Guide to Ski Resorts in Summit County

With winter around the corner, many of us want to make the most of it by heading to a ski resort. Summit County, Colorado is one of the best places to do just that, as it has always been a popular mountain destination for winter skiing. It’s also home to some of the best ski resorts in Colorado and the country.

Check out the following list in no order of popularity, of world-class ski resorts found in Summit County, Colorado. Pick one for a great winter adventure!

1. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Do you live for adrenaline-inducing ski adventure?

If so, then Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is perfect for ski daredevils like you. Its extreme mountain landscape has some of the longest and steepest skiing terrains in North America. Two of its notoriously challenging mountain terrains are Pallavicini (famously called “The Legend”) and the East Wall.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (or A-Basin as locals have dubbed it) is roughly half an hour away from the Summit County lodging. Despite being considered the smallest of the four most popular ski resorts in Summit County, its lifts can still deliver you up the side of the mountain at 2,270 feet to ski.

Another popular skiing area in the Arapahoe Basin areas of Summit County is Zuma Cornice, where you will enjoy 360-degree mountain views. Beginners and intermediate skiers will be delighted to find that the Montezuma Bowl has increased powder runs for their category. Advanced skiers will also welcome the additional openings of new cornices and glades.

Arapahoe Basin offers seven days of parking for free and a Kids Snowsports Center with snow sports programs for kids.

What could be better incentives for families?

If you want to save money on lift tickets, purchase online in advance for maximum savings. There is also open registration for kids aged 3 to 16 for multi-week ski and snowboard programs. All levels are welcome. This is a great offer to take advantage of if you have kids who love outdoor snow sports.

Arapahoe Basin also has season passes available. This translates to unlimited skiing and riding with no blackout dates for the 2019–2020 season. One full season pass costs an adult (aged 16-69) $549, a youth (ages 15-18) $369, and a child (ages 6-14) $209.

Depending on your preference, other types of season passes are also available, like the 2019–2020 Midweek Season Pass, Double Down 2-season Pass, 2019–2020 Any Day Pass, and many more. There are special prices for different categories, like active veterans and dependents, seniors (aged 70+), college students, and children.

2. Breckenridge Ski Resort

Considered one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado, Breckenridge is just a 15-minute drive from Frisco Lodge. This ski resort is famous for having a bit of something for everyone. The mountain terrain at Breckenridge is divided into advanced/expert trails (58%), intermediate level (31%), and beginners (11%).

Breckenridge has five impressive mountain peaks, four terrain parks, eleven bowls, and the Imperial Express, renowned as the highest chairlift in North America. This ski resort also boasts family-friendly terrain with a first-rate global ski school.

Breckenridge possesses breathtaking Colorado mountain views. The Breckenridge locals have heartwarming spirits and friendly natures, drawing a huge number of skiers annually. The mountain town also has several restaurants, bars, and year-round activities to entice multiple visits. It is no wonder people come to Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Breckenridge constitutes Peaks 6–10, designed for different skill levels. The newest is Peak 6, suitable for those looking for an above-treeline experience. Skiers with intermediate skills will relish Peak 7. Peak 8 welcomes all skill levels, and Peak 9 is excellent for beginners with its wide spaces. Peak 10 is reserved mostly for advanced skiers with its challenging, steep runs.

Breckenridge ski resort offers different passes, like Epic, Summit Value, Epic Day, and Epic Local. However, its popularity also means they can sell out fast. It is better to be a Breckenridge pass holder and save up to 40% on lift ticket prices with the Buddy Ticket offer. Other discounts can be enjoyed through a Ski With A Friend promo. Always plan and book in advance if you want to enjoy the captivating Breckenridge Ski Resort. It’s definitely one of the best resorts in Summit County!

3. Copper Mountain Resort

If you prefer a less crowded (but still large) ski resort in Summit County, then Copper Mountain Resort is the best fit for you. A quick ten-minute ride from the Summit County Lodging will bring you to this mountain village. It is a year-round destination offering an authentic and comfortable, and unobtrusive atmosphere.

Copper Mountain’s resort consists of three peaks divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced areas. The three courses have their own bases but are interlinked and can be accessed easily through the mountain lifts.

Advanced skiers love Copper Mountain Resort for its challenging bowls. Beginners appreciate its terrains and top-notch Copper Ski and Ride School instructors.

