Since we haven’t gotten our kids yet, we always play with our niece and nephew or our friends’ kids. This topic is all about our experience of ski trips in Colorado ski towns with my little niece and nephew.
I have to say that a family ski trip isn’t a cheap option, honestly. But it is worth it. Your mind, kids minds will be full of smiles and remarkable memory.
Below are seven Colorado ski towns that we recommend to the family who plan to ski with kids. In each town, I will share the pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Aspen
Aspen Skiing
The first Colorado ski town I’m sharing is Aspen. Aspen was initially called Ute City, a mining town in the Centennial State. There was nary a chairlift sight in the old day, and miners nailed leather foot straps to 10-foot wooden boards and schussed down the mountain after work.
Nowadays, Aspen expanded 42 ski lifts on four different mountains, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Highlands, and Snowmass. They are HUGE, with many areas to be accessed, all with a cafe or restaurant within the ski-in, ski-out ability. Depending on the weather and wind direction, you can always find somewhere to ski out of the wind.
The lift prices are not particularly low (especially considering we paid Australian dollars.) But we understood we needed it, and the facility works well. Even when it is busy, there are hardly any lift queues longer than 15mins. Especially mid-week, you can ski right into many of the lifts with no lines at all. Amazing!
Most have groomed areas, left un-groomed on the side of those slopes. Therefore, you can choose the level you feel like skiing at it. Especially while my husband went for a more challenging run, my niece and nephew and I could cruise around. Everyone with different abilities got fun.
Stay Aspen
There’s an airport where billionaires now land their private planes. We’re moral, so we took the free shuttle, which is only 30 mins away.
Like other North America’s America’s ritziest ski towns, famous brand stores line the streets. And the Aspen Art Museum is a Shigeru Ban lattice-like building with a verdant rooftop garden. Also, you can experience fine dining in Aspen. A bizarre blend of ski bums and tourists visit every snow season. Sometimes, you can see movie stars and rappers checking out the scene.
Unlucky me, I haven’t seen famous people here. (Perhaps I did, but I didn’t notice.) However, Aspen is a beautiful mountain town, and I can embrace Aspen on foot. In other words, Aspen is a walkable town, and the sidewalk is heated and easy to walk on. The coolest thing is I could ski Aspen Mountain directly into downtown Aspen! Then depend on how I felt, I could walk around or take Downtowner (free public transportation in Aspen) to anywhere I want, including the gondola. I don’t need a car in this town.
Usually, I went back to the hotel and had a good shower. Then drink a glass of Aspen Crud at Hotel Jerome’s J-Bar. (Heard it’s local routine, I tried to eat like local, lol) Sometimes, I hand down to Pyramid Bistro. There are vegan/vegetarian options and meat options. I’m not a vegan/vegetarian person, but I love the food is tasty and gluten-free. If you love BBQ like me, try Aspen Hickory House. It’s an affordable dinner place in town. They have kids menus, and the food is delicious. My favourite dishes are ribs and benedict. Especially the pork ribs, it’s decadent and delicious!
Aspen Pros, Cons & Cost
Pros: People who are into more refined things in life. Delight town with delicate restaurants, high-end accommodation, four ski areas for one ticket
Cons: Expensive, crowded, longline (but won’t wait long)
Aspen Average Daily Cost (per person): $358
Aspen Things to Do
Ski Area
- Aspen Mountain
- Buttermilk
- Highlands
- Snowmass
Hot Springs
- Iron Mountain Springs
- Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
- Conundrum Hot Springs
Attractions
- Ice Age Discovery Center
- Aspen Art Museum
- The gondola up to Aspen Mountain
- Snowshoeing
- Snow tubing
- Snowmobiling
- Ice-skating
- Rock climbing
- Sledding
- Swimming in the indoor pool
- Hot spring
- Nordic skiing
Aspen Events
- Aspen Annual festivities (January 11 to 14)
- Aspen Gay Ski Week (January 14 to 21)
- Après Ski Cocktail Classic (March 8 to 11)
- Counting down to the end of each year (12 days)
Breckenridge
Second Colorado ski town I’m talking about is Breckenridge. Breckenridge settled between Vail and Denver. The former boomtown sits at 9,600 feet above sea level, making Breckenridge is known for its high altitude life. Like Aspen and Vail, famous for its luxe ski resort, stunning mountain scenery, and endless recreation.
