Colorado Ski Resort Review In bounds at Silverton. Oh yeah... Ok, right up front, I've got to say that this is from an expert skier's point of view. If you like bumps, trees, steeps, couloirs, cliffs, and picking through tight technical terrain (preferably all at once), then this review is for you. If you are a beginner skier then ignore everything that follows. Beginner terrain is easy to find, but when it comes to expert and extreme terrain some resorts outshine the others. In my opinion. Only my opinion. The view from Aspen Highlands. Best overall ski areas 1. Aspen Highlands. Has it all. Steeps, moguls, great hike-to terrain, superb trees, and some fun though smallish cliffs on the front side. Lifts are very well placed. Only needs a little more of the crazy technical terrain. Killer views. 2. Crested Butte. Incredible steeps and cliffs with technical turns through tight rocky terrain, though not a lot of bumps. Kudos for opening terrain that other resorts wouldn't even think about (they are perfectly willing to let you get in waaay over your head).

Would be the best in the state except for two serious shortcomings. First, the lifts are very poorly placed for expert skiers. It's an annoying three(!) lift rides for each run on the extreme terrain. And at least one of the lifts will always have a long line. It's hard to get enough runs in one day to make the hefty ticket price worthwhile. Second, Crested Butte is hit or miss with snowfall. Near as I can figure, their best terrain is open only one out of three years. 3. Silverton. Fantastic long steeps, couloirs, cliffs, and trees with deep powder that's preserved by the limited number of skiers. The only downsides? No bumps and almost all of the terrain involves at least a short hike and usually a long hike. Combined with the hit-or-miss shuttle rides back to the base (at least when skiing without a guide), you only get six to eight runs per day. But each run will be excellent, and this is probably the best ski area for powder snobs. The new heli-ski option seems like an annoyingly noisy and bad idea in a ski area that otherwise has a remote backcountry feel.

Every skier at Silverton is a very good skier. There are no beginner or intermediate runs. None. 4. Telluride. A great combination of bump runs, trees, bowls, and steep hike-to technical terrain. They are willing to let you get in trouble in some places, but incongruously, rope off many other fine spots. Great town. Gorgeous scenery. 5. Mary Jane (and Winter Park). Best bumps in the state. Best trees in the state. And these are long runs. Many great cliffs for those who know where to find them (follow a local through the trees). For day-in day-out skiing this is my favorite resort in the state. All it lacks are the steep runs of the above resorts, though in the last year Mary Jane has been much better about opening the short but steeper Chutes on a regular basis. I recommend skiing primarily the Jane side, but don't completely neglect the bumps and trees on the Winter Park side. Easy close-in parking on the Jane side, which is unusual for a resort this size. Unfortunately, the pine beetle is killing virtually every tree in Grand County and may irrevocably alter the landscape of this resort. We'll see. Moguls at Aspen.

Best moguls 1. Mary Jane. Best bumps in the state. Period. If you want to be a better and more precise skier, get your pass here. Try the "C-lift Challenge" -- in one day, ski every bump run accessible as a round trip from the Challenger lift. 2. Aspen Highlands. Steep fun bumps! Can get icy, but some of the trees have good bumps that hold up well during those warm snaps. 3. Arapahoe Basin. Nice technical bumps, particularly through the trees in the Alleys. The easy side of Crested Butte. Best technical terrain (cliffs, billy-goating, ultra steeps, etc.) 1. Crested Butte. Hands down winner. Too bad the resort is laid out for beginners and takes three lift rides for every run on the steeps. Only visit in a very good snow year. 2. Silverton. Great hike-to terrain with fun chutes and slots through rock. Best terrain requires longer hikes that will limit the number of runs, but don't neglect some of the easier access cliffs like Raff. 3. Telluride. Great hike-to technical terrain. Nice pockets of hidden fun scattered on many lifts.

Would be nice if they dropped some ropes on Gold Hill Express. 4. Mary Jane (and Winter Park). Many great cliffs and technical shots for those who know where to find them (hint: look in the trees -- at least 12 different cliff areas come to mind at the moment). I just wish they would drop some of those ropes in and around the Chutes. An orange warning sign saying "Cliff" would be sufficient. Trees at Telluride -- another fine choice. Best trees 1. Mary Jane. So many to choose from, and so nice and long. Most trees on the Jane side have bumps, but if you want fewer bumps try the Eagle Wind lift. And if you don't want any bumps, try the infrequently skied trees on the Winter Park side. Caveat: the mountain pine beetle is devastating the forests along the Front Range. The tree skiing may look very different in a few years. 2. Steamboat. The trees are the only reason to visit Steamboat. Fantastic expansive aspen groves with great powder. Don't miss the trees on some of the lower lifts. 3. Aspen Highlands. Steep and fun.

Try any patch between the bump runs, and poke around a bit to find some nice aspen groves. Most folks will do the long hike all the way to the top of Highlands Bowl, but consider hiking only 5 minutes and dropping through the trees instead. Trees on the front side can also be quite good. Woohoo! Powder day, if I can find my car. Best powder This is a hard one. Every resort can get great powder, but these are my choices for having consistently big dumps that hold up well. 1. Silverton. The number of skiers is limited by design, so duh, of course there will be stashes five days after the storm. But their location is also excellent. They get a lot of snow. 2. Wolf Creek. Just seems to dump on this place. Great for early season powder. 3. Loveland. Yes, Loveland. Big snows, small crowds, and a gigantic bowl (Chair 9) that make other resorts wish they understood the meaning of "bowl". But watch for the winds which can really strip the snow away. Goes through long dry spells, particularly in January. Some of the fine trees at Loveland.

(Photo: Brian Bahr) Most underrated ski areas 1. Loveland. A surprising number of people pass this ski area on their way to Breckenridge and Vail. Why on earth? Loveland has much better terrain, even if it is smaller and colder. No parking hassles, good skiers, no lift lines, ok bumps, good trees, and some of the state's best and easiest hiking for powder. 2. Sunlight. Overshadowed by the nearby Aspen resorts. Has surprisingly fun steeps, though it takes two slow lift rides and a long traverse to get to the best terrain. 3. Eldora. Small and very few bumps, but has surprisingly good tree runs. Check out Bryan and Salto Glades. After a few visits with lots of poking around, you'll find some of the secret stashes. Wait for early spring to be sure the cover is decent. Forget Vail. Go backcountry. Now that's good technical terrain. Vader Couloir, Indian Peaks, CO, 2007. Most overrated ski areas Ok, before you lynch me, this is just one person's opinion (and a slightly demented person who prefers extreme ski terrain).

These are some of the most successful resorts in the world, so I feel like I must be missing something somewhere. Probably am. Many, many people enjoy these resorts. More power to them. 1. Vail. Hardly any steeps, and takes forever on a zillion traverses and lifts to get to the "good terrain". Powder disappears fast. Expensive tickets. Annoyingly expensive pay-to-park. A town with no charm. I don't ski here even when I have a pass. Just big. And we all know bigger is better. Ugh. 2. Breckenridge. Flat. Only a few steeps and not many bumps except on short southern (icy) exposures. Have to park a million miles from the resort. Expensive. Again, it's just big. 3. Steamboat. Yes, there are good reasons to ski Steamboat. Powder and excellent aspen glades. I don't want to imply that this is a bad place to ski. I've had some very happy powder days here. None-the-less, Steamboat is waaay oversold and overrated.

No steeps anywhere (ok, maybe two turns if you spend 10 minutes hiking) and very few bumps. The sea of condos are a blot on what used to be a nice town. Again, Steamboat is a much better choice than some other resorts but that doesn't change the fact that expert skiers should look elsewhere and ignore the hype. Awe Chute at Mary Jane. A ranking of all Colorado ski areas Remember, this is from the point of view of a skier that likes to see cliffs, rocks, couloirs, bumps, obstacles, cornices, tight slots, and general gnarlescence. If you like challenging terrain, then I'm guessing you would place each of these resorts within three or four slots of my rankings. In most cases, I would say that the difference between any three consecutive rankings is splitting hairs. 1. Aspen Highlands. Has it all. Steeps, moguls, great hike-to terrain, superb trees, and some fun though smallish cliffs on the front side. Lifts are very well placed. Only needs a little more of the technical terrain. 2. Crested Butte.

Incredible steeps and cliffs with technical turns through tight rocky terrain, though not a lot of bumps. Kudos for opening terrain that other resorts wouldn't even think about (they are perfectly willing to let you get in waaay over your head). Would be the best in the state except for two serious shortcomings. First, the lifts are very poorly placed for expert skiers. It's an annoying three(!) lift rides for each run on the extreme terrain. And at least one of the lifts will always have a long line. It's hard to get enough runs in one day to make the hefty ticket price worthwhile. Second, Crested Butte is hit or miss with snowfall. Near as I can figure, their best terrain is open only one out of three years. 3. Silverton. Fantastic long steeps, couloirs, cliffs, and trees with deep powder that's preserved by the limited number of skiers. The only downsides? No bumps and almost all of the terrain involves at least a short hike and usually a long hike. Combined with the hit-or-miss shuttle rides back to the base (at least when skiing without a guide), you only get six to eight runs per day.

But each run will be excellent, and this is probably the best ski area for powder snobs. The new heli-ski option seems like an annoyingly noisy and bad idea in a ski area that otherwise has a remote backcountry feel. Every skier at Silverton is a very good skier. There are no beginner or intermediate runs. None. 4. Telluride. A great combination of bump runs, trees, bowls, and steep hike-to technical terrain. They are willing to let you get in trouble in some places, but incongruously, rope off many other fine spots. Great town. Gorgeous scenery. 5. Mary Jane (and Winter Park). Best bumps in the state. Best trees in the state. And these are long runs. Many great cliffs for those who know where to find them (follow a local through the trees). For day-in day-out skiing this is my favorite resort in the state. All it lacks are the steep runs of the above resorts, though in the last year Mary Jane has been much better about opening the short but steeper Chutes on a regular basis. 6. Arapahoe Basin. Small ski area, but great runs on the Pali lift.

Steep bumps, and great trees in the Alleys. Excellent hike-to terrain with billy-goat options. Plenty of airtime available in Grandfather Cliffs and the North Pole. Overrated back side, but it keeps the crowds down on the Pali lift, so hooray for that. Many very good skiers. Only hits its stride in mid spring when the cover is finally decent. 7. Wolf Creek. Steep Waterfall area and Knife Edge are a blast. Great trees with some old growth. Short runs, but I get more powder here than just about anywhere else. Nice small resort feel. 8. Aspen. Has lots of fun terrain with some really fine moguls and aspen glades. Has some nice steeps here and there. The biggest drawback is the horribly placed lifts. Most decent runs require a two-lift round trip. Great but expensive town. 9. Snowmass. Better than the trail map might imply. Has some nice hike-to technical terrain, and has a few good bump runs. Some occasional steeps and some good hucks. Not my top choice, but still a fine destination. 10. Loveland. The most underrated ski area in the state.

Small, but larger than most folks realize. Not a lot of technical terrain, but some big cornices off the divide. Expansive hiking. Good powder, ok bumps, some excellent trees, and a friendly atmosphere. 11. Keystone. Overrated, but still has some really good trees and bumps in the Outback. When the snow is good, I can spend a happy day in the trees here. Unfortunately, as a rule, Keystone doesn't get very good snow. 12. Beaver Creek. Ok, not bad. Has lots of good bump runs, though they over sell them (e.g., their "radically-insane super-crazy Birds-of-Prey bump challenge" is, well, easy). Some fun trees here and there. Not many steeps. 13. Copper. Lots of bumps, but many are on an annoying double fall line. Their bowls are overrated (like most bowls at most resorts). Some good trees. "Town" has no charm and parking is annoying. Nowhere obvious to bring and eat your own lunch. 14. Eldora. Small, but good tree skiing. Serious lack of bumps which they should fix asap (how about letting Mule Shoe bump up?).

Wish they would reopen night skiing (limited, but it was fun as an after-work diversion). Incredible upslope powder dumps, but gets crowded on those days. Wait for early- to mid-spring for the good coverage. Low elevation and man-made snow means lots of ice. New Englanders will feel right at home. 15. Steamboat. Yeah, yeah, I know. Great powder and great aspen groves. Really good aspen groves (worth trying at least once). This resort isn't near the bottom of my list, but it's waaay oversold and overrated. No steeps anywhere (ok, maybe two turns if you spend 10 minutes hiking) and very few bumps. The sea of condos are a blot on what used to be a nice town. 16. Sunlight. An underrated little resort overshadowed by Aspen. Has some surprisingly fun steeps and tree shots, but the two-lift round trips are annoying. A great option as a half day on your way to Aspen Highlands. 17. Monarch. Not a bad little resort, but only has enough to keep me interested for a few hours.

Nobody skis the trees, so you can get some nice powder several days after the storm. The hike-to terrain is short but good -- on the right side, aim for the small orange warning signs that say "Cliff". (Those signs attract me like a magnet.) 18. Breckenridge. Used to have the advantage of being a real town, but like much of the I-70 corridor, it has been overrun and condo-ized. Oh, and the skiing sucks. Flat and boring. Sorry. 19. Vail. Ok, go ahead and shoot me. I know you love it, but I don't. It's boring and expensive. There, I said it. 20. Powderhorn. Actually has a few surprisingly good tree runs through mixed aspen forest. And has a few bump runs. It's just not very exciting for more than a half day. I recommend this only as a half day excursion on your way to Telluride or Silverton. 21. Buttermilk. Ho hum. Don't be fooled by the presence of the Winter X-Games. There is very little for the advanced skier.

That being said, Buttermilk has a few very long steep groomers that can be incredibly fast in the early morning. You will catch 30 feet of horizontal air over some of the steeper rollovers. That is fun. 22. Ski Cooper. A nice little resort with pleasant views suitable for families and beginners, but utterly boring for an advanced skier. Come here to learn to ski backwards because nothing else will be interesting. 23. Sol Vista Basin. And at the bottom of the list... a lame excuse for trying to sell real estate. It's blatant; every lift tower has another ad. The staff is friendly, but there is no interesting terrain unless you are a beginner. Snow cover is usually poor. As a sure warning sign, they advertise their golf as much as their skiing. For Durango, Echo, Howelson, Kendall -- see fine print. The fine print For the persnickety, I am defining ski resorts and ski areas as any place with a ski lift, more than a few acres of terrain, and an emphasis on all types of downhill snow sports.

This excludes Echo mountain (small and emphasis on snowboarding terrain parks), Howelson Hill (small and emphasis on ski jumping), and other small mom and pop operations like Kendall Mountain (ultra small). I'm also excluding dead resorts like Berthoud and otherwise excellent resorts outside of (but very near) Colorado like Taos, Alta, Snowbird, etc. And one other caveat: I have skied Durango Mountain (aka Purgatory), but not recently enough to give it a fair shake, so I'm not including it in the rankings, though my recollection is of a very intermediate-level resort. Most of the other resorts I have skied this season (2008-2009). My opinions are based on upwards of 2000 skier days over 20 years, but the distribution is not even. I ski resorts near Denver a lot more than resorts in the southwest part of the state. It's strictly a function of proximity. Frankly, the southwest has better skiing. Last update: April 2009. David Bahr at dbahr at regis.edu .

Insider Guide: Best of Colorado skiing - CNN.com Insider Guide: Best of Colorado skiing By CNN staff Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Colorado's Holy Trinity: Powder. Board. Aspen Mountain. CNN Insider Guides are thoroughly checked for accuracy. Given the fluid nature of the travel industry, however, some listings may fall out of date before guides can be updated. The best practice is to confirm current information on official websites before making plans to visit any business or attraction. (CNN) Fur-clad socialites and A-list celebrities alongside pickup truck and weekend warrior skiers all living large on slopes glorious enough to give Richard Dawkins religion. Beats the bus stop. Is there a cozier city park in the world than Aspen's outdoor fire pit? That may be how the world sees Colorado's top ski destinations -- we'll go out on a snow-crusted limb and call them the best in North America -- but the rowdy frontier mountain spirit here still runs as deep as its top-end visitors' pockets. With 54 peaks over 4,200 meters, Colorado has no shortage of vertiginous terrain for skiing and snowboarding.

Read More But what makes Colorado such a beloved American ski destination is its arid climate, which produces an abundance of light, fluffy snow and 300-plus days of sunshine. Though resorts are dotted throughout the sprawling 25,000-square-kilometer state -- Telluride, Silverton and Wolf Creek are up to 580 kilometers from Denver -- a concentration of world-class resorts cluster around Interstate 70 (I-70), within several hours' drive of the capital. Beats the bus stop. Is there a cozier city park in the world than Aspen's outdoor fire pit? Vail and Aspen Snowmass are the largest, but mountains such as Copper, Breckenridge and Beaver Creek are worth visits for their variety of terrain and extracurricular activities, from open-air hot tubs in swanky mountain lodges to some of the West's best small town nightlife. Even a handful of days in the state make it easy to experience the best of Colorado skiing -- thousands of ski trails, occasional celeb sightings and wine-drenched nights included.

This guide kicks off in Denver -- as do most airborne visits to the state -- then winds through the Rocky Mountains along I-70 to spend some time in Vail. Then it's off to Aspen Snowmass before rounding things off with shorter looks at other ski resort/mountain options in the state. Denver Acclimatizing in the Mile High City Loaded with different, less snow-involved, fun. Loaded with different, less snow-involved, fun. Apart from its inconveniently located airport, Denver is often ignored by ski vacationers and understandably so. Why bother with a city when world-class powder runs await a few hours away? That said, the city has its own charm and makes a great layover spot -- especially if you need to recharge after a long-haul flight before tackling the I-70 route to the mountains. Downtime in the Colorado capital can also help you adjust to the higher altitudes that await. Good restaurants, bars and outdoor gear shops will help make the most of your time. Denver is also a lot cheaper than Colorado's resort towns. Rental gear can be organized at many outlets in the Mile High City, although it's recommended to hire from shops closer to the slopes in case changes or refits are necessary.

Denver hotels The view will still be here after you come back from skiing. Denver's hotel scene got a needed boost with the 2010 arrival of Four Seasons Hotel Denver. With all the quality you'd expect from the chain, rooms are not overstuffed with those unnecessary and often gaudy flourishes stupidly associated with "luxury." Instead, the digs are comfortable and contemporary -- and rather difficult to escape, especially if an early departure is planned. The building is among Denver's tallest, affording some rooms tantalizing views of the nearby Rocky Mountains. Four Seasons Hotel Denver, 1111 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202; +1 303 389 3000 Denver restaurants, bars and nightlife Denver's Highland neighborhood (demarcated by West 38th Avenue, Zuni Street, West 32nd Avenue and Federal Boulevard) has been a hip zone for the past decade or more. Lots of locally owned restaurants dot an area that still remains true to its migrant Italian and Mexican history.

Closer to town, 17th Street is a great trawl with a range of bars, diners and restaurants spread over about 10 blocks. Denver eating options are near limitless. Among a long list: WaterCourse Foods does high-end dining with a big price tag. Vine Street Pub is Denver's branch of Boulder's Mountain Sun microbrewery. It has a range of beers and large servings of cheap and decent pub grub. A few doors down, The Thin Man is a late-night bar with good drinks and slightly disturbing religious décor. The always-crowded Sushi Den is the state's best for Japanese. Book well ahead. My Brother's Bar not only serves Denver's best burger -- the J.C.B. jalapeño cream cheese burger is a favorite -- it also arguably employs the city's best bartenders. Steuben's is a modern diner with great service and atmosphere and a memorable burger with green chili. You'll wait in line for hearty breakfasts at Snooze, but won't complain once the food arrives. The sweet potato pancakes are recommended. The only restrictions to Denver's nightlife are 2 a.m. liquor licensing laws. Denver's nightlife scene is not lacking for options at all ends of the scale.

Don't forget, in the United States even 50-year-olds can get carded at bars and restaurants. Bring ID. Some places do not accept foreign driver's licenses and will demand passports. Not far from downtown, El Chapultepec is a local institution, a tiny bar with live music (usually blues or jazz) nightly. It's a not-to-be-missed attraction -- "Grotty and brilliant!" raved one recent Aussie visitor -- that draws a mixed bag of patrons. The Cruise Room at the Oxford Hotel dates back to the Prohibition era. Servers in bowties bringing superb cocktails help class up both you and your date. WaterCourse, 837 E.

17th Ave., Denver, CO 80218; +1 303 832 7313 Vine Street Pub, 1700 Vine Street, Denver, CO 80206; +1 303 388 2337 Sushi Den, 1487 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210-2226; +1 303 777 0826 My Brother's Bar, 2376 15th Street, Denver, CO 80212; +1 303 455 9991 Steuben's Food Service, 523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203-1329; +1 303 830 1001 Snooze, 2262 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205; +1 303 297 0700 El Chapultepec, 1962 Market St, Denver, CO; +1 

303 295 9126 Cruise Room Bar, 1600 17th Street in the Oxford Hotel, Denver, CO; +1 303 825 1107 Denver shopping The Cherry Creek North area is full of fashion boutiques, restaurants, galleries and other high-end independent stores.

The nearby Cherry Creek Shopping Center houses the more familiar outlets, from Burberry to Saks, along with smaller, interesting boutiques. Anyone unfamiliar with REI should plan a stop at the massive Denver REI. Filled with every piece of outdoor gear you can imagine -- and plenty of things you didn't know existed, but which you'll immediately need to buy -- the store can suck hours from your life. REI stocks items for almost any outdoor activity and the staff can tell you everything about everything. Browse ahead online if you're serious about picking up some great buys. Cherry Creek Shopping Center, 3000 East First Avenue, Denver, CO 80206; +1 303 388 3900 Cherry Creek North, 3003 East Third Ave, Denver, CO 80206; +1 303 388 3900 Denver airport and driving advice Denver International Airport (DIA) is a hub for United and Frontier Airlines, but more than a dozen airlines fly here, including British Airways, Lufthansa and Delta. All major car rental companies have counters at Denver airport.

When heading to the mountains, which are about 120 kilometers west of the city, a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle is preferable. A number of shuttle companies also offer van service to the ski resorts. You can find them listed on the airport's website. Tip: avoid arriving on Friday, when mountain-bound locals clog I-70. Similar issues occur on Sunday's when weekend ski warriors return home. Alternatively, Aspen (Aspen/Pitkin County) and Vail (Vail/Eagle County) both have small regional airports, serviced by United, Frontier, American, Continental and Delta. When driving, keep an eye on weather forecasts and news bulletins. Many mountain roads, including I-70, are forced to close during and after major snow storms. Roads can get icy and driving conditions can quickly become hazardous. I-70 is winding and steep in places, and vehicle accidents are not uncommon. Allow more time to get from A to B than you think necessary, and seriously consider ticking that insurance box on your rental car form. Road closures can also result missing your flight back at DIA Vail Nobody's actually listening. They're too busy looking around.

Among Colorado's more than two dozen ski resorts, Vail, 160 kilometers west of Denver, looms largest with some 21 square kilometers. It's huge. The resort has an astounding menu of terrain options for every stripe of skier or snowboarder. Even more than at most ski areas, it's worth spending time studying the trail map. On the front side, families schuss down 11 kilometers of beautifully groomed beginner and intermediate runs, while kids, beginners and boarders hit the three terrain parks. On the backside, the seven famed bowls offer wide swaths of tree-free turns that harbor fresh powder for days after a storm. Blue Sky Basin is top-notch, though a bit of a schlep to get to. Lifts that access backside runs start closing around 3 p.m. or slightly earlier. Check notice boards. In recent years, the resort has upgraded its on-mountain dining with new mid-mountain hot spots like The 10th, which serves rich comfort food such as chicken-and-pheasant pot pie and hand-cut tagliatelle with elk bolognese. All ranges of dining and drinking options abound in town. There's also a family-friendly ski rink.

As with most ski resorts, tickets are cheaper when bought in bulk ahead of time. At Vail, domestic travelers are advised purchase tickets online more than seven days beforehand and international customers should purchase 14 days ahead. Vail Mountain, Vail, CO 81658; Vail hotels Four Seasons Resort Vail The Four Seasons is perhaps the best reflection of the ongoing revitalization of this beloved ski town. Each room is quiet and large. Nice touches include in-room fireplaces and metal bathtub trays for books, magazines or newspapers, excellent for those who like to linger in the tub. The highlight of the resort is the Ski Concierge station located at the base of the Vista Bahn chairlift -- a short walk from the hotel along a heated pathway that never ices up. Four Seasons guests can stow ski gear inside, while attendants help kids (or lazy grown-ups) put on or remove boots, as well as offer directions and generally take care of the heaving and hefting business of skiing. After a day hitting the back bowls, handing skis and boards to an orange-clad Four Seasons staffer at the base of the run home is one of the sweetest ski experiences possible.

It's like flying business class -- once you've experienced it, you'll never want to go crawling back to economy. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, 1 Vail Road, Vail, CO 81657; +1 303 389 3301 Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa I bet her friends don't lose her with that outfit. The 27 rooms and condos at Vail Mountain Lodge have all the accoutrements of a luxurious mountain abode: feather beds, fluffy down duvets, gas fireplaces and views of the peaks, to name a few. But there are also unusual amenities, like the on-site Vail Vitality Center, a spa and wellness center staffed with doctors and trainers. The hotel also houses the award-winning Terra Bistro restaurant. Vail Mountain Lodge, 352 E. Meadow Drive, Vail, CO 81657; +1 970 476 0700 Alpine Creek Bed and Breakfast Thanks to a revolving cast of friendly hosts, Alpine Creek is far more intimate than cookie-cutter ski condos.

The lodge has only two rooms, which have decks and come with a gigantic breakfast, including specialties like frittatas, Belgian waffles and banana bread. Après ski, arrive home to homemade cookies and tea. Alpine Creek Bed and Breakfast, 1850 S. Frontage Rd. West, #3, Vail, CO 81657; +1 612 850 8092 Other accommodation Throughout Colorado, it's easy to rent homes, condos and apartments. VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) is one of the best sites, with options ranging from studios to mansions. On the ground, local information booths and centers can also assist. Vail dining Bully Ranch When dinnertime rolls around, the Bully Ranch fills up fast with locals. The place has built a reputation on American classics like burgers, chicken wings and New York strip steak, but it also serves unique Western dishes like wild game chili and Colorado lamb with root-vegetable hash. Bully Ranch Restaurant Sweet Basil Ever since Vail became an up-and-coming mountain town three decades ago, Sweet Basil has been the standard of the fine dining.

Choose from some 500 selections off the wine list, sip an artisan cocktail and try dishes like salmon tartare and a truffle-braised pork cheek raviolo. Sweet Basil, 193 Gore Creek Dr Ste 201, Vail, CO 81657-4549; +1 970 476 0125 Kelly Liken Regarded as one of the top restaurants in the mountains, and certainly among the most sophisticated in Vail, Kelly Liken delivers modern American cuisine. The owner and chef, after which the restaurant is named, runs the restaurant with her husband, who juggles director of wine and general manager duties. The wine list is impressive with more than 200 selections. The menu changes frequently. Tables seem a little too close together, perhaps aimed at catering better to the restaurant's popularity. As with Sweet Basil, it's advisable to book well ahead, especially on weekends.

Kelly Liken, 12 Vail Rd., Suite 100, Vail, CO 81657; + 1 970 479 0175 Los Amigos Hungry skiers often end up at Los Amigos, the local's go-to for good, fresh, filling and inexpensive sustenance. The restaurant serves traditional Mexican fare such as steak burritos, seafood enchiladas and margaritas. Los Amigos, 400 Bridge St, Vail, CO 81657; +1 970 476 5847 Vail nightlife Bart & Yeti's On a warm day, there are few better spots at which to knock back a post-ski beer than the lively deck at Bart & Yeti's, located in the Lionshead area of Vail. Five o'clock brings dinner specialties like baby back ribs and Southwest green chile.

Bart & Yeti's, 551 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657; +1 970 476 2754 Vendetta's Vendetta's makes legendary pizza and pasta, but it's best known for its wine and beer, which attract locals well into the wee hours. Sidle up to this old standby with goggle-tanned locals, well-heeled visitors and the occasional celebrity. Vendetta's Italian Restaurant, 291 Bridge St Ste 230, Vail, CO 81657; Aspen If you think about skiing all day long, this is the place to be. The United States' premiere destination for celeb and top-notch skiers and snowboarders, Aspen's combination of world-class skiing, world-class hobnobbing and world-watch-out American party spirit makes it an unbeatable winter destination. Despite the glam, Aspen is remarkably down to earth. On weekdays, it's common to see shoes and bags under park benches at mountain bases, waiting patiently for their owners to return from the slopes. Safe as houses.

Between Aspen's four choice mountain resorts -- Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, Buttermilk -- there's enough skiing here to last a full season. Not that this has stopped many from trying to cram the best of Aspen into a very long and satisfying weekend. Here's how to make the most of your time in Colorado's toniest ski town. Aspen hotels On a quiet edge of downtown, the St. Regis resort epitomizes Aspen's high-minded side. Rooms have the requisite marble bathrooms, leather chairs and million-thread-count sheets. Ski valets whisk away equipment at the end of the day, chauffeurs drive guests around town in Mercedes SUVs and butlers cater to zany whims at all hours of the night. The St. Regis Aspen Resort, 315 East Dean Street, Aspen, CO 81611; +1 970 920 3300 Hotel Jerome You might not need 48 square meters of Premiere King Guest Room after a day on the slopes (that's the smallest of the rooms in this 94-room-and-suite landmark), but you'll definitely appreciate the deep soaking tub in each room, plush bathrobes and outdoor heated pool.

The hotel's Library bar takes pride in its historically accurate pre-Prohibition cocktails. The full service Aspen Club & Spa features 34 treatment rooms. Aspen's mountains are majestic. The experience here comes close. Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resort, 330 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611; +1 800 331 7213 Mid-range Mountain Chalet Aspen Local ski bum Ralph Melville built this Swiss-style chalet in 1954, and his family has been running it ever since. Rooms are simple but comfortable and come with the most important ski-town amenities: a hot breakfast, a location two blocks from the gondola, an outdoor hot tub and free cookies and hot chocolate every afternoon. Mountain Chalet Aspen, 333 E. Durant Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611; +1 970 925 7797 Viceroy Snowmass Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass, accessing part of 1,342 meters of vertical drop, the longest in the United States.

Situated in Snowmass's pleasantly sleepy base village, the Viceroy, opened in 2009, is purposefully unstuffy, with a youthful vibe and a retro-cool aesthetic. Its Eight K Restaurant has some of the village's most inspired cocktails (consider the Moscow mule with house-made ginger syrup), a 650-square-meter spa with Ute Indian-inspired therapies and one-step access to the slopes. Viceroy Snowmass, 130 Wood Road, Snowmass Village, CO 81615; +1 970 923 8000 Aspen dining Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro A table with a view? How about a whole restaurant? Good thing it takes a few calories to get to Cloud Nine, a bistro situated mid-mountain at Aspen Highlands. This tiny restaurant, a former ski-patrol hut, doesn't skimp on the cheese and carbohydrates. Euro-style lunches of fondue or Raclette are served with French vino and tempered with best of Colorado views of the mountains from the 1,000-square-meter perch.

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Cloud Nine Lift Aspen Highlands (On-Mountain), Aspen, CO; +1 970 544 3063 Matsuhisa Aspen It's a testament to Aspenites' refined taste buds that celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa set up shop in this out-of-the-way village. Matsuhisa is housed in an old Victorian and serves Japanese cuisine with Peruvian and Argentine twists. Specialties include sea bass with truffle and lobster with wasabi pepper, plus a wide range of sushi with the chef's dose of culinary magic. Matsuhisa-Aspen, 303 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611; +1 970 544 6628 Woody Creek Tavern Some 14 kilometers north of Aspen, the Woody Creek Tavern is a throwback to wilder times, when local Hunter S. Thompson kept a bar tab. Food is simple, good and inexpensive -- chicken enchiladas are a bar favorite -- and the scenery is entertainingly kitschy.

Photos, postcards, memorials and posters ("Thompson for Sheriff") plaster the walls, and the colorful clientele includes bikers, cowboys, families and dolled-up Texan tourists. Woody Creek Tavern, 2858 Upper River Road, Aspen, CO 81611; +1 970 923 4585 Cantina Aspen For worn-out skiers, there's little better than a heaping plate of Mexican food at the end of the day. Cantina Aspen offers old standbys (tacos, quesadillas, tamales, enchiladas) plus novel dishes like baby-back ribs slow-roasted with beer. The enviable collection of tequilas is served in pitchers of margaritas, snifters or the infamous shot ski.

Cantina, 411 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611-2945; +1 970 925 3663 Aspen nightlife 39 Degrees Lounge One might expect Playboy bunnies or stiletto-heeled celebrities to sidle up to the swanky bar of the Sky Hotel's 39 Degrees Lounge -- and, in fact, they often do. This is the place to quaff cocktails like the dangerously tasty champagne supernova (it involves elderflower liqueur and white peach puree) and thaw frost-nipped toes by the fire while channeling your inner heiress. 39 Degrees, 709 E Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611; +1 970 925 6760 The Red Onion If a place named onion dates to 1892, there has to be something special about it. Built in 1892, The Red Onion is rife with the ghosts of Aspen's wild past. Now helmet-haired locals gather to down pints of New Belgium and hearty bar food like buttermilk-marinated fried chicken.

The Red Onion, 420 E Cooper Ave, Aspen, CO 81611; +1 970 925 9955 J-Bar at Hotel Jerome If not for the Gore-Tex-wearing, iPod-toting clientele, J-Bar at Hotel Jerome would feel like a time warp. At this vintage Victorian-era bar, clever bartenders opened an ice cream parlor during Prohibition and nonchalantly dosed local miners' milkshakes with bourbon. Patrons can still taste the concoction -- ask for an Aspen Crud -- but bartenders now serve their whiskey on the rocks, too. The J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome, 330 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611; +1 970 920 1000 Belly Up Aspen One advantage of Aspen's small size is that it's easy to find the best party. Almost unfailingly, it's at Belly Up, a bar and music venue known for wooing big acts to this remote tour stop. At last check, they had artists like Rufus Wainwright, Jane's Addiction, Lyle Lovett and G. Love and Special Sauce lined up.

In the past ZZ Top, Lucinda Williams and Snoop Dogg have played. Belly Up, 450 S Galena St # 202, Aspen, CO; +1 970 544 9800 Aspen shopping/attractions Aspen Art Museum Few mountain towns can claim the caliber of art that Aspen can. A prime example: the Aspen Art Museum, a free public exhibition space that shows contemporary paintings, sculptures and installations by international artists. A new building to house more exhibitions is in the works. Aspen Art Museum, 637 East Hyman, Aspen, CO 81611; +1 970 925 8050 Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Aspen mountain is great for hiking, not just skiing. Although the former is easier in summer. The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is the town's go-to diversion for non-skiers. Offerings include snowshoe tours from the top of Aspen Mountain, full-moon wildlife walks and evening slideshows by a rotating cast of naturalists and adventurers.

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, 100 Puppy Smith Street, Aspen, CO 81611; +970 925 5756 Hayes Silver Aspen's shopping generally falls into two categories: outdoor gear or fancy stuff normal people can't afford. The latter (Gucci, Burberry, etc.) makes for top-notch window shopping. One notable exception to the mold is Hayes Silver, a family-run business that crafts custom aspen-leaf belt buckles worn by the likes of Stein Eriksen and Gary Cooper. Hayes Silver, 209 E. Bleeker St., +1 970 319 1697 Aspen Walking Tours On ski-bum-turned-historian Dean Weiler's dark side walking tours, visitors listen to spirited tales of Aspen's past, featuring haunted bars, the old brothel district and spooky hotels.

Aspen Walking Tours, 320 East Hyman Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611; +1 970 948 4349 Aspen skiing Aspen Mountain Beginner and intermediate runs are impeccably groomed, but it's the scary-steep double diamonds that draw many to Aspen Mountain. With a base elevation of 2,422 meters, the season is unusually long -- November to mid-April -- and the snow is reliably fluffy. Of 76 trails, more than half are rated either "most difficult" or "expert," making Aspen Mountain a place for veteran skiers to burn some calories and quad muscles. Aspen Highlands Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands. Prices aren't the only things that are steep. At Aspen Highlands, hike to Highland Bowl, a dramatic cirque with famed high-altitude steeps that tops out at an awesome 3,777 meters. The trip up is almost as invigorating as the ride down. On the rest of the hill, three high-speed quad lifts keep traffic moving across 118 trails. This is also where you'll find Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro (see Dining section), probably the greatest high-altitude diner you'll ever find.

