Skip to main content

Colorado Skiing Winter Road Trip

ARAPAHOE BASINCOPPER MOUNTAINASPEN SNOWMASSSTEAMBOATWINTER PARK RESORTELDORA
Decorative MountainDecorative MountainDecorative MountainDecorative Mountain

The Centennial State’s Rocky Mountains are home to six of the most-sought-after Ikon Pass destinations. Here’s an inside look at Colorado’s iconic alpine adventures, including tips on finding the legendary runs, best powder, and top après options.

8Days
6Destinations
8Days
6Destinations

The Centennial State’s Rocky Mountains are home to six of the most-sought-after Ikon Pass destinations. Here’s an inside look at Colorado’s iconic alpine adventures, including tips on finding the legendary runs, best powder, and top après options.

88 miles

Morning

Start the day at Arapahoe Basin, known as The Legend for its long season, distinguished terrain, and breathtaking views. Hiking the East Wall is one of A-Basin’s biggest challenges. If you’re up for it, head to 13,050 feet to take in the stunning mountain landscape. Then, take one of the many hiking paths to the top before zipping down the wall’s steep chutes.

Afternoon

Give your legs a break and fill your belly at Black Mountain Lodge. Grab a house-smoked brisket burrito from the walk-up window, then kick back on the scenic deck and enjoy Colorado’s abundant sunshine and A-Basin’s stunning Continental Divide views. Then head back out to tackle the tight, steep glades of The Beavers. A-Basin’s newest terrain offers guests deep snow and great sight lines for the ideal tree skiing experience.

Evening

Top off the day with A-Basin’s signature après, the Bacon Bloody Mary. The award-winning drink is the perfect treat to celebrate your first day on the slopes. Grab a seat on the deck of the 6th Alley Bar to sip this signature libation and take in the views of the frontside runs. Then pack up your gear and spend the night in one of Summit County’s quaint mountain towns to rest your muscles for the next Colorado adventure.

24 miles

MORNING

Kick off the day at Copper like an Olympian and carve down Andy’s Encore, Oh No, and Rosi’s Run—all professional-grade terrain that’s part of the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center. Plus, it’s the world’s only full-length downhill course that’s open in November and December. Practically the entire U.S team starts their winter season here.

AFTERNOON

Refuel with a burger and beer at T-Rex Grill. Located at the base of Timberline lift, the patio gets loads of afternoon sun, the perfect setting on a warm ski day. If the flakes are falling, hop on Copper’s free snowcat for the quickest ticket to powder town, aka Tucker Mountain. And if you really want the goods, make the 10-minute trek to the Fremont Glades, where powder stays for days after a storm.

image

Evening

Take an early-evening spin on the Rocky Mountain Coaster; stretching 5,800 feet and descending 430 vertical feet, it’s one of the longest mountain coasters in North America. Then cheers to an iconic day on the mountain with a glass of Copper’s very own #Coppered craft beer.

Tomorrow, grab a quick breakfast in Copper before hitting the road. Take some time to enjoy the beautiful drive through Glenwood Canyon, and make a stop in Glenwood Springs for a soak in the steaming waters. Then make your way to Aspen, where you can spend the afternoon strolling the town's bricklined streets. Settle into your hotel and rest up for a fun day on the slopes.

92 miles

MORNING

Treat yourself to Aspen Highland’s crown jewel—Highland Bowl. Earn your turns with a 45-minute hike to get to the top. If you’re at Aspen Mountain on a powder day, take some turns on Walsh’s, Bell Mountain, and the—appropriately named—Dumps run.

AFTERNOON

Enjoy legendary truffle fries at Ajax Tavern at the base of Aspen Mountain. Or order a bottle of wine and enjoy a relaxed lunch at Aspen Highlands at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, and settle into the cozy alpine ambiance. Afterward, try the new Breathtaker alpine coaster, or snap a snowy selfie with the iconic Maroon Bells.

EVENING

First and foremost a ski town, Aspen is also renowned for its hip retail scene. Pick up some Aspen-leaf logowear at Aspen Shop and sift through the latest fashions at Maison Ullens and Distractions before they close for the day, then peruse the colorful artwork at Peter Lik Gallery and Royal Street Fine Art (open late).

Tomorrow, take in the sites as you drive the three hours north to Steamboat. When you arrive, take a stroll along Main Street and peruse the many shops and galleries.

153 miles

MORNING

Be sure to tap the head of the Buddy Werner statue at the top of Storm Peak lift for good luck before scouting out some famous Champagne Powder® on Steamboat’s snowiest runs, Ted’s Ridge, Buddy’s Run, and hike-to terrain on top of Mt. Werner. Or cut through corduroy on smooth, never-ending groomers like Longhorn and Vagabond.

image

Afternoon

Treat yourself with complimentary Champagne Powder® donuts and hot chocolate, served at the base at 3 PM daily. Then, take a few laps around Skeeter’s Ice Rink, located in the heart of Steamboat Square, while overlooking Mt. Werner.

EVENING

Stroll over to Timber & Torch to enjoy après cocktails on the deck with live music, Steamboat’s version of dining al fresco when we roll up the doors and bring the outdoors inside.

Cap off the night by hitting the hot springs. Snow floating down, steam rising up. Soak your way to heaven in the hot springs downtown or hop on the shuttle and ease your sore muscles at Strawberry Park.

98 miles

MORNING

Hit North America's #1 Ski Resort for iconic runs and extreme terrain, such as The Cirque Territory. And when the sky starts dumping, there’s no better run than Belle Fourche to satisfy your powder cravings.

image

Afternoon

Scout out Winter Park’s new Alpine & Ales pop-up craft beer lounge, or head up to the top of Parsenn Bowl Territory to snap a surreal selfie. If you’re sticking to the slopes, head over to Mary Jane territory to tackle her first-rate bumps and tree-skiing or simply chill on her laidback blues.

EVENING

After a long day on the slopes, kick up your feet and enjoy Winter Park’s namesake craft beer—Mary Jane Ale. Sip a brew or two around the fire in your slopeside room at Zephyr Mountain Lodge.

68 miles

MORNING

With its sweeping views, the thrilling leg-burner Muleshoe is a true Eldora icon. Hit up the glades for deep tracks in a hushed subalpine forest—from east to west, try Jolly Jug Glades, Gully Glades, Brian’s Glades, Salto Glades, and Moose Glades.

AFTERNOON

Sip a signature Eldora Bacon Bloody Mary at Timbers Tap House. Then scoot over to Rustic Taco to nosh on smoked chicken, pulled pork and grilled bison brisket street tacos.

EVENING

Just a half hour west of Boulder, Eldora is the Front Range’s most convenient mountain for quick access to Denver International Airport for your flight back home.