MAIN Sports Skiing Colorado Ski Resorts & Snow Reports

Think of skiing and most Americans think Colorado.

Along with its reputation as the home of the Winter X Games, ski and snowboard enthusiasts around the world are also more familiar with Colorado ski resorts than any other.

Famous names such as Vail, Aspen, and Telluride are also among the largest in the state offering acres of the white stuff along with world-class lodging and dining.

Besides the more well-known resorts, there are more than 25 ski areas throughout the Colorado Rockies, appealing to every level of experience (although most offer lessons for kids and adult newbies), and attracting every taste in skiing from the weekend party crowd to serious and professional outdoor adventurers.

The Colorado ski and snowboard season usually runs from late fall through early spring, although February tends to be the best time for white powder. Early March and April are more favorable for clearer weather and famously vivid Colorado sunshine.

Vail - The largest ski area in the United States, Vail is Colorado's "ski central" encompassing 5,289 acres and more than 190 runs to suit every level of experience. Besides onsite lodging at the Vail Resort, the Vail area also offers dozens of nearby hotels, restaurants and related tourist attractions like the Ski and Snowboard Museum.

Aspen - Thousands of snowboarders and skiers who flock to Aspen each winter for incredible views of the Rockies and scenic Maroon Bells, combined with first class ski runs within the largest ski area in the world. The biggest of its resorts, Snowmass, (featuring the longest half-pipe in North America) is joined by nearby Aspen Mountain resort that can be skied using the same lift ticket. Nearby Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Ski Resort round out the Aspen ski area "Power of Four."

Telluride - This historic mining town is probably equally known for its scenic surroundings as it is for offering breathtaking 14,000 foot peaks — with dozens of runs ranging from gentle and easy to heart-stoppingly steep. Skiiers and snowboarders who prefer varied terrain, (and lots of elbow room with smaller crowds) will tell you "there's no place like Telluride."

More about Colorado skiing and snowboarding around the Web:

Go Colorado.com - Skiing - Excellent intro both famous and little-known ski resorts throughout the state with elevation stats, tourist info, lodging information.

Colorado Ski.com - Ski central for skiers and snowboarders looking for information on top Colorado resorts, vacation packages, related events, skiing tips, Colorado snow reports, web cams.

Wildernet.com - Colorado Cross-Country Skiing Guide - Major locations across the state with general overviews and information on runs & trails, elevations, annual snowfalls, typical costs & fees.

Kidz Eye View of Snowboarding - Fun, kid-friendly travelogue of one group's snowboarding adventure covering Vail Resort's facilities, lodging and restaurants with photos and related resources.

Colorado Ski Report Location Map - Locate more than 25 major resorts with a list of each leading to more detailed maps or information on facilities, lodging.

Colorado Ski & Snow Report - Current snowfalls, weