Breck. Vail. Aspen. Telluride. The big names in Colorado are well documented, and all wonderful in their own ways. But if you are looking for something new to explore - or more specifically to ski - there are many smaller, lesser-known ski hills in Colorado, just as well-rounded but not nearly as visited, or commercialized, as the aforementioned big names. This winter, here are five places to consider in Colorado:
Crested Butte
CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO - JANUARY 11: A cyclist makes his way down a snowy road by huge snow drifts ... [+]
Crested Butte has gained attention in recent years as a summer destination thanks to its prestigious mountain biking terrain. What’s often forgotten is that the town has a major ski hill and is, as the crow flies, just 12 miles from Aspen. In other words, it has worthy terrain. But, because of the mountains and the road, the trip in a car between the two towns is more than 100 miles. This serves as an example of why Crested Butte remains authentic - it’s not exactly an easy destination to pass through.
But those who arrive will be very pleased. And the time to visit is now, because, despite the remoteness, more attention is coming. Crested Butte Mountain Resort was added to the Vail Epic pass last year - which is good news - but also a sign that more people, both in state and from afar, will be making the trip.
Powderhorn
A skier rides down the mountain at Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Mesa, Colorado, U.S., on Wednesday, ... [+]
Located on the Grand Mesa adjacent to Grand Junction, Powderhorn is a small, four-lift resort that caters almost entirely to locals. And by locals, I don’t mean state residents, I mean locals who live right there in the valley, at the base of the Mesa.
With sweeping valley views, the mountain has enough terrain to keep you busy, with little to no pomp - there’s one main lodge at the bottom of the lift, one bar and cafeteria where everyone gathers. No flash, nothing fancy, it’s a great reminder of what many areas were once like before being commercialized.
That said, there are some interesting new ventures to check out, such as the Tiny Homes that are available to rent on the mountain.
Off the slopes, check out nearby Palisade for a taste of Colorado wine country, and the refurbished downtown area of Grand Junction for food, drinks, and lodging.
Winter Park
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 04: Train passengers get their skis after arriving at Winter Park on the Amtrak ... [+]
Two things have happened in recent years that have upped Winter Park’s game.
First, in 2017, the “ski train” returned after a near ten-year absence and once again began offering weekend service from Denver to Winter Park, making it the only ski mountain with direct access via train from Denver.
Then in 2018, the resort was purchased by Alterra Mountain Company and underwent $28 million worth of improvements, including a new gondola.
The main attraction, of course, is still the terrain. The front side of the mountain, known as Winter Park, contains the groomed runs and learn-to-ski programs. The back side, called “Mary Jane,” is renowned for its tree skiing and moguls. The quality of the latter will impress even the most experienced mogul skiers; the former are so well-spaced that beginners can feel comfortable, while experts tackle the beauty of the Eagle Wind sector.
Despite the improvements and investment to the mountain, there is still a strong local vibe, which you can experience at a place like Pepperoni’s, a basement bar where pizza slices are $3 and beers are not marked up.
Monarch
A lone skier enjoys an empty ski run on top of Monarch Mountain.
Located a half-hour from Salida, most people outside the state have never heard of Monarch. Or Salida for that matter. Get ready to ditch the I-70 crowds and experience something different in Central Colorado.
Monarch Mountain is located along the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range. It receives a whopping 350 inches of snow a year, filling up alpine bowls, long tree runs, and a lot of intermediate groomed runs.
One of the coolest deals in all the State, Monarch offers what it calls the “Migration Ticket” - show up with a season pass from another resort, and get a discounted daily lift ticket for just $57. The hope is that you might be surprised by what you find, and “migrate” over to Monarch in the future.
Visitors should use Salida as their home base. Make time to walk along the Arkansas River, and explore the downtown area. When you are done skiing and need to relax and refresh, check out one of the four hot springs located nearby: Cottonwood, Joyful Journey, Valley View, and Mount Princeton.
Steamboat
This image was taken in Steamboat Springs Ski Resort after sunset
Steamboat’s location in the northern part of the state, away from any other resort, leaves it entirely on its own. No one who makes the trip does so by accident, or by coincidence, or by convenience.
In Steamboat, two things jump out: Big Aspen groves and a different kind of snow. The resort is well-regarded for its evenly-spaced tree runs, and the quality of its snow is so light and dry that it has been branded as “Champagne powder.”
Don’t miss the cowboy vibe of its downtown, and be sure to check out Strawberry Hot Springs, widely considered as one of the best hot springs in the state.
