Colorado Ski Guide: Best Lodging, Mountains, and Resources
As of August 2010, Colorado reported that some of its highest peaks received the first snowfall of the season. The 2010-2011 ski season promises to bring some of the best powder the Colorado Rockies have seen in years. With enormous vacation destinations such as Telluride and Aspen, Colorado has a lot to offer for skiers and snowboarders. Amidst the giants, the state has dozens of smaller resorts offering the same world-class ski and board opportunities for all ages and skill levels.
1. Telluride
565 Mountain Village Blvd.
Telluride, CO 81435
(970) 728-6900
http://www.tellurideskiresort.com
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Peak Season:
Adult: $98 full day
Senior (65+) $87 full day
Child (6-12): $61 full day
Telluride is located in a part of Colorado that is surrounded by 14,000-foot mountain peaks. The entire town has become an enormous ski area with hotels, restaurants, shops and spas. The resort continually expands its attractions, and this year will open the new Gold Hill Chutes and the Revelation Bowl. The resort is well known for its world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, and recently hosted the World Cup competition in snowboarding. This year it will host the US Snowboardcross Cup in December and the LG FIS Snowboard World Cup.
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 8,750 feet
Summit Elevation: 13,150 feet
Vertical Drop: 4,425 feet
Total Skiable Acres: 2,000
Average Annual Snowfall: 309 inches
Lodging Nearby:
Alpine Lodging (Telluride)
210 S. Oak Street
Telluride, CO 81435
(970) 728-3388
http://www.telluridelodging.com/
Visit website for: choice of Telluride condos or private homes for rent in Telluride and Mountain Village
Hotel Columbia
301 West San Juan Ave
Telluride, CO 81435
(970) 728-0660
http://www.columbiatelluride.com/
Stay here for: updated remodeled resort, walking distance to mountain base and restaurants and shops of Telluride, on-site restaurant, ski packages
The Hotel Telluride
199 North Cornet Street
Telluride, CO 81435
http://www.thehoteltelluride.com/
Stay here for: luxury down bedding, private balcony or patio with mountain views, operable windows, overstuffed seating, on-site restaurant, spa services
2. Wolf Creek
PO Box 2800
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
http://www.wolfcreekski.com
Ticket Prices for 2009/2010 Peak Season:
Adult (13-64): $52 full day
Senior (65+) $28 full day
Child (12 & under): $28 full day
Tot (5 & under): $5 full day
Wolf Creek Resort is one of Chicago’s oldest skiing destinations. The resort prides itself on its friendly employees and enormous amount of fresh light powder that falls annually. The Colorado ski and snowboard location offers the amazing conditions of Rocky Mountain skiing without the expensive Rocky Mountain skiing price tag.
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 10,300 feet
Summit Elevation: 11,904 feet
Vertical Drop: 1,604 feet
Total Skiable Acres: 1,600
Average Annual Snowfall: 465 inches
Lodging Nearby:
Be Our Guest Bed and Breakfast
19 Swiss Village Drive
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(970) 264-6814
www.beourguest-bnb.com
Stay here for: Private rooms or open sleeping loft for only $37 each person, group rates, comfortable common areas, Victorian style home
Canyon Crest Lodge
201 A Yeoman Drive
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(970) 731-3773
http://www.pagosacanyoncrest.com
Stay here for: winter lodge retreat, open log fireplace, private bath and deck in each room, beautiful views, on-site restaurant
Allington Inn and Suites
0182 E. Frontage Road
South Fork, CO 81154
(719) 873-5600
http://www.allingtoninn.com
Stay here for: proximity to Wolf Creek Ski Area, continental breakfast, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, WiFi
3. Powderhorn Resort
PO Box 370
48338 Powderhorn Road
Mesa, CO 81643
(970) 268-5700
http://www.powderhorn.com
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Season:
Adult (19-59): $56 full day
Senior (60-69): $46 full day
Super Senior (70+): $26 full day
Child (6 & under): $16 full day
Preteen (7-12): $26 full day
Youth (13-18): $46 full day
Powderhorn has more than 1,600 acres for skiers to explore including terrain parks, glades and bumps. Some areas are blessed with waist deep powder and others have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The Grand Mesa summit affords views that look down on surrounding mountains, making skiers and riders feel as if they’re atop the world. The resort is family friendly and is not overly crowded, allowing exploratory skiers to feel like they’re alone on the mountain in the trees and glades.
