28 COLORADO SKI RESORTS More to Explore in Snow’s Perfect State TM If the Rocky Mountains are Colorado’s defining geographic feature, skiing and snowboarding must be its signature activities. Colorado is, after all, the No. 1 destination for skiing and riding in the country. FROM TOP: ASPEN SNOWMASS; MONARCH MOUNTAIN, PETAR DOPCHEV; STEAMBOAT RESORT, NOAH WETZEL. 1 ARAPAHOE BASIN Known for having one of the longest ski seasons in North America (often 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, as well as new 468-acre expert and intermediate expansion. 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 — and the on-mountain pop-up champagne bar that rewards tired legs — all steps from downtown Aspen. 4 BEAVER CREEK BC charms with fantastic extras: heated moving walkways, fresh-baked cookies, a first-tracks program for early risers, a white-carpet club and acres of corduroy and powder waiting for skiers and riders to swish through. 5 BRECKENRIDGE Breck 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. Breck Guides are available to take people on tours of new terrain. 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-edented 18 straight years, it has been the home of ESPN’s Winter X Games. COLORADO.COM / 27
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2020: Page 27
