Best place to ski near Denver?

Question

1 beginner snowboarder, 1 advanced-beginner snowboarder, 1 intermediate skiier. Is there a place we can all have fun? With "cheap" hotels no more than 20 minutes from the slopes?

Answer 1

The best place I've found to ski for all abilities is Copper Mountain. They have more or less been able to divide the mountain into greens, blues and blacks so that they don't overlap that much, and their snowboarding areas are awesome. I also think they handle crowds well and that you'll get up the mountain pretty quick, even from the base.

No such thing as "cheap" motels that close to the slopes in the winter! But you could try Dillon or Silverthorne for cheaper accommodations, or even west Denver 'burbs and drive less than an hour if you can't afford what's available up in Summit County.

Answer 2

If you want cheap, and close to Denver, then you want Eldora. Like someone already said, it's not the BEST, but it's still a good mtn, with terrain for everyone, and by far cheapest for lift tickets and lodging. Getting there is super-easy, just take the Denver/Boulder turnpike (I-36), and follow the brown signs once you get into Boulder. Loveland is the next closest, right off of I-70 near the Eisenhower tunnel, and cheaper for lift tickets, but you'll have to drive to teh next town for lodging. Breckenridge is nice, but EXPENSIVE for lift passes and lodging. You can try staying in Frisco, but it'll still be pricey. Copper is my all-around favorite mtn, but again, steep prices if you don't have a season pass. Winter Park is something noone's mentioned, but it's ony accessible from Denver via Berthoud Pass off of I-70, a sketchy road with cutbacks and whatnot. BUT, there's also a train that leaves downtown Denver, goes through the mtns to Winter Park, and then back every evening. If you've got a place to stay in Denver, that might be an option, and I think they do a bundle price for a train pass and a lift ticket for a reasonable price.

Answer 3

If you don't mind a drive you could always check out the Aspen area. I have always done my boarding up there they have four mountains. I like snowmass the best they have great lifts and tons of runs for every skill level. The other mountain that would be good for learning are buttermilk which is a small mountain that has runs not so steep. The problem is the cost for lift tickets they are a lot but they work at all four mountains and buying multiple days is cheaper. The best city to stay in for cheaper hotels would be Carbondale or even Glenwood Springs.

Answer 4

I would say Breckenridge. It is a little over an hour away from Denver. It is a great place for anyone from a beginner to an expert. There are cheap hotels located in Dillon/ Silverthorne, or in Frisco. Have fun where ever you decide to go!

Answer 5

If you really want close to denver then go for Eldora. It is less than 1 and a half hours from denver and 45min from boulder and only a couple minutes from Nederland. so there would be plenty of options for lodging. Eldora isn the best slopes in colorado but is good enough for most people. There are slopes for all levels. if you want something a little bigger and fancier then try brackenridge or vail. both are very cool.

Answer 6

Copper Mountain has been voted as the best for the past 4 years by locals to Colorado. It's navigation is easy; to the left is beginners, middle is intermediate, and right is advance. And, for your board buddy, CM was one of the first resorts to really get how important pipes, ramps and rails are. You'll find them everywhere.

Answer 7

The best place to ski near Denver? Utah. The best snow on earth is here. Fresh powder this weekend...

Answer 8

Eldora. You can get there by RTD Bus.