COME TO LIFE | Colorado Ski Resorts KEYSTONE RESORT mountain.” Terrain to keep the whole family busy all day doesn’t hurt, and neither does a new high-speed lift (fit in more runs!) and nearly 40 kilometers of cross-country and snowshoe trails steps from the downhill ski area. POWDERHORN MOUNTAIN This resort near Grand Junction in Mesa has one of the most unique views in ski country. Located on the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world, skiers and riders will see something more like the Grand Canyon than the typical alpine view. GRANBY RANCH Fun lesson programs, an easy pace and affordable prices make this a long-time family favorite. There’s no better place to wind down at the end of the day than the fire pit at the base of the mountain, where the hot cocoa flows. PURGATORY Purgatory’s unintimidating slopes, free season passes for kids, mountain coaster and Pinkerton starter terrain park are a few things that make it a hit with families in Durango. Within its boundaries are 101 trails, five terrain parks, a racing course and 35,000 acres of snowcat playland. HESPERUS West of Durango, Hesperus has been an especially great option for families in the southwest part of Colorado since 1962, and it’s the region’s largest night-skiing operation. Hesperus’ unassuming, small-ski-area ambiance makes its 26 trails and 60 acres an idyllic winter escape. SILVERTON MOUNTAIN As Silverton’s motto proclaims, this southwest Colorado ski area is “All thrills, no frills.” Colorado’s highest and steepest ski mountain serves up un-groomed, no-easy-way-down expert terrain. Guided and heli-skiing are top ways to take advantage of the terrain (reservations required). HOWELSEN HILL Howelsen’s pedigree is well established. Open since 1915 in Steamboat Springs, it’s the state’s oldest ski area, has the largest natural ski-jumping complex in North America and has long been a training ground for Olympic skiers. It’s also one of a few resorts to offer night skiing. SKI COOPER The former training site in Leadville for the 10th Mountain Division, the legendary World War II ski troops, has sweeping runs that follow some of the same paths used by the soldiers who skied Europe’s mountain battlefields. Today, it’s popular with families looking for a low-stress ski holiday. KENDALL MOUNTAIN Situated in Silverton, this mountain is loved by locals for its family-friendly ambiance. The ski area has four groomed trails, a terrain park and tree skiing. Off-the-slope activities include ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. SNOWMASS The mountain itself is enormous — 36 Disney lands could fit within its boundaries. At 4,406 feet, “Snowmassive” also has one of the highest vertical rises of any ski area in the country, and one of the longest runs — 5.3 miles of peaceful schussing before you have to think about a lift line. A new base village offers ice skating, chic lodging and new après-ski spots. KEYSTONE Keystone boasts three peaks full of bowls, steeps, trails, cat skiing and one of the longest ski days — watch the sun set at 11,000 feet and night ski afterward. The resort’s Kids Ski Free program is a showstopper for the fam, along with its Snow Forts, snow tubing, ice skating and sleigh rides. STEAMBOAT Steamboat feels so confident about the special-ness of its powder, it trademarked it: Champagne Powder®. It’s light, dry, smooth and only found here. A new après-ski plaza, restaurants and bars, lodging, ski beach and ice rink, as well as new terrain, will make it the second-largest resort in the state. LOVELAND Two of Loveland’s favorite things to brag about are that it averages 422 inches of snow each season, more than any other Front Range ski area, and it offers some of the best early-season conditions each year. Another thing to boast about is free snowcat skiing in the newly opened Dry Gulch area. SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN Affordability and a mix of terrain are Sunlight’s hallmarks. Hundreds of acres of mild greens, intermediates and black-diamond extremes satisfy all abilities. Proximity to Glenwood’s hot springs lets you reward ski muscles’ big day with a long soak. MONARCH MOUNTAIN Perched atop the Continental Divide, Monarch is one of the best spots for fresh powder. A short walk from the parking lot to the lifts, roomy slopes and laid-back attitudes make it a hit with families. Ride to the top of the Panorama Lift for 360-degree views of the divide. TELLURIDE Driving into the Victorian-era town of Telluride, it’s hard to imagine 2,000 acres of ski terrain and modern resort ARAPAHOE BASIN 18 1-800-COLORADO FROM TOP: VAIL RESORTS/JACK AFFLECK; VIBE TRIBE ADVENTURES.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 18