I like the quaint Victorian buildings and Breckenridge’s historic main street, and it made me feel the ancient town. The shops at main street may not be fancy as Aspen, but still gorgeous. I don’t recommend tourists drive a car to Breckenridge because it’s terrible.
There’s not a lot of parking you can park at the bottom gondola. However, you would pay for parking. The free parking lot is so far away. You would get on the bus, shuttle to the bottom of the gondola, get on the gondola, go up to the bottom of the ski resort. Then you get on a lift to get to the top to start skiing. It took us like 45 mins to get to the top of the run. It isn’t good, awful!
The mountains are family-friendly, we could ski together and had a lot of funs. It shared a lift pass with nearby Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and not so nearby Vail and Beaver Creek, which is a bonus.
Visit Breckenridge
I was getting cold, so I went to a south Asia restaurant near the main street (I forget the name, it should be Vietnam food). The belly-filling pho was excellent and affordable. My husband, little niece, and nephew ordered banh mi sandwiches (not sure if I spell correctly). It was tasty as well. I wish I remembered the restaurant’s name, would like to revisit it one day.
When we compare travel costs with kids between Aspen and Breckenridge (family of 4), Breckenridge is a bit cheaper than Aspen. It cost us $7530 for a seven-day ski trip to Breckenridge and $4296 for just three days ski trip to Aspen.
In particular, prepare medicine to avoid mild altitude sickness. Some medication could help prevent altitude sickness if you took it two days before and during your trip. We were lucky that our friend gave us this advice, then we got the medicine from a doctor and followed his instructions. Therefore, we didn’t suffer from high-altitude sickness during our trip.
Breckenridge Pros, Cons & Cost
Pros: A little bit of everything. Available for all abilities skiers, four ski areas for one ticket, efficient lift system.
Cons: High altitude, advanced slopes can be windy, busy Main Street
Breckenridge Average Daily Cost (per person): $268
Breckenridge Things to Do
Ski Area
- Arapahoe Basin
- Copper Mountain
- Keystone
- Vail
- Beaver Creek
Hot Springs
There are no natural hot springs in Breckenridge, Colorado, but there are multiple hot springs resorts. It may take a half to one day trip.
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
- Cottonwood Hot Springs
- Salida Hot Springs Pool
- Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
- Hot Sulphur Springs
Attractions
- Breckenridge Sawmill Museum
- Visit ghost towns
- BreckConnect Gondola
- Gold Runner Alpine Coaster
- Cross Country Skiing
- Sleigh Rides
- Snow Tubing
- Snowbiking
Breckenridge Events
- Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines (January)
- Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships (January)
- Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival (October)
- Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas (December)
- Ullr Fest (December)
Vail
Ski Vail
The first time arrived Colorado ski town, Vail. It was like a mini-European village, a little bit Austrian, a little bit Swiss. Two epic ski resorts, Vail and Beaver Creek, offer first-class skiing and amenities and are only ten miles apart. I haven’t been there, too expensive for me. The great thing is many ski hotels, and some are in prime locations in the villages and near the slopes. It will come down to your budget. (Weee!!)
There’s a bronze statue of a soldier carrying skis caught in mid-stride behind the Starbucks to commemorate the 10th Mountain Division soldiers. You could trace this town to World War II.
I heard from locals it was only $5 for a lift ticket back to the old days. It’s hard to imagine that because Vail is the top 5 largest ski areas in North America. If you plan to visit Vail, check to lift tickets earlier or a family lift package, and it’ll save you a lot of money. However, my friend who lives in Australia had a bad experience with the lift ticket service.
