London Snow Show Presents Colorado: The Ski State

Colorado is known as being the home of outdoor exploration all year round. During the winter many avid skiing enthusiasts flock to the destination for an adventure holiday to remember. Boasting 28 ski resorts with impressive terrain, Colorado is a bucket list destination for those who love the slopes. In celebration of the Colorado Tourism Office exhibiting at the London Snow Show at ExCel on the 21-22 October, please see below for the best resorts around the state. 

Experience a winter wonderland at Keystone Resort

A true winter wonderland, Keystone Resort boasts more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across three peaks a stone's throw away from Denver. Kicking of the Colorado ski season, activities include night skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides and more. With the Kids Ski Free programme, children 12 and under can ski and ride for free every day all season long when just two or more nights of accommodation is booked. Bring the whole family and stop by Keystone's mountain top snow fort at the height of Dercum Mountain and don’t forget to check out the nearby views and incredible tubing hill.

Ski in Spring at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area 

Celebrating its 77th season, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area will operate 7 days a week and as the longest ski and ride season, it is expected to run until June. The 1,428 acres are situated along the Continental Divide and feature seven distinct mountain areas that offer an adventurous, scenic experience. The resort provides skiing and riding from mid-mountain to the base whilst the Black Mountain Express Lift will serve High Noon, an intermediate run. 

Live in luxury at Aspen Snowmass

One of the more well-known resorts around the world, Aspen Snowmass is made up of four mountains, two towns and one unforgettable experience at the confluence of nature, culture and recreation. Offering 5,600+ acres of terrain, instruction from unmatched Ski and Snowboard Pros and acclaimed restaurants and accommodations, this resort is the perfect place for ski lovers. This season, Aspen Mountain will usher 153 acres of new terrain, taking skiers above and beyond. Whilst  Buttermilk is a playground of colour, with stunning views and a brand-new base area. The run is made for beginners, mastered by professionals and enjoyed by all. 

Discover a love for skiing in Loveland 

Just 53 miles west of Denver, Loveland boasts 1,800 acres of remarkable terrain, free snowcat skiing along the Continental Divide, an innovative lesson programme and more snow than any Front Range or Summit County ski resort. Offering a hearty home for those who love to ski, with an extensive list of dining options and vibrant events calendar, Loveland is the perfect holiday destination this winter season. 

Snowy celebrations in Steamboat 

Heading into the 23/24 season with a bang, Steamboat Springs three year project, Full Steam Ahead is set to conclude. Set to become the second largest resort in Colorado, the final stage of the Wild Blue Gondola is set to open in winter and will earn the resort the title of having the longest and fastest gondola in North America. The completion of the project will also see the opening of the new Greenhorn Ranch - a dedicated beginners area at the top of the gondola which features advanced terrain-based learning. The resort will also see a huge terrain expansion, a new avalanche dog programme for the 24/25 season and the reimagining of Steamboat Square which will welcome an escalator, a new free outdoor ice skating rink, and new Range Food and Drink Hall. 

Visit Vail

Vail Ski Resort is widely considered to be one of the most luxurious and exclusive ski resorts in the states. The resort is famous for its luxurious accommodations with a long list of high-end amenities that keep visitors relaxed during their trip, including fine dining restaurants, luxury spas and designer shopping outlets. Its ski area measures an impressive 5,289 acres and has 195 runs serviced by over 30 ski lifts. It’s also a great location for backcountry skiing and snowboarding with 1,300 acres to explore.

Girl Power on the Powder

Girls rule winter in Colorado with ski areas across the state offering tailored programming to provide women skiers and riders the opportunity to take part in a welcoming, supportive and fun learning environment on the snow. Moxie Mountain Guides is a NEW girl powered guiding service in Ouray that strives to elevate those from marginalised communities so they can experience adventures such as ice climbing, skiing, ski mountaineering, rock climbing, and alpine climbing with pay what you should programming. 

Hut-to-hut hike this winter season

Colorado is home to one of the most extensive backcountry hut systems in North America, with more than 30 huts across 350 miles of the U.S. Forest Service trails called the 10th Mountain Division Huts.  Ski or snowshoe from hut to hut in the European tradition or set up camp in a single location for a more relaxing getaway. NEW this winter, Colorado-based guiding service, Mountain Trip's new hut-to-hut ski touring adventure pays homage to the renowned Haute Route of the European Alps, linking the iconic mountain towns of Ouray and Silverton, and two exceptional huts: the Opus Hut and Thelma Hut. 

Relax and rejuvenate with a good night's sleep

Sweet dreams are sure to be had after a day of winter adventuring with several unique and boutique lodging offerings. With an expected opening in fall 2023, Trailborn Rocky Mountains and sister-property - Trailborn Rocky Mountain Outpost - will be the newest boutique hotel to open in Estes Park, the basecamp to adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park. Populus, the first carbon positive hotel in the country, plans to open in Denver’s Civic Center Park in spring 2024.

Discover the stars in Snowmass

The fun doesn’t stop after the sun sets in Colorado. Across the state, guests can experience incredible stargazing opportunities as different constellations come into view as well as unique winter adventures by moonlight. Colorado is home to 15 International Dark-Sky Association designations, including 10 Dark-Sky Parks. Keystone, Granby Ranch and Steamboat all offer night skiing on various runs. Copper Mountain hosts free full-moon snowshoe excursions through the area’s forest to see the Earth’s natural satellite rise above the valley. During Ullr Nights at Snowmass, guests can board the gondola to Elk Camp for night time adventures like tubing, riding the alpine coaster, snowbiking and indulging in s'mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire.