COME TO LIFE | 28 Colorado Ski Resorts 12. Granby Ranch Fun lesson programs, an easy pace and affordable prices make this a long-time family ski area. There’s no better place to wind down at the end of the day than the fire pit, where the hot cocoa flows. 15. Kendall Mountain Situated in Silverton, this mountain is loved by locals for its family-friendly ambiance. The ski area has four groomed trails, a small terrain park and tree skiing. Off-the-slope activities include ice skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 18. Monarch Mountain Perched atop the Continental Divide, Monarch is a top spot for fresh powder. A close-in parking lot, 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. 16 1-800-COLORADO SCOTT MARKEWITZ/ASPEN POWDER TOURS. Ski Resorts 13. Hesperus West of Durango, Hesperus has been a great option in the southwest 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. 16. 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. The resort’s Kids Ski Free program is a showstopper, along with snow tubing, ice skating and sleigh rides. 19. 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. 14. Howelsen Hill Open since 1915 in Steamboat Springs, Howelsen is 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. 17. Loveland Loveland loves to brag about its average 422 inches of snow each season, more than any other Front Range ski area, and it offers excellent early-season conditions each year. Another thing to boast about is free snowcat skiing in the Dry Gulch area. 20. Purgatory Purgatory’s unintimidating slopes, free kids season passes, mountain coaster and Pinkerton starter terrain park make it a hit with families in Durango. Within its boundaries are 101 trails, five terrain parks and 35,000 acres of snowcat playland. Aspen Powder Tours 21. Silverton Mountain Silverton’s motto is “All thrills, no frills” — and it’s not kidding. 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). 22. Snowmass At 4,406 feet, “Snowmassive” has one of the highest vertical rises and some of the longest runs of any ski area in the country — miles of peaceful schussing before you have to think about a lift line. A new base village offers ice skating, chic lodging and après-ski hot spots.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2023: Page 16