Vail Disadvantages of Lift Tickets
My friend bought 2 Epic Passes for the 2021-2022 season. Due to Australia has gone into a shut-down mode, she thought they would fully refund her as not used. But they’re not replying to any enquiries either by phone or email. After more than one month, they answered the email with a refund form she had filled on their website. Then, the lines have remained silent. She still waiting for the refund. What she experienced was horrible customer service.
Besides lift tickets, there’re many advantages to Vail. Specifically, Vail has excellent babysitter services. A few options are available, and my top recommendations are the babysitters from Care4Kids and Activity Sitters. These are CPR, First Aid certified babysitters with years of experience and plenty of enthusiasm for kids, professional childcare service, and made me feel comfortable and confident with them.
Vail Pros, Cons & Cost
Pros: A European vibe. Terrain for beginners through advanced skiers, the nation’s most extensive collection of open bowls, exceptional ski school
Cons: Lack of extreme terrain for expert skiers, crowded, moderate options but not budget-friendly.
Vail Average Daily Cost (per person): $340
Vail Things to Do
Ski Area
- Vail
- Beaver Creek
Hot Springs
- Glenwood Springs
- Iron Mountain Hot Springs
- Mt. Princeton hot springs – natural hot springs
- South Canyon Hot Springs – undeveloped hot springs
Attractions
- The bronze statue of a soldier
- Ski bikes
- Snow tubing
- Snowmobiles
- Mountain coaster
- Ice skating
- Snowshoeing
- Cross country skiing
Vail Events
- Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Downhill (December 2 to 4)
- Vail Snow Daze (December 5 to 11)
- Vail Holidaze (December 17 to 25)
- Vail Street Beat Concert Series (December 15 to April 12)
- Vail Film Festival (March 29 to April 1)
- The Taste of Vail (April 5 to 7)
- Spring Back to Vail (April 9 to 15)
Steamboat Springs
When I walked on the street, it felt like a cowboys town, chilly and quiet, beautiful snowy path, and cowboys.
Unlike other Colorado ski towns, ranching was the primary industry of Steamboat. F.M. Light & Sons clothed the Yampa Valley’s ranchers. Therefore, we visited their historic store and looked around. They have been outfitting Routt County for over 100 years. If you’re interested in cowboy hats, you can get an actual American cowboy hat here.
Thoroughly enjoy skiing in the trees. Here, great powder and wondrous mountain. The Yampa Valley is Colorado’s best tree skiing. The terrain is beginner-friendly, accessible to skiing, but narrow to expert. We also did night skiing, and it’s visible and convenient. We truly enjoyed exploring the mountain. And the lift scans were efficient, so we didn’t wait too long to get up.
Steamboat Pros, Cons & Cost
Pros: Chill in the Old West. Great glade skiing in the trees, good all-rounder resorts, the terrain is suitable for beginners and intermediates.
Cons: Lift passes are expensive, challenging terrain for experts, crowded
Steamboat Average Daily Cost (per person): $323
Steamboat Things to Do
Ski Area
- Steamboat
- Howelsen Hill
Hot Springs
Attractions
- F.M. Light & Sons store
- Winter fly fishing
- Hot air balloon ride
- Ice climbing
- Snow Tubing
- Ice Skating
- Dog sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Cross country skiing
Steamboat Events
Steamboat Winter Carnival (February 9 to 13)
Telluride
Town of Telluride
Telluride sits in a box canyon in southwestern Colorado, and it is like a made-for-Instagram, can’t-stop-taking-pictures place. I was standing in the wide streets of Telluride and took thousands of photos. The old west American town with a snow mountain background, really something different from other ski towns. Also, I was excited that I may meet Oprah Winfrey here! (She moved to this picturesque town.)
Telluride location in remote Colorado, 7 hours drive from Denver. However, you can fly into the highest-elevation commercial airport in the U.S., Telluride Regional Airport, and it will save your time on transport.
