Skiing in Denver: Best Ski Resorts to Go in 2024!

Set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, there are a ton of fantastic ski mountains around the city that you can get to in just a few hours. 

Every mountain is different in size, skill level, cost, and distance from the city. So in this article, I will dive into the best options and everything there is to know about them, so you can decide which mountain or mountains suit your budget and ski style. 

While planning your ski trip in Denver, check out Pilot's ski packing essentials, so you don't forget a thing. 

Now that you're ready let's explore the best places to ski in Denver.

Top 5 Skiing Spots in Denver

5. Echo Mountain

As the closest mountain to Denver, Echo Mountain is an excellent choice if you don't want to drive more than an hour to ski. 

Echo is considered an intermediate mountain. And while there are certainly a few runs for beginners, there are no options for lessons, so if you've never been skiing before, you'll be figuring it out all on your own! 

It's also a great place to try out night skiing. As it's so close to the city, you can stay a little later and enjoy the fun of skiing under the lights. If you have yet to try it, it's a super fun experience! 

4. Eldora Mountain

Eldora Mountain is definitely the most family and beginner-friendly mountain on my list of Denver ski hills. It's known around Colorado as the best place to learn to ski, and they have a fantastic lesson program for both kids and adults. If you want to try something new, you can also go snowshoeing and hike up the uphill alpine pass to try skiing without a chairlift. 

3. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Arapahoe Basin is more commonly referred to as A-Basin. It is one of Denver residents' absolute favorite spots to ski. A-Basin is known by locals as the local mountain, as there are often far fewer tourists here because there is no overnight lodging. Another reason why some tourists skip A-Basin is that it's quite a challenging mountain. So if you're a beginner skier, I wouldn't recommend A-Basin as your first stop. 

But as long as you've got at least an intermediate level of skiing, you can enjoy the mountain with the fewest lines and the most fun parking lot parties. 

2. Loveland Ski Area

At Loveland, you can check out Loveland Valley if you're a beginner skier or Loveland Basin if you're more advanced. 

And the cool thing is that they both meet at the Loveland base, so your group can divide and hit the slopes best suited for their skill set and then meet back up for a drink! 

Loveland is another local favorite, as it's usually less crowded than other mountains with more amenities. So if you're just here to ski and don't want to wait in line between every run, Loveland's the place to be!

1. Keystone Mountain

Keystone is considered one of the best in Denver for beginner skiers and an excellent mountain for experienced skiers! And that's because Keystone is huge, so there are runs for every skill level. 

But Keystone has more than just great skiing. It also is extremely family and groups friendly with ice skating, tubing, sleigh rides, and even dog sledding. There's something for every member of the family.

However, if you choose Keystone, know you'll pay the big bucks, as it is the most expensive mountain on this list. 

Closest Skiing Resorts to Denver

Distance is important. You want to spend as much time skiing on the mountain as possible and not driving there!

Explore this list of the top Denver ski mountains, from closest to the city to the farthest away, and how long it will take to get to each one, so you can plan your adventure accordingly. 

• Echo Mountain: 50 Minutes
• Loveland: 56 Minutes
• Eldora Mountain: 1 Hour & 10 Minutes
• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area: 1 Hour & 25 Minutes
• Keystone: 1 Hour & 30 Minutes

How Much Does It Cost to Go Skiing in Denver?

If you've been considering skiing in Denver, you may already have heard it can be expensive. 

Of course, how much it will cost depends on where you decide to go, when you go, and if you need to rent equipment and pay for a shuttle from the city. 

In general, ski lift passes can cost anywhere from $69-$225 per day. Renting ski gear is typically around $50, and transport can range from $30-$100 per person. 

If you do the math, it can cost anywhere from $69 to almost $400 a day on the mountain in Denver. 

So you must select the mountain, shuttle, and gear best for your budget, as it varies drastically. But the truth is, skiing in Denver is such a fun experience you definitely won't regret the money spent. 

Expert Tip: Ski passes always cost a bit more on the weekends, so try to hit the slopes during the week to save a bit of cash and avoid the crowds. 

Looking for ski gear? Check out Halfdays Apparel!

How to Get to Denver Ski Mountains From the City

Another question many people ask when they're headed to Denver to ski is how they can get to the mountains. 

If you have a car, that's the easiest way to get to and from the ski areas in Denver. But what can you do if you're flying into Denver and don't have your own vehicle? 

One option is to rent a car. Although it's not necessarily the cheapest option, it will allow you to come and go as you please and create your own schedule. 

However, you should know that it snows a lot in the Rockies, and driving can be tricky if you're not used to it. Therefore, many people opt for a shuttle instead with drivers who are experts at navigating through the snow. 

As thousands of tourists and Denver residents head up to the mountains every day, there are daily shuttles you can join. 

Depending on which mountain you're heading towards, you can find several companies online to choose from, or you may just want to call the mountain and ask about their options. 

Plan Your Ski Trip with Pilot!

With so many slopes to hit in such a short time, you must plan your itinerary carefully. Luckily, Pilot can help you out with that!