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When it comes to the perfect destination for the Christmas holidays, Colorado has got to be one of the best. The state is home to a dazzling wealth of stellar ski resorts that offer a wide range of exciting activities for all types of travelers — from families to couples.
With the winter season just around the corner, why not take the opportunity to plan a Christmas ski vacation to the Colorado mountains? After all, there's no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than indulging in a variety of snow sports!
So, if you're dreaming of a memorable ski vacation, say no more. We’ve rounded up the best places for skiing in Colorado in December!
The Steamboat Resort is one of the best ski resorts to visit in Colorado during Christmas. Located on Mount Werner, in the Routt National Forest, this family-friendly resort becomes a veritable winter wonderland during the holiday season thanks to its plethora of Christmas lights and seasonal activities.
Perfect for a Christmas ski holiday, the resort also features 169 trails spread over 2,965 acres. Of those trails, 14% are beginner-level, 42% are intermediate, and 44% are advanced. So, If you’re heading out to this resort with your family, you are about to be impressed.
But what truly makes Steamboat Resort the perfect destination for a ski trip is its famous champagne powder snow. Dry, light, and smooth, this snow has an average of 6%, which creates the perfect conditions for skiing.
Need a break from skiing, sleighing, and snowboarding? Then a good idea is to explore Steamboat Springs, which is the ski town where the Steamboat Resort is Located. Framed by huge snowy mountains, Steamboat Springs has 130 restaurants, bars, breweries, a multitude of art galleries, and a rustic relaxation water oasis, the Steamboat Hot Springs.
Offering a variety of activities for the whole family, Aspen Snowmass is a prime pick for a Christmas holiday in Colorado. Located in Snowmass Village near Aspen, Colorado, this resort is considered one of the best in Colorado, thanks to its 150 miles of trails and 3,339 acres of skiable terrain.
During the holiday season, Aspen Snowmass becomes one of the most sought-after places in Colorado thanks to its whimsical light displays, theme dinners, firework spectacles, and kid-friendly activities such as S’mores making and cookie decorating.
What makes this resort a great destination for the winter holidays is its variety of mountain terrains, which include the Burnt Mountain Glades, the High Alpine, and the Cirque.
The Aspen Snowmass also has a ski and snowboard school for newcomers of all age groups. Aside from group lessons, you can also request one-on-one training and get a personalized class in the mountains before you hit the slopes.
And, in case you're tired of skiing, you can head over to the new Snowmass Base Village, which has an ice rink, and a climbing wall.
Winter Park Resort
Located 67 miles from Denver, along the Continental Divide, the Winter Park Resort is the longest continually operated ski resort in Colorado. With more than 75 years of history, this resort features seven ski territories spread across 3,081 acres.
With over 320 inches of snow per year, the Winter Park Ski Resort is known for being a family-friendly destination in the mountains, and also for its award-winning Ride + Ski School. Aside from skiing at this mountain resort, you can also indulge in other fun outdoor activities, such as sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, snowshoeing, and dog mushing.
Winter Park also happens to be a wonderful spot for the ultimate Christmas vacation. Activities on offer during the holiday season include Christmas dinners, torchlight parades, and even Christmas tree cutting in designated areas!
Telluride Ski Resort
Located in southwest Colorado, Telluride Ski Resort offers both alpine skiing and cross-country skiing opportunities to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Most of the terrain of this ski resort (60%) is dedicated to beginners and intermediates. Advanced skiers have access to the legendary inbound terrain with moguls, glades, and Hike-to- terrain on the upper mountain.
And if you are into Nordic skiing, you can head over to the Mountain Village Town, which is located close to Telluride and has approximately 8 miles of winter trails. Just beware of the fact that this is not an exclusive-to-skiers-only trail, as it also accommodates hikers, snowshoers, bikers, and dogs.
What makes this ski resort the perfect place for spending Christmas is its proximity to the lovely town of Telluride, which hosts a variety of seasonal events during the holidays,
Copper Mountain Resort
Considered one of the best Colorado ski resorts, the Copper Mountain Resort is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, approximately 75 miles west of Denver.
From Santa Claus appearances, to firework displays, and Torchlight Parades, the resort offers guests a range of things to see and do during Christmas time.
But what makes Copper Mountain a great bet for the ski season is the resort's premium structure featuring 2,490 skiable acres, one of Summit County’s largest ski areas.
Aside from terrain parks for skiing, this ski resort in Colorado also offers a variety of activities, such as snowshoe tours, ice skating, and the famous Mountain Coaster, an alpine coaster that will take you cruising through the forests at 25 miles per hour.
Just a couple of years ago, Copper Mountain added a new activity called Apres Alley and it’s set up to offer fun activities such as ladder golf, ping pong, live music, and even shuffleboard every Saturday.
Crested Butte Ski Resort
Crested Butte hits the list for its old-fashioned charm and affordable prices. With just one chairlift and a maximum vertical drop of 250 feet, it's an intimate resort that caters to families with smaller children waiting in line at ski school. The mountain is also known as home to great snow grooming practices; it's one of the few resorts in Colorado that doesn't use artificial snow.
Travelers who choose Crested Butte for their Christmas ski vacation will spend the winter enjoying sleigh ride dinners, fireworks displays, and torchlight parades.
One Ski Hill Place
One Ski Hill Place is a luxury condo property that boasts some of the best skiing in Colorado. They are located on Peak Nine, one of Breckenridge Resort's most popular ski areas, and offer amazing views of the snow-dusted mountains of this area!
Aside from high-end slopes that are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, One Ski Hill Place also boasts two indoor pools, an exercise room, and a private shuttle service.
With this level of comfort, you'll have everything you need to enjoy your winter vacation without having to worry about spending time outside for any reason other than going up the mountain!
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
The Ritz-Carlton at Bachelor Gulch is a luxury ski resort that offers its guests an unforgettable experience. From the onsite spa to the kid's club, this hotel has you and your family covered for whatever activities they have planned!
Aside from its impressive snow terrain, The Ritz-Carlton also features heated pools - indoor and outdoor - so guests can relax between the ski sessions.
Plus, there are accommodations available for any budget or need imaginable.
Beaver Creek Resort
The Beaver Creek Resort in Avon, Colorado offers guests a stellar resort experience during Christmas. The area has 120 trails and is known for its snow-making capabilities, which can create up to 72 inches of powder in 24 hours!
If you are looking for the best skiing experience that includes activities other than just hitting the slopes, then Beaver Creek Resort might be perfect for you. They have indoor tennis courts, ice skating rinks, an outdoor pool complex with both heated pools and water slides as well as recreation facilities like basketball courts and racquetball clubs.
Keystone Resort
Located in the heart of Colorado, Keystone Resort is a prime pick for a family-friendly winter holiday. With a variety of on-site seasonal activities and amenities for kids, families have plenty to see and do when they visit this resort.
The resort features three terrain parks complete with rails, boxes, pipes, and areas that are early-level training too!
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