You don’t need a car in Telluride. When we arrived in Telluride, it was like an eight-block small town, literally like a country town in Australia, and we walked anywhere in Telluride. Even if you need one, there’s a free shuttle that loops through town every 10 minutes.
Telluride Skiing
While we were on the way to ski, the view from the gondola were terrific, and it unfolded the panoramic view of the box canyon before us. The ski experience with no lift line sight was just perfect. (Lifts are modern, and the staff is friendly.) After skiing, try the truffle fries at Allred’s Restaurant. Their bar menu is extensive, and the portion sizes are enormous. Well worth trying at least once.
The ski trip in Telluride, I would define it as a luxury trip, but the cost flies a bit under than Aspen, Beaver Creek or Vail.
Telluride Pros, Cons & Cost
Pros: A picture-perfect town. Terrain for all abilities, great for backcountry fans or old west fans, varied groups and families, no crowds
Cons: Quite away from any other major towns or cities.
Telluride Average Daily Cost (per person): $331
Telluride Things to Do
Ski Area
- Telluride
- San Juan Mountain
Hot Springs
- Orvis Hot Springs
- Ouray Hot Springs Pool
Attractions
- Telluride-Mountain Village Gondola
- Town park
- Ghost Towns
- Ice skating
- Cross country skiing
- Sledding
- Snowmobiling
Telluride Events
- Holiday Arts Bazaar (December)
- Christmas at Schmid Ranch (December)
- Telluride Fire Festival (December 3 to 5th)
- Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade (December 24)
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a quaint, charming mountain village near Aspen, four hours from Denver, laid-back mining huts, early-20th-century farmhouses, and contemporary log cabins. The Easter-colored Victorian buildings caught my eye when I walked around downtown, and the mountain scenery was spectacular. Escape the crowds, and the resort is unlike the billionaire set of Aspen. Sometimes, Crested Butte is called “the last great American ski town.” The town is much smaller than Vail and Breckenridge but is charming! Affordable lodging prices, nicely groomed runs and not too crowded even on weekends.
The mountain has expert steeps and long, groomed cruisers. It is groomed for beginners and has some of the most rugged, expert terrain in the state. If you hike a little bit, you can ride its iconic butte. My husband did cliffs and trees ski at Teocalli Bowl, and he said it was pretty fun. The most extended lines were at the base. Once you get on the mountain, you don’t spend much time waiting in lift lines.
For families, the Crested Butte Adventure Park and C.B. Nordic Center are perfect for you. Both provide many winter activities for kids, keeps them busy. After that, you can take the free shuttle bus somewhere.
Crested Butte Pros, Cons & Cost
Pros: Great for families, plenty of terrain for all levels of skiers, no crowds
Cons: Away from Denver
Crested Butte Average Daily Cost (per person): $288
Crested Butte Things to Do
Ski Area
- Crested Butte
- Monarch
Hot Springs
Waunita
Attractions
- Crested Butte Adventure Park
- Mini golf course
- Bungy jump
- Sleigh ride
- Mountain biking
- Snow tubing
- Ice skating
- Snowmobiling
- Cross-country skiing
Crested Butte Events
- New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
- Fat Bike World Championships (January 24 to 26)
- C.B. Nordic Yurt Dinners
- Beer Fests
- Alley Loop Nordic Marathon (February)
Winter Park
Mary Jane Winter Park
Winter Park is the closest high peak to Denver and even has a train that leaves Denver on the weekends, going directly to the ski slopes. Many people came to Winter Park to experience the famed terrain, Mary Jane mountain. Winter Park is another place, beside Steamboat, for people who love tree skiing. Another reason I recommend Winter park is Parsenn Bowl, home to “North America’s highest six-passenger chairlift ascending to breathtaking 360-degree vistas.” Moreover, the terrain is suitable for beginners to experts, and all families enjoy the fun. However, there’re many weekend skiers. Perhaps it’s convenient to visit Winter Park from Denver. We waste time at the lift line, especially at the weekend. (And the lift tickets are pricey.)
