When we asked the passionate and knowledgeable skiers and snowboarders of the Unofficial Networks Facebook community, “What is the best ski resort in Colorado?” we knew we’d get a flurry of responses. Colorado, with its 34+ ski resorts, is a mecca for skiers and snowboarders, and each mountain offers its own unique vibe, terrain, and charm. The responses were a mix of heartfelt endorsements, witty quips, and some good-natured gatekeeping, proving that picking a favorite ski resort is as personal as choosing your favorite song. Below are the results, sprinkle in some quotes, charts, and fun facts, and see if we can crown a winner—or at least have fun trying!
The Community Speaks: A Blizzard of Opinions
The question sparked a lively discussion, with hundreds of responses highlighting a wide range of resorts. From the glitz of Vail to the soulfulness of Crested Butte, skiers didn’t hold back. Some praised their favorites with poetic enthusiasm, while others playfully suggested everyone flock to Vail to keep their hidden gems crowd-free. Here’s a breakdown of the most-mentioned resorts, based on the responses:
Top Contenders
- Vail led the pack with 18 mentions, often praised for its vast terrain but criticized for crowds and high costs. Eric Schankerman declared, “How many times do we need to go over this? Handsdown Vail all the way.” Others, like Zach Hegwood, cheekily suggested, “Vail. Just keep going to Vail, please, and leave the rest of us alone.”
- Breckenridge followed closely with 14 mentions, loved for its vibrant town and diverse slopes. Dave Northcutt raved, “I really liked Breckenridge. Great slopes. The town right there at the base of every slope.”
- Steamboat earned 12 mentions, with fans like OG M Metivier gushing, “I’ve skied them all over the last 40 years and for some reason I always wanna go back to Steamboat such an amazing community and Mountain just love it!” Its famous “Champagne Powder” was a recurring theme.
- Telluride, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Beaver Creek, Snowmass, A-Basin, and Winter Park also received strong support, each with unique draws like Telluride’s stunning scenery or A-Basin’s rugged vibe.
- Others included smaller or less-mentioned spots like Wolf Creek, Silverton, Loveland, and even quirky suggestions like “Casey Middle School sledding hill” (thanks, Mark Eller!).
Why So Subjective? The Criteria Conundrum
As many responders pointed out, “best” is a loaded term. Vincent Coleman asked, “What’s the criteria? Steep and deep? Good amenities? Ease of parking? Lack of people? Good bumps? Great tree skiing?” The answers reflected this diversity:
- Terrain Lovers: Kevin Bilsky championed Snowmass, saying, “Sheer bliss, the big burn, the long steep bump runs of campgrounds, the wide openness of high alpine and the steeps of the hanging valley wall.”
- Vibe Seekers: Ryan Radtka loved A-Basin despite its challenges: “60% of the time the conditions are terrible (wind/visibility/crusty) but the vibe and views make it so worth it.”
- Powder Hounds: Mark DeFilippo praised Steamboat’s “Champagne powder there is some of the world’s best snow.”
- Crowd Avoiders: Peggy Curtis lauded Beaver Creek: “No long lift lines, a whole mountain of single and double blacks that have a handful of skiers on them.”
Some, like Jeremy Buzzard, argued that every resort has something special: “Depending on your priorities, your location, your friends, your ski ability, the weather, the crowds, etc, the answer could be almost any one of the 34 plus resorts in Colorado.”
Fun Facts About Colorado Ski Resorts
To add some flair to the debate, here are a few fun facts about the top-mentioned resorts:
- Vail: North America’s third-largest single-mountain resort, with 5,317 acres and 195 trails. It’s home to the famous Back Bowls, stretching seven miles wide!
- Breckenridge: Boasts the highest chairlift in North America, the Imperial Express, topping out at 12,840 feet.
- Steamboat: Known for its “Champagne Powder,” a term coined here due to the light, fluffy snow caused by unique microclimates.
- Telluride: Offers one of the most scenic ski experiences, with views of the San Juan Mountains and a free gondola connecting the town to the slopes.
- A-Basin: One of the highest skiable terrains in North America, with a summit elevation of 13,050 feet, and a season that often stretches into June.
The Crowd Factor: Love It or Leave It
Crowds and cost were hot topics. Many skiers expressed frustration with packed resorts and pricey lift tickets. Paul Sajbel vented, “One that the average person can afford fuck $300 for a day ticket.” Others, like Brian Frost, sarcastically noted, “The ones with 45-minute lift lines and paid parking. That kind of popularity can’t be wrong.” Meanwhile, resorts like Silverton and Loveland were praised for their low-key, less crowded vibes.
The Gatekeepers and the Jokers
Some responders were hilariously protective of their favorites. Eric Cohen smirked, “Glad to see no one’s mentioned my home mtn. That’s why it’s the best.” Others tossed in curveballs, like Brian Tobin suggesting Lake Louise (in Canada!). And who could forget Norm Benson’s gem: “An Ounce of Mary Jane is worth a pound of Aspen”?
So, Who Wins?
The data shows Vail, Breckenridge, and Steamboat as the top three, but the real takeaway is that “best” depends on what you’re chasing—be it powder, terrain, vibe, or affordability. As Monique Saenz Myers put it, “How many resorts in CO? That’s how many answers you will get.” Whether you’re shredding A-Basin’s steeps, cruising Keystone’s trees, or soaking in Telluride’s views, Colorado’s got a slope for every soul.
Note: All quotes and data are sourced from the Unofficial Networks Facebook post responses. Charts reflect approximate counts based on the provided comments.
