Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Breckenridge are three of the most popular ski resorts near Denver that offer excellent skiing opportunities for all levels. Arapahoe Basin has over 100 trails across its 13,050 foot peak and a 400-acre advanced area. Keystone spans three mountains including an area for advanced tree skiing. Breckenridge has nearly 150 trails across four mountains, including a famous terrain park and challenging advanced runs. All three resorts are within a couple hours of Denver.

1. Colorado’s Skiing
Opportunities
By Scott Gelbard

2. Colorado’s Skiing Opportunities
Living in Colorado, I enjoy the unparalleled winter skiing
opportunities offered at resorts scattered throughout the
Rocky Mountains. One of the most popular ski options among
Denver-area residents remains the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.
Situated at a peak elevation of 13,050 feet, Arapahoe Basin
features over 100 distinct trails for all difficulty levels;
advanced skiers flock to the open bowls above timberline. The
opening of the 400-acre Montezuma Bowl a few years ago
significantly expanded the resort’s offerings for advanced ski
enthusiasts seeking a backcountry experience.

3. Colorado’s Skiing Opportunities
Nearby Keystone Resort encompasses three mountains:
Dercum Mountain, The Outback, and North Peak. Advanced
skiers take advantage of The Outback, which offers tree-
studded courses and maintains powder conditions even after
groomers pack the snow on other runs. Keystone Resort also
features Area 51, Colorado’s largest terrain night park. The
area stays open until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and until 10:00
p.m. on weekends.

4. Colorado’s Skiing Opportunities
Breckenridge Ski Resort presents another superb option for
Denver-area skiers. The resort offers nearly 150 trails
spanning four distinct, yet interconnected mountain terrains.
Peak 8, which offers the famous terrain park Freeway
Superpark, remains a particularly popular choice. Peak 10
features a challenging advanced course with high-speed runs
through the trees and over steeps and bumps. The nearby
resort town of Breckenridge offers a historical ambience
complemented by a number of dining and entertainment
options, ranging from microbreweries to Italian restaurants.

5. Colorado’s Skiing Opportunities
While there are many other outstanding skiing destinations in
Colorado, Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, and Keystone stand
out for their excellent trails and runs, and their convenient
locations just an hour or two west of the Denver metropolitan
area.