Winter Park Mountain & Downtown
The mountain village and downtown are separate. You don’t need a car to walk around the village site, and you can easily hop in Cabriolet or small gondolas and go. (The views from the gondola are spectacular.)
The downtown site is not walkable like the village side, but it’s got a variety of restaurants, and affordable lodging and recreations are still easy to access.
The village site is perfect for a family with toddlers. There’s a playground at the village site, free to play. Even kids aged up to 9 can still enjoy and have fun with the equipment with snow. (And it’s free.)
The most thing I want to share is Kid’s night out session at the Winter Park Resort. Kids between the ages of 6-12 can enjoy a night away from their parents. The Camp Idlewild Kids’ Night Out entertain our kids with movies, a lot of crafts, pizza, and more. We can enjoy our date, actual date, only two people without kids for a night.
Winter Park Pros, Cons & Cost
Pros: Great for families, terrain for all abilities, only one hour from Denver
Cons: The crowds, long lift line, lift tickets are a little pricey
Winter Park Average Daily Cost (per person): $325
Winter Park Things to Do
Ski Area
- Winter Park
- Ski Granby Ranch
Hot Springs
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort
Attractions
- Gondola ride
- Snow tubing
- Snowshoeing
- Ice skating
- Ski bike
- Snowmobiling
- Snowcat tours
Winter Park Events
- 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest (January)
- Stagecoach Classic (January)
- Wells Fargo Ski Cup (February)
- Winter Park Resort Opening Day (November)
- Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade (December 24)
FAQs
Can a Beginner Ski in Colorado? Where is The Easiest Place to Ski?
Here are a few great spots for beginners looking to take on the slopesThese towns I recommended are great spots for beginners looking to take on the slopes for the first time in Colorado.
Here are tips and tricks for skiing on the first time—Click Here>>
Do Ski Resorts Check Kids Age?
Often the passes are different colours for adults and kids. Sometimes, they have large print specifying each. And yes, the ski resorts do check!
If you manage to get a pass (which may be an electronic card depending on places), although you won’t have to show it, your pass details will flash up on the screen on the main chair lifts.
If you have a season pass, it has a photo on it. Although you don’t usually show it to anyone, you scan it to open the barrier through your pocket. Sometimes, your image appears on a screen viewed by the liftman.
Some hills offer special lift passes (cheaper) for only the easy hills, such as t-bar, rope tow, etc. Therefore, beginners can get a price break. If you’re looking to save some money at this point, I would suggest going online to see if there are any such special deals. For more saving money on family ski trip options—Click Here>>
Do Kids Ski Free in Colorado?
Some ski resorts in Colorado provide kids with free options, saving many pennies in your wallet. Check the kids’ ski-free alternatives—Click Here>>
How do I plan A Ski Trip in Colorado?
The parents are often hectic planning and packing for a family trip, especially a family ski vacation. Many things need to consider, such as flight tickets, visa (if you’re from outside of the USA), accommodation, ski equipment, nursery items, etc.
Here is the ultimate family ski trip planner—Click Here>>
The handy and printable ski vacation packing list for family—Click Here>>
What Is The Cheapest Way to Ski in Colorado?
I know! It’sIt’s costly at the original price in skiing season. When planning a family ski trip, we often consider how to save money on it. And my experience told it based on when and where you ski.
I had written an article that shares how to plan a family ski trip on a budget—Click Here>>
Where Is Rich Skiing in Colorado?
Beaver Creek in Vail.
“Not exactly roughing it” is the slogan of Beaver Creek ski resort Colorado USA. It is the biggest resort in North America, including three separate and distinct villages, all interconnected by ski runs.
You may well share a lift with the rich and famous and look out for the homes of movie stars and ex-presidents.
Conclusion
These seven places are great for the family ski trip. Especially if you travel with toddlers, Winter Park and Crested Butte are great choices. Here are some useful tips for skiing with kids—Click Here>>
If you or your kids are beginners, it’s a guide share to you how to ski from 0—Click Here>>