Snowmass Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass, accessing part of 1,342 meters of vertical drop, the longest in the United States. With 1,342 meters of drop, Snowmass offers more vertical meters of skiing than any ski area in the country. This resort has also got a stunning variety of terrain, with glades, moguls, groomers, terrain parks and half pipes. At the top of the Village Express chair, Sam's Smokehouse restaurant puts your hometown ski mountain cafeteria to shame. No need to pack lunch. Buttermilk Buttermilk terrain park: family friendly? Depends on your family. Families flock to Buttermilk, renowned for its wide-open and gentle collection of rolling, beginner-friendly trails. At least 35 percent of the 34 kilometers of trails here are rated "easiest." However, it's not all tame. Considered one of the top snowboarding hills in the world, Buttermilk hosts the Winter X Games each year. The seven-meter superpipe in the monster terrain park is a boarder's dream. Aspen ski ticket information For the best prices at any ski resort, purchase lift tickets at least a week in advance online.

All resorts offer deep discounts for multi-day tickets. Lift tickets are good for all four Aspen Skiing Company mountains (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, Buttermilk). Shuttles connect the four resorts all day. +1 970 925 1220; $104 for one day; Beyond Vail and Aspen Colorado is stuffed with world-class ski resorts. If you've got time to get around the state, here are five prime mountains to hit. Already thinking of how to get back up. Breckenridge Breckenridge is one of Colorado's heavyweight ski resorts with 31 lifts, a 1,035-vertical-meter drop and some remarkably diverse terrain. It's also easy to get to and from as a day trip from Denver. Expert skiers head to Peak 8 for double-black-diamond chutes and bowls, intermediates schuss down Peak 7's groomers and jibbers congregate at the resort's three famed terrain parks. The historic mining village itself is worth a detour, with a long line of shops, restaurants and cafes and unusual events like an annual snow-carving competition that attracts international artists.

Stay The slopes are mere steps from ski-in One Ski Hill Place, a tony wood-and-stone lodge with an imaginative array of amenities, like a bowling alley, two private movie theaters, an outdoor fire pit and complimentary transportation anywhere in town. Accommodations include studios, four-bedroom condos and everything in between. Two blocks from Breckenridge's historic Main Street, the Fireside Inn offers cozy, inexpensive doubles, family rooms and dorm-style accommodations. Come evening, skiers gather to swap slope stories in the hot tub or over tea by the fireplace. One Ski Hill Place, A RockResort, 1521 Ski Hill Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424; +1 877 354 6747 Fireside Inn, 114 N French St, Breckenridge, CO 80424; +1 970 453 6456 Copper Mountain Sandwiched between Breckenridge and Vail on I-70, Copper Mountain has a lot to live up to.

But with four challenging high-altitude back bowls, beautifully spaced glades and Tucker Mountain, a backcountry-like area serviced by a free snowcat, it measures up with style. At Woodward at Copper, the first indoor ski and snowboard training facility, riders can perfect jumps on trampolines and a spring floor before hitting the terrain parks. Copper Mountain Ski Area, 209 Ten Mile Circle, Copper Mountain, CO 80443; +1 888 219 2441 Stay In historic nearby Frisco, the same family has run the Victorian Frisco Lodge for more than 50 years. They have the details of hospitality down. Stay in a cozy room furnished with antiques, sip complimentary aprés-ski wine and pick out constellations around the outdoor fire. Hotel Frisco is a slightly more contemporary option, with simple, clean rooms featuring log furniture, a library with games and books, a tea and coffee bar and a hot tub that overlooks Mount Royal.

Frisco Lodge, 321 Main Street PO Box 1325, Frisco, CO 80443; +1 970 668 0195 Hotel Frisco, 308 Main St, Frisco, CO 80443; +1 970 668 5009 Beaver Creek Can you hear the "swoosh?" With skier escalators, ski valets and plates of free cookies come evening, Beaver Creek certainly lives up to its motto: "Not exactly roughing it." But a little known fact: in addition to its groomers, the resort also harbors some rough-and-tumble skiing -- nearly 40 percent of its seven square kilometers are marked "expert." Don't miss the expert Black Bear and Royal Elk glades and the ultra-fast Birds of Prey downhill course. Beaver Creek lift tickets, +1 970 754 4636; $92-$105 for one-day lift ticket; Stay The 24-suite Poste Montane Lodge at Beaver Creek looks just like a traditional European ski lodge -- and its hospitality is just as refined.

After a day on the mountain, guests enjoy a soak in the hot tub, partake in a complimentary wine-and-cheese reception or kick back in the classy wood-paneled reading room. Poste Montane At Beaver Creek, 76 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek, CO 81620; +1 970 845 7500 Telluride A tidy collection of candy-colored Victorians in a steep box canyon, Telluride is easily the state's most gorgeous ski town. Luckily, its isolation in Colorado's southwestern corner translates to zero lift lines and seven largely empty square kilometers. Though it has a nice menu of wide groomers like aptly named See Forever, Telluride is best known for its challenging expert terrain, like the Gold Hill Chutes and Black Iron Bowl. Steamboat Where the Champagne is shredded, not poured. Despite its claims to birthing the most Olympians of any ski resort (79 and counting) and harboring Colorado's best snow (they coined the term champagne powder), Steamboat's vibe is notably laid-back.

After exploring the resort's prized terrain features, like the glades of Pioneer Ridge, Sunshine and Storm Peak, tuckered skiers hit arguably Colorado's best après-ski spot: Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Steamboat Ski Resort, 2305 Mount Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487; +1 970 879 6111 Family Ski Resorts in Colorado Family Ski Resorts in Colorado Colorado Choosing a ski resort for your Colorado vacation with the kids depends on several things: What kind of ski resort you want your budget the kid-friendliness of the resort Winter Lodging Options for your Colorado Ski Trip with the Kids From rustic cabins to five star resorts, Colorado offers families a variety of choices for tucking the children in. Photo: The Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs creates a fairyland of twinkle lights for the winter holidays. LINKS TO Kids Who Ski Keystone find long, sweeping runs, special kid zones, a terrain park with several runs of graduated difficulty, and at the top of the River Run Gondola - a tubing hill and an ice castle.

Photo: Part of the A-51 Terrain Park at Keystone Summertime or wintertime, renting a cabin is a great option for families on vacation in Colorado. Check out our list of great cabins to rent . From fancy to frumpy, most cabins in Colorado are available year round. Custom Search Colorado Hotels have come a long way. Canvas tents and drafty log buildings have been replaced by elegant inns and plush accommodations. Photo: Colorado hotels like The Little Nell in Aspen, offer vacationing families posh quarters close to blue-ribbon outdoor recreation. Colorado's Luxurious Lodges . Did You Know? Ruthie's Run, on Aspen Mountain , is over 55 years old. It remains one of the most demanding downhill race courses in North America. Such greats as Buddy Werner, Franz Klammer, and Pirmin Zurbriggen schussed to World Cup victory there. Kids with good intermediate skills can easily navigate the upper part and say they have skied Ruthie's Run! Photo: Ruthie's Run is served by Ruthie's chairlift at Aspen Mountain ski area. Did You Know? The average snowfall for the 26 major Colorado ski resorts is 295 inches per year.

Some areas (Loveland, Wolf Creek) recorded an average of 400 inches or more per year. Photo: Kids ski in a major snowstorm at Winter Park Photo: Colorado slopes call adventurous families looking for fun in the fresh air and sunshine. Photo: The Promenade at Beaver Creek Village lines the bottom of the ski runs there. Sagas have been sung about skiing adventures, and many parents want their own kids to experience the song of the slopes. But a family ski vacation has considerations that just weren’t a part of the equation when Norse heroes ventured into the mountains. Modern day parents look for amenities like a ski concierge to help get the moppets and gear to the lifts, boot warmers to keep little feet toasty, and marshmallow roasting around a fire pit at the end of the day. Kinds of Ski Resorts The term “ski resort” is used in many different ways, and it can be confusing when you are looking for the right place to spend your family vacation. In Colorado there are several categories for places to ski and services for the skiers: Ski Areas Any place where people go to actually ski and snowboard is a ski area. Some call themselves resorts, some don't.