This resort has affordable winter 2019­­–2020 season passes. Copper Pass offers unlimited and unrestricted skiing/riding at Copper Mountain Resort. Adults pay $629, college students and teens (13-17) pay $449, children (4-12) cost $309, and kids four years old and younger are free. Other types of passes are the IKON, IKON Base, and Military Season.

For those looking for great deals on lift tickets at the Copper Mountain Resort, make sure to book online. Purchasing at least a day in advance entitles you to as much as a 48% discount! There are also military discount tickets available. If you want to save even more, book a lodging package. This one gives you the lowest prices for lift tickets.

What are you waiting for?

It is time to head to Copper Mountain Resort to enjoy more than 140 trails, 2,465 acres of terrain, and an exciting vertical drop of 2,601 feet.

4. Keystone Resort

Keystone Ski Resort has long been a staple favorite for family bonding in Summit County, Colorado. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, the Keystone resort has you covered. Possessing the largest terrain in Summit County, Keystone Resort offers 3,000 skiable acres.

This resort spans three mountains: Dercum, North Peak, and The Outback. Depending on the kind of thrill you enjoy, you can choose which mountain to make a beeline for. Dercum Mountain is where you will find the A51 Terrain Park. For heart-pounding challenging runs, make your way to the summit of North Peak. For some intoxicating tree skiing, The Outback is the perfect place to take on the terrain. Daredevils can maximize their experience at Keystone Resort by going on a snowcat guided tour. This is available in the advanced terrain zones in the Independence, Erikson, and Bergman Bowls.

What’s interesting about Keystone Resort is its wonderful trails that are open for you to explore (all 131 one of them!). There are two charming villages, twenty lifts, and two gondolas in this resort. All types of skiers are welcome. Its terrain is divided into advanced/expert trails (57%), intermediate level (29%), and beginners (14%).

If you are not quite confident yet in your skiing abilities, Keystone Resort has a Ski&Ride School brimming with options for guests. Family private lessons are available to learn the sport and strengthen skills together. This paves the way for creating memorable and lasting bonding experiences. Other programs available are designed for a fun learning environment for young skiers. Kids have options to partake in the Keystone All Mountain Performance program, Kroozers Program, or Explorers Program.

Aside from skiing, the resort also offers impressive first-rate dining options and an outstanding luxury spa to unwind and recharge after a long day in the snow. Kids will never get bored with the endless free daily Kidtopia events. Families can also enjoy mountaintop snow tubing, gliding through ice rinks, night skiing, and the largest snow fort in the world.

If you have kids aged twelve and below, you might consider at least a two-night stay in the resort so they can enjoy some free skiing. Keystone Resort is the ultimate family getaway.

To score the lowest price for lift tickets, it is best to book online seven days in advance. Apart from that, Keystone Resort offers a Buddy and Ski With A Friend ticket for deep discounts to pass holders. They also offer a Keystone Plus Pass, Epic Local Pass, Summit Value Pass, Epic Pass, and a Keystone Crested Butte 4-Pack.

A Keystone Plus Pass pertains to unlimited access to Keystone, five days at Crested Butte with limited holiday restrictions, and unlimited access to Breckenridge after 4/1/20. For those content to ski at two resorts with limited restrictions, a Summit Value Pass is recommended. It offers unlimited skiing at Keystone and limited restrictions in Breckenridge. The other passes allow guests multiple access at 17 peak ski resort areas. Serious skiers would consider this the best pass to purchase.

Those who want to enjoy four days at Keystone and Crested Butte will find the Keystone Crested Butte 4-Pack Pass a wonderful deal. It is good to check online first to see which passes are available considering the popularity of ski season.

Conclusion

These are the four biggest and world-renowned ski resorts in Summit County, and each has fantastic offers. Pick one of these resorts that will surely make your winter experience in Colorado amazing. Or better yet, try all of the resorts to find your favorite! Regardless of which one of these world-class ski resorts you decide to visit, you’re sure to have a great time.

You might also consider checking out the Loveland Ski Area, which is a short drive from Summit County and offers beautiful slopes for all levels of athletes!

Posted on 12/18/2019 in Outdoors, Winter # Ski Resorts, Summit County