5) Steamboat Springs
The beauty of Steamboat is its relative isolation. Located away from the fuming congestion of I-70, Steamboat is just far enough away to keep the Denver metropolitan area at bay… to some extent. That said, the upper reaches and backside of the mountain are usually sparely populated with local rippers and those in the know. Also, you don’t have to ski next to the interstate (note: none of the resorts on this list are directly on I-70).
Go To Run: Shadows (or Closets)
These are two of the most classic and consistent tree runs in North America. If flying through perfectly spaced Aspen groves is your thing, then check these two out.
4) Arapahoe Basin
A-Bay, the Basin, and the Beach are all endearing nicknames for Colorado’s most rough and tumble ski area. Instead of specializing in truffle oil aioli seasoned French fries, Arapahoe Basin specializes in Pallavicini powder and East Wall hike-to’s. The result is grassroots skiing at its finest.
Go To Run: First Notch:
A 1000’+ vertical foot couloir from the top of the East Wall… This is where the first skier up the bootpack drops in.
3) Silverton
There’s really nothing like Silverton in the ski industry… And that’s a great thing. On any given day, it’s surprising if there are more than 60 people skiing the mountain. Also, skiers can find great discounts later in the year during the “unguided” season.
Go To Run: Waterfall
Accessed from the top of the chairlift, Waterfall is a storm day decision. If it’s nuking, laps are easy to come by and regrets are non-existent.
2) Telluride
Telluride is home to some of the most badass ski mountaineers in the country and it’s no surprise as to why. Driving into the box canyon in southwest Colorado, the feeling is almost claustrophobic. The relief is astounding and intense. It’s almost as if God decided to put the most dramatic looking couloirs within view of the resort. And on the seventh day, he rested.
Go To Run: Gold Hill #9
All the Gold Hill chutes are prime time steeps. However, #9 is at the top.
1) Aspen Snowmass
As far as ski resorts go, Aspen Snowmass is the best in Colorado. With abundant snowfall and a variety of terrain to choose from, Aspen is good no matter what the conditions. However, on a powder day, Hanging Valley glades or Highland Bowl are about as good as it gets for in bounds runs in North America let alone Colorado. Take that and throw in some accessible side country shots and the surrounding Elk Mountains and we have a winner people.
Go To Run: Highland Bowl
The role model for “hike-to-terrain,” The Highland Bowl is an absolute classic. The concave bowl was made for skiing and the fact that you need not carry a shovel, beacon, and probe makes it that much better.