Most ski areas in Colorado are Alpine (or downhill) ski areas. They have chairlifts that take you up the mountain and slopes cut through the trees. Some ski areas have gondolas (trams) or ski cats (big tractor-like vehicles) to get you up the mountain. Photo: The Number 2 chairlift at Loveland Ski Area lifts skiers to spectacular views and a cozy warming hut. A few ski areas in Colorado are Nordic (or cross-country) ski areas, with groomed trails across meadows and through the woods. Most all ski areas have a lodge at the base where you can buy lunch and warm up on a chilly day. Several have warming huts scattered around the slopes as well. Ski Towns Several ski areas in Colorado have bona fide towns at the base of the ski area, and in these cases, both the town and the ski area are considered the resort. These incorporated municipalities have all the services that go with a town. Think libraries, parks, museums, a police force, clinics or hospitals, and grocery stores. Also, towns tend to have a good number and variety of restaurants and shops. Photo: Many of the streets in the ski town of Vail, Colorado are for pedestrians only.

Ski towns can be at the base of the ski area, with lifts coming right down among the shops, hotels, and parks. At other times, the towns are a bit removed from the ski area which may be served by a free shuttle bus system. Base Areas and Villages Sometimes a ski resort can be just a base area at the bottom of a ski area. When this is the case, the ski runs may come down to a zone with many condominium buildings and some restaurants in addition to the ski area’s lodge. Base areas tend to be less organized than towns, and although individual buildings may be beautiful, there is often a lack of zoning control and a less coherent feel. Photo: Sol Vista is a ski resort that includes a ski area (including a ski lodge) plus a base area of condominium complexes. On the other hand, real estate developers have created villages with a tight rein on architecture and planning. The result is a pretty little hamlet with many of the amenities of a town. While absolutely delightful to the eye, and almost a fairyland for the kids, ski villages (and even some towns) can feel a bit like a theme park after a while. Photo: An ice rink lies at the heart of Beaver Creek Village.

Resort Hotels Within or near many of the towns, base areas, and villages, fancy hotels serve skiing families and call themselves resorts. These resort hotels offer a wide number of activities and services making it unnecessary for families to ever have to leave the facility except to ride the lift up the mountain to ski. They usually have several restaurants, pools, hot tubs, spa services, game rooms, activity programs for kids, daycare, and ski nannies. Photo: The Ritz-Carlton at Bachelor Gulch is a ski-in-ski-out resort hotel that connects to the runs at Beaver Creek with a chairlift from its back door. Choosing a Ski Resort for Your Family So how do you go about choosing the right ski resort for your Colorado vacation? Several factors come into play. Budget The least expensive skiing experience is at the ski areas that stand alone. Many local Coloradans and a fair number of visitors enjoy these slopes for a reasonable price. About an hour from Denver (depending on traffic and weather) families partake in skiing that is every bit as good as at more famous destination resorts. (See Loveland Ski Area ) Usually the least expensive lodging is at the unincorporated base areas, where you can rent a condominium.

(For example, Keystone ) The little kitchen in a condo allows you to save money on meals as well. Many base areas have vacation rental companies who will help you find and book a condominium for your family. (We like Summit Cove Vacation Lodging .) The cost of vacations goes up when you visit ski towns and villages, especially if the place is a household name. ( Aspen , Vail , Beaver Creek ) Some deals can still be found, but they are fewer and farther between than at the less well known spots. The most expensive vacations are at the resort hotels in the well known ski towns. During high season, the prices can stretch from the hundreds into the thousands of dollars per night. However, in most cases, you really do get what you pay for. (For example, read our reviews of the Vail Cascade Hotel and Resort , the Westin Riverfront Resort at Beaver Creek Mountain , and The Little Nell in Aspen.) Time The length of your trip will help you determine what kind of ski resorts to consider. Some families prefer to be close to skiing, even renting ski-in-ski-out accommodations to make the most of their vacation.

Others know that skiing will only be a part of the experience, and are happy to head to a resort that is a bit removed from the slopes. Others want all the details (renting gear, ski school arrangements, cooking) handled so they can focus on enjoying the frosty air and beautiful scenery. Kid Friendliness Some ski areas don’t target the family market, and while they will deal with your kids, they don’t seem particularly enthusiastic about it. Other ski resorts ( Keystone ) go so far as to supply little red wagons to tote your tots and their equipment. On the ski mountains themselves, look for things like tubing hills, snow castles, and kid zones. Some ski areas like Vail have nature centers and activity areas at the top of the mountain. Photo: The deluxe snow castle at Adventure Point, near the top of Keystone's River Run Gondola is a favorite with kids. The view isn't too shabby either. As you plan your Colorado ski vacation with the kids, it's easy to get lost in the smoke and mirrors of the glossy ads. Knowing the lingo goes a long way towards making the right decisions for your family. Happy planning!

Which Colorado Ski Town Are You Which Colorado Ski Town Are You by skiresorts.com ​Known throughout the skiing world as a hub for the snow-sliding enthusiast, Colorado has an All-Star lineup of resorts to choose from. There are almost too many world-class mountains crammed into the state, and deciding on what resort best fits your desired ski holiday can be a daunting task. Don’t let planning a vacation stress you out (that’s entirely antithetical to the purpose of a vacation). Here you’ll find a brief synopsis of the ten major Colorado mountain resorts. All you have to do is read below to find what spot (and stereotype) matches your idea of the perfect Colorado ski town and mountain. Aspen/Snowmass: Aspen at NightKnown for being the playground of the rich and famous, Aspen brings a lot to the proverbial table. Top-shelf is the motif that resonates throughout Aspen, from skiing to dining to art to nightlife. And, there is definitely a “scene” that comes with the territory. Some people relish the scene, others handle it, and some loathe it (they either move down valley or to Crested Butte). Regardless, there’s not a better place in Colorado to fill a self-indulgent day.

Ski hard, eat well, people-watch, shop, art gaze, party, and repeat. Semi-accurate Stereotype: Fur-clad Aspenites come down from their Red Mountain lairs to prey upon the young, helpless gentlemen in town (like Aspen Extreme’s Bryce Kellogg). Beaver Creek: Some people see Beaver Creek in Vail’s shadow, but the atmosphere at Beaver Creek is extravagant and quaint. There’s no comparing Beaver Creek to some of Colorado’s charming mountain towns (like Crested Butte, Steamboat, Telluride, or Aspen). However, as a vacation destination, B.C. learns a lot from its I-70 neighbor: Vail. Ski-in, ski-out accommodations, delicious restaurants tucked into tiny alleys, and fun skiing and boarding are Beaver Creek’s specialties. Luxury and convenience are the methods of operation at Beaver Creek. Semi-accurate Stereotype: Presidents, sultans, and princes like to think that once they cross beneath “the gate” they enter a bubble of opulence and outdoor excursions.

Breckenridge: Every Colorado-based college student (from Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, etc) calls Breckenridge “my mountain.” Day trips to Breck are fairly easy from all of Colorado’s campuses, and the terrain is solid for how little time you spend in the car. It gets freezing on the mountain; hence, the “Breckenfridge” nickname on Colorado’s front range. The park and pipe are at the heart of Breck’s scene, and the other terrain, accessed by the Pama lift up top, is pretty fun (if the winds stay down). Semi-accurate Stereotype: You’ll find 10 guys for every two girls schralping in Breck’s pipe, rocking brightly colored and baggy gear, and looking like a bag of Skittles from a distance. Copper Mountain: All of Denver seems to converge on Copper Mountain every Saturday and Sunday. I-70 whisks skiers and snowboarders up into the Rockies quickly, and Copper is the first “real” mountain people pass.

Thus, the mid-mountain intermediate areas can be pretty scary (scarier than the challenging terrain accessed by snowcat on top of the mountain, and the double-black steeps on the mountain’s eastside). Denver Broncos fans go nuts on gameday in Copper’s base village, leaving the ski runs relatively wide open. And, the best French Fries found on the snow in Colorado are from the T-Rex Grill near the Timberline Express chairlift. Semi-accurate Stereotype: Denver’s masses plug iPod headphones into their ears, and try to emulate the moves they saw in their favorite ski and snowboard magazines. Crested Butte: No matter how you approach Crested Butte—from Gunnison, Marble, etc.—the looming Peak greets all visitors, foreshadowing the mind-blowing terrain to be found on Crested Butte’s mountain. But for how gnarly and intense the Butte’s skiing can be, its town is as mellow as it gets. There’s nothing phony about Crested Butte; the people are real, the town is authentic, the skiing is awesome (even the coffee at Camp 4 is legit).

And, while there aren’t a ton of dining and drinking options, those that are around are good. Semi-accurate Stereotype: Crested Butte-eans wear their TEVA sandals 12 months a year, and drink Pabst Blue Ribbon for their daily vitamins and sustenance. Keystone: There’s a lot more to Keystone than the terrific night skiing, but you won’t find a cooler place to ski under the stars in Colorado. Located close to the front range, like Copper and Breck, Keystone gets crowded on the weekends. So, the park scene is big, and popular trails resemble Los Angeles rush hour more than a ski runs. However, you’ll find fun secret stashes if you follow the locals into the trees or ask a patrolmen. Big names in the freestyle skiing and snowboarding worlds call Keystone home—like Andres Wiig—because of the world renowned A51 Park. Semi-accurate Stereotype: The longest ski day in Colorado, provided at Keystone via the night skiing, is a fun way to make the most out of your ski holiday. Steamboat Springs: Did you know that “Champagne Powder” was invented in Steamboat?

No joke, the folks in Steamboat’s Public Relations department copyrighted the term, and it can legally only be used to describe Steamboat’s snow. There’s a caveat, though: the snow that falls on Steamboat Springs is so good that it deserves a proper name. Super fun low-angle trees, challenging sidecountry terrain, and family-friendly rollers add to the mountain’s allure. In addition, the authentic “western” atmosphere in town is unique (and the locals of Steamboat love trading ski boots for cowboy boots). Semi-accurate Stereotype: Keep your eyes peeled for Steamboat locals flying through the trees, powder blowing over their cowboy hats, screaming “Yeehaa!” Telluride: There’s no messing around when it comes to the skiing at Telluride. Steep, exposed terrain jumps right out of town, with very few beginner and intermediate runs for those in need of a breather. Longtime Colorado-skiing aficionados say Old Town Telluride resembles the Aspen of years gone by (and those that live there agree). Even the stars have started migrating to T-ride because of its small-town charm, and Jackson Hole-esque skiing.

The effort that is required to arrive in Telluride is balanced by the unreal skiing found in the newly opened Revelation Bowl, and the raucous nightlife that ensues at the Fly Me To The Moon Saloon. Semi-accurate Stereotype: The Blues & Brews Festival might be the best way to spend a pre-winter (otherwise known as fall) weekend in Colorado, or maybe the Telluride Film Festival is more your speed. Vail: The vast back bowls of Vail have beckoned Denver-based skiers and snowboarders the extra two hours past other viable schussing options (like Copper, A Basin, and Loveland) since they were made in-bounds terrain. Out of state skiers also see Vail as a destination of choice because of its endless terrain and welcoming village area. The shopping and cuisine are as good as the skiing in Vail, but the parking and lift lines are as bad as it gets (but they’re working on it). Annually a top 10 resort in every major ski magazine, Vail gets the recognition it deserves by doing everything well (except super steep skiing).

Semi-accurate Stereotype: People have a propensity to drop their pants when skiing Vail—whether it’s the late Shane McConkey skiing a mogul run naked, sorority girls tossing their undies into the trees, or that infamous weekend warrior that slipped out of a chairlift… Winter Park: Renowned for being a bumper’s paradise—Winter Park boasts the best mogul terrain in Colorado—the bumps grow to be the size of Volkswagens around Mary Jane. Front range-based families love Winter Park for its old school style. The nightlife is pretty close to extinction, but this might be Colorado’s only big resort where you can drive right up to the lift. Families ski down to their cars, open the back trunk, sit on the bumper, and eat lunch together (just like in the good old days). Semi-accurate Stereotype: Lot of 1-Zs (the one-piece ski outfits that dad’s love) are to be found bobbing up and down the infamous bump runs, racing back to meet up with the family at the Mary Jane Base Area. You’re bound to find what you are looking for in one of Colorado’s mountain resorts, each have a distinct culture and atmosphere that the locals are proud of.

Only a few talented people can seamlessly enter each mountain resort’s environment and not miss a beat. If you can spin fur-clad Aspenites on an après-ski dance floor, stomp a misty flip with the “bro-brahs” at Breck, and make people on the chairlift hoot and holler during a bump-off down Mary Jane…well, then you’re Jonny Moseley. But for all of us that aren’t Mr. Moseley, find your niche, and have fun exploring! Photos courtesy of (from top to bottom): Robert Fullerton; Jeremy Swanson; Beaver Creek Resort; Justin Sailor; Copper Mountain Resort; Shelley Dennis Featured Articles Most Expensive Skiing Places and Prices A recent survey found that at an average of $241 per night, Aspen, Colorado is the most expensive ski resort town inside the ... Steamboat ​The term “Champagne powder®” was coined in Steamboat Springs, and the northwest Colorado town boasts more Winter Olympians (69 at last count) ... Breckenridge Keystone or Copper ​When you reach Summit County, you’ve ascended to Colorado’s Playground — the sign on Interstate 70 proves ...

Taos ​You'll see the bumper stickers around town, but don't let them scare you - “Taos, A Four-Letter Word for STEEP” - this intimate little resort ... Fresh Snow to Bring in the New Year Last season’s 2011-2012 ski/snowboarding season was disappointing to say the least, especially for the west coast of the United ... Celebrities Favorite Ski Resorts Celebrities are famous for visiting the most lavish ski resorts and pampering themselves with the best treatments and slopes that money can possibly ... Ski Resorts Opening Dates It’s that time of the year again folks! Not only are we all excited for the jolly holidays of Christmas joy, but we are also stoked on the ... PreSeason Resort Openings Here is a list of the ski resorts in North America that have already opened their doors, divided by state, as well as how many of their ... Sugar Bowl ​Sugar Bowl is known as “ground zero” for snowfall. Situated at 6,883 feet at the top of Donner Summit off Old Highway 40—the Lincoln ...

Killington ​The BASICS• 6 peaks ranging from 2,456ft – 4,231ft• 141 Trails• 23 chair lifts• 3 heated gondolas• 88 miles of trails• 250 inches ... Aspen, CO

Question: What is either a type of tree or an expensive ski resort in Colorado?
Answer: Aspen