Colorado Ski Resorts

Colorado is known for it’s mountains and epic powder days. There are 39 ski resorts in Colorado. And the ski season can go into July at one of them if the conditions are right. But you can ski or snowboard year-round with the plethora of backcountry opportunities if you’re willing to put a bit more work in. Here are some of my personal favorite ski resorts in the state. I’ve snowboarded the last 14 ski seasons here and am game to hit up anyone of them. Right now I’m thinking about a trip to Wolf Creek and Steamboat with all the snow they’re getting. Every resort offers something unique making it really fun to check out as many of the ski resorts as possible.

Copper Mountain

I recently visited Copper Mountain for the first time and I fell in love. The views it has are definitely some of the best and the snow was so fun. I’m stoked to be part of Ikon this year so I can get back to this amazing place more. Copper is a ski resort little town with places to stay, shops and restaurants. But Copper is close enough to so many other great towns and awesome places to stay that you can totally stay off mountain and take a beautiful drive there. If you are driving you will either have to get dropped off, or If you want to elope at Copper Mountain hit me up!

scenic places nearby

• Mayflower Gulch
• Officer’s Gulch
• Vail Ski Resort
• Dillon Lake
• Loveland Pass

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte is a mountain town that is perfect for elopements year round. In the winter it becomes a magical winter wonderland. Personally, I think Crested Butte is one of the most gorgeous mountain towns. It doesn’t matter what season we’re in, everything is just stunning there. The snow on Mt. Crested Butte makes for an iconic scene though. And you can almost be certain, that they will have a ton of snow!

scenic places nearby

• Peanut Lake
• Downtown Crested Butte
• McCormick Ranch Road

Steamboat Springs Ski Resort

I have two favorites to ride and Steamboat is one of them. I have sentimental ties to shredding there with family growing up. Plus that the champagne powder every night. It has some of the funnest powder turns and often gets 2-5 inches of freshies a night, naturally.

nearby places for different photos

• Fish Creek Falls
• On the Yampa
• Rabbit Ears Pass
• Pearl Lake State Park

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Wolf Creek Ski Area is my top two favorite in the state. Coming in close to the one and only Steamboat Springs.

nearby places for different photos

• Wolf Creek Pass
• Pagosa Springs
• South Fork

Vail Mountain

Vail Mountain is a Colorado favorite for a lot of people. The Legendary Back Bowls are something special on a powder day. Vail Village offers that epic mountain luxury right at the foot of the slopes with those romantic winter vibes.

nearby off-slope photo locations

• vail pass
• shrine pass
• eagle county
• vail village
• mayflower gulch
• vail wedding island

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is an awesome mountain for engagement or elopement photos. It’s only about 2 hours from DEN and it’s tucked back into the mountains off the main highway. It has one of the most post storm ‘Norway vibes’ tree run for the advanced rider I’ve ever been on. It’s a really beautiful mountain just to explore. Then the adorable town of Breckenridge with tons of dining and lodging options. Plus lots of options for surrounding snowy trails in town.

off-slope locations near Breckenridge

• Loveland Pass
• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
• Keystone Ski Area
• Dillon Lake
• Downtown Breck (& ice sculptures)
• Officer’s Gulch
• Mayflower Gulch
• Ice Castles

Keystone

Keystone is a super popular mountain to visit. It’s tucked right along the continental divide and is close to the larger mountain towns in Summit County. It’s got great runs for photos plus tons of views and a gondola to ride.

off-slope locations near Keystone

• Loveland Pass
• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
• Dillon Lake
• Breckenridge
• Officers Gulch
• Mayflower Gulch
• Ice Castles

Loveland Ski Area

Loveland Ski Area is a smaller, local mountain. The beers are cheaper and the mountain has a laid back locals vibe. But the snow is great and they even have a cat that runs along the top of the continental divide to drop in off of. On Valentines Day each year they hold a large marriage ceremony at the top of their Ptarmigan chairlift on their outdoor deck. It’s a great little mountain with tons of cool cabins to stop off at for some relaxing together. On Valentine’s Day, they do a large marriage ceremony at the top of their Ptarmigan ski lift. Every year it boasts dozens of couple’s who say “I do” on the deck just under the continental divide. It’s surely an iconic way to make it official!

off slope locations near Loveland Ski Area

• Loveland Pass
• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
• Keystone Ski Area
• Dillon Lake
• Breckenridge
• Officers Gulch
• Mayflower Gulch
• Ice Castles

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is an epic little spot tucked up in the west side of Loveland Pass. It’s known for it’s up close mountain views and it’s back shutes! You can rent out Black Mountain Lodge for your ceremony and/or reception and bring all your loved ones who ski & ride.

Telluride Ski Resort

Telluride Ski Resort is a gorgeous mountain town located in the Southwest side of the state. The southwest mountains are a different kind of breed, that you can clearly see as you drive into Telluride. Telluride is another town that is perfect for an elopement any time of year. The mountains surrounding Telluride are nothing short of breathtaking, making the little town one amazing place to experience in the winter.

Aspen

Aspen is well known as one of the more upscale mountain towns. You can see it in the prices. But if you’re down to celebrate your day in Aspen they have some of the most iconic Colorado views around. Maroon Bells isn’t always a drive in option in the winter because the road closes after the first few big storms. If you’re looking for a multi day winter elopement adventure Aspen is great. It’s got the mountain to ride, Maroon Bells to snowshoe, and the grottos to explore ice caves. It’s a epic winter activity packed location.