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 8,200 feet
Summit Elevation: 9,850 feet
Vertical Drop: 1,650 feet
Total Skiable Acres: 1,600
Average Annual Snowfall: 250 inches
Lodging Nearby:
Inn at Wildewood
48371 Quakie Street
PO Box 370
Mesa, CO 81643
(970) 268-5170
http://www.powderhorn.com
Stay here for: proximity to Powderhorn Resort, affordable mountainside, Stay & Play Package ($209 includes one night stay for two, lift tickets for two and dinner for two)
A Divine Thyme Bed and Breakfast
404 West 1st Street
Palisade, CO 81526
(970) 464-9144
http://www.adivinethymebandb.com/
Stay here for: Victorian accommodations, country style breakfast by candlelight, relaxing atmosphere
Wine Country Inn
777 Grande River Drive
Palisade, CO 81526
(970) 464-5777
http://www.coloradowinecountryinn.com
Stay here for: wine-themed hotel, amidst over a dozen wineries in the area, great views from guest rooms, private patios
4. Crested Butte Mountain Resort
12 Snowmass Road
Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225
(800) 810-7669
http://www.skicb.com
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Peak Season:
Adult (18-64): $87 full day
Senior (60-69): $46 full day
Senior (65+): $65 full day
Child (7-12): $44 full day
Young Adult (13-17): $78 full day
Crested Butte defines itself as a true Colorado ski town, with small town charm but big ski opportunities. The ski opportunities are varied, with wide-open green and blue trails for beginners, and longer more advanced challenges on the North Face and Headwall trails. Crested Butte claims to have “some of the easiest access to what is considered to the be the country’s best steeps where you can find classic bowl skiing or unexplored lines on every run.”
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 9,375 feet
Summit Elevation: 12,162 feet
Vertical Drop: 3,062 feet
Total Skiable Acres: 1,167
Average Annual Snowfall: 298 inches
Lodging Nearby:
West Wall Lodge
12 Snowmass Road
Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225
(800) 810-7669
http://www.skicb.com/cbmr/browse-properties-detail.aspx?id=west_wall
Stay here for: most luxurious condominium lodging slope-side, furnished, underground parking, outdoor pool and spa, mountain views, on-site concierge
Grand Lodge Crested Butte
12 Snowmass Road
Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225
(800) 810-7669
http://www.skicb.com/cbmr/grand-lodge.aspx
Stay here for: newly renovated full-service hotel, 200 yards from ski lifts, spacious room and suite options, good for families, pet friendly
Crested Mountain North
12 Snowmass Road
Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225
(800) 810-7669
http://www.skicb.com/cbmr/browse-properties-detail.aspx?id=crested_mountain_north
Stay here for: townhome style accommodations, fireplace, private laundry, cable, outdoor hot tub, balcony, 100 yards to lifts, walk to shops, restaurants and entertainment
5. Aspen Snowmass
PO Box 1248
40 Carriage Way
Aspen, CO 81612
(800) 308-6935
http://www.aspensnowmass.com
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Season: Call for Pricing
Aspen Snowmass is appropriately named. The ski resort, one of four large resorts in Aspen, Colorado, has over 3,000 acres of cruising trails, steeps, terrain parks, half pipes and trails. The area’s vertical drop is 4,406 feet, one of the largest in the country. Despite its enormity, it’s an excellent family-friendly ski area, attracting vacationers from large families learning the slopes, to Colorado resident skiers that come back daily during the winter season.
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 8,104 feet
Summit Elevation: 12,510 feet
Vertical Drop: 4,406 ft
Trails: 90
Total Skiable Acreage: 3,128
Average Snowfall: 300 inches
Lodging Nearby:
Aspen Meadows Resort
845 Meadows Road
Aspen, CO 81611
(800) 452-4240
http://www.aspenmeadowsresort.dolce.com
Stay here for: studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, living areas, fitness center, conference center, laundry on-site, restaurant, valet, pool whirlpool spa
Hotel Jerome
330 East Main Street
Aspen, CO 81611
(970) 920-1000
http://hoteljerome.rockresorts.com
Stay here for: elegant historical accommodations, ambiance, fine dining, suites with mountain views, historically appointed private rooms
Aspen Mountain Lodge
311 West Main Street
Aspen, CO 81611
(970) 925-7650
www.aspenmountainlodge.com
Stay here for: affordable in-town lodging, private balcony with mountain views, next to skier shuttles, complimentary mountain breakfast, four-story stone fireplace in common lodge, outdoor Jacuzzi and pool
Other Ski and Mountain Guides
New Hampshire Ski and Mountain Guide
Vermont Ski and Mountain Guide
Utah Ski and Mountain Guide
Washington Ski and Mountain Guide
Wyoming Ski and Mountain Guide
New York Ski and Mountain Guide
Best US Ski Resorts for Beginner Skiers
Best Ski Resorts in Canada
Family Friendly Ski Resorts
Ski Resorts and Mountains in Europe
Best Ski Resorts and Mountain in France
Best Ski Resorts in Austria
Avalanche Resources
Avalanche: Measurement, US Deaths, and Resources
Understanding Avalanches: How to Assess Avalanche Threat and Factors that Contribute to Avalanches
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