7 Best Colorado Ski Towns

It takes more than good terrain to be a truly great ski town. When you're walking in ski boots and lugging your equipment around, easy access to the mountain makes all the difference. And while you're probably booking the trip to make some turns, some would argue that a bustling après-ski scene, good eats, and non-ski-related activities — from shopping and spas to snowshoeing and sleigh rides — are just as important as a reliable snow base, spacious groomers, and powder days.

Chances are you want it all, so we narrowed things down from the many towns that serve as basecamps for Colorado's 28 ski resorts to a superior few that offer both charm and excellent skiing. These destinations will keep you entertained from sunup to sundown while offering beautiful views and, of course, great skiing.

Steamboat Springs

Best for: Soaking and skiing

You can't possibly leave a place nicknamed "Ski Town USA" off a list of the best Colorado ski towns. Steamboat Springs has not one but two ski resorts — the larger, more established Steamboat Ski Resort (with 23 lifts and 182 trails) and Howelsen Hill Ski Area, a tiny slope in downtown Steamboat that holds the title as the oldest ski area in continuous use in Colorado.

If you're not into skiing, rent a pair of snowshoes and explore one of the local trails, book a sleigh ride that includes dinner, or explore the downtown area. The town itself has a Wild West feel, a few different natural hot springs, and more than 100 restaurants and bars. Our advice: ski, soak, repeat.

Where to stay: Steamboat Grand is conveniently located at the base of the resort and has everything you might need for an epic ski vacation, from a spa and a small market to a sleek dinner spot.

Aspen

Best for: Glitz and glamour

Aspen is as appealing to die-hard skiers as it is to those who come for high-end shopping, glitzy après, and five-star hotels. And then there are the views. It certainly doesn't hurt that you can ski four mountains with a single lift ticket purchase. When you've mastered Aspen Mountain, the closest to town, check out Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, or Snowmass, which are all a short drive or free bus ride from Aspen proper.

Where to stay: For easy ski access, book the five-star St. Regis Aspen Resort right at the base of Aspen Mountain, so you can throw your skis over your shoulder and make your way to the mountain without much fuss.

Crested Butte

Best for: Small-town charm

Crested Butte has a smaller population than most of the ski towns on this list, but you'll find everything you need (and then some) in this snow lovers' paradise. From downtown, it's about a three-mile drive or six to seven minutes on the Mt. Express shuttle to get to the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The ski area has an impressive 15 lifts and 121 runs, including one that's 2.6 miles long.

Where to stay: If you're in town primarily to ski, you can save yourself a daily commute by booking a stay in the resort's mountainside accommodations, but if you want to experience the best of Crested Butte's dining and bar scene, base yourself downtown. We recommend the eye-catching Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge.

Breckenridge

Best for: Easy access from Denver

It should be said that most of the ski towns on this list require long drives from Denver, so if you have your heart set on spending time in the city on your Colorado ski trip, Breckenridge — about 80 miles west — might be your best bet. This ski town offers more than just easy access from the state capital — its historic downtown is lined with colorful buildings, boutiques, and restaurants.

Where to stay: Booking a room at Crystal Peak Lodge (base of Peak 7) or One Ski Hill Place, a RockResort (base of Peak 8) makes skiing at Breckenridge a breeze. Oh, and don't miss a well-deserved post-ski beer at Robbie's Tavern.

Snowmass Village

Best for: A family ski trip

This European-style ski town sits at the base of Snowmass ski area. Although often overshadowed, this village offers skiers unmatched proximity to the mountain and ski-in, ski-out access that's hard to top — especially when you're skiing with kids. The ski area, one of the four mountains that make up Aspen Snowmass, has plenty of family-friendly intermediate terrain and a great ski school. When you aren't on the slopes, you can ice skate, challenge yourself on the climbing wall, or warm up with a beverage from the multitude of hot chocolate spots around Snowmass Village.

Where to stay: Keep things easy with a stay at the ski-in, ski-out Limelight Hotel Snowmass, where guests keep cozy as well as entertained with live music, a kids' room, and fire pits in the pool area.

Telluride

Best for: Views and steep terrain

Telluride is quite a drive (360 miles) from Denver, but the views as you pull into town are worth commuting from the capital. And then there's the skiing: Telluride Ski Resort boasts 19 lifts and 149 runs — including plenty of hike-to and extreme terrain. When your ski legs need a break, book a sleigh ride dinner on the historic family ranch west of town or shop your way down Telluride's wildly picturesque main street.

Where to stay: For residential-style lodging right at the base of the ski area, check out the Fairmont Heritage Place Franz Klammer Lodge, or stay downtown at the New Sheridan Hotel (also home to a popular restaurant and bar).

Vail

Best for: Fun in the villages

The town of Vail runs along a major interstate, but don't think it's devoid of a proper ski village. In fact, there are two main separate-but-connected ski villages at the base of the expansive Vail Ski Resort (which has 195 trails and 32 lifts). You can walk or hop on the free shuttle to get around.

Thanks to Vail's size, you'll also find plenty to do off the slopes — go Nordic skiing east of Vail Village, hit the spa, or spend the day shopping and eating your way through town.

Where to stay: Book your stay at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Vail Village or The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort in the quieter village of Lionshead for upscale comfort that comes with easy access to the slopes.