View of skiers with ski lift and snow capped mountains in the background at a Colorado Ski Resort.

Welcome to Colorado, where our mountains tower with world-class skiing, our powder sparkles like champagne, and our slopes thrill riders of all abilities!

From Gold Rush Mailmen to World-Class Ski Resorts

From miners' mailmen crossing snowy mountain on long wooden “ski” boards during Colorado's Gold Rush of the 1800s to today's year-round mountain playgrounds, Colorado's Ski Resorts have carved an incredible journey through the Rocky Mountains.

It all started with Colorado's Pikes Peak's Glen Cove when locals started ski jumping in 1924 and the first rope tow was installed in the mid 1930s, followed by an 848-foot tow in 1937 on Berthoud Pass. But the real transformation came during World War II when the US Army built Camp Hale near Leadville to train the elite 10th Mountain Division. More than 14,000 ski troopers learned to ski and climb, and when they returned home after the war, they built Colorado's legendary ski industry! Larry Jump, Frederick Schauffler and Dick Durrance founded Arapahoe Basin in 1946. Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton founded Vail in 1962. And, the 10th Mountain Division veterans helped develop Aspen Mountain. You can still see their legacy etched into the mountains, from runs named Riva Ridge at Vail to the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association's back-country shelters and the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument.

What began as a military training ground evolved into world-class four-season mountain destinations that now offer everything from championship skiing to summer adventures in lift-accessed bike parks!

With 31 Ski Resorts and Hills offering over 45,000 acres of skiable terrain and an average of 65+ fresh snow days per season, there's no better place to experience the ultimate winter adventure. From Vail and Aspen to family-friendly Keystone and Breckenridge, you'll find your perfect mountain escape with 300 days of sunshine annually. Whether you're chasing the longest ski season at Arapahoe Basin, Steamboat's Champagne Powder®, or the highest chairlift in North America at Breckenridge, check out our Ski Resort Map for trail maps, opening and closing dates for 2025-2026, and everything you need to plan your Colorado Ski Vacation!