeking fantastic extras. Heated moving walkways, fresh-baked cookies and a 20-hours-a-day grooming schedule result in acres of corduroy and powder waiting for skiers and riders to swish through. 5 BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT Breckenridge is beloved for its variety of terrain: long groomed trails, monster mogul runs, steep chutes, glades and plenty of beginner areas. The resort was one of the first to allow snowboarding, and its Freeway Terrain Park is arguably one of the best. 6 BUTTERMILK With a reputation as a great venue for beginner skiers and snowboarders, wide, rolling trails are ideal for those just getting their snow legs. For an unprec-38 / COLORADO.COM FROM TOP: VAIL, JACK AFFLECK; COPPER MOUNTAIN/TRIPP FAY; BRECKENRIDGE, JACK AFFLECK.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2017: Page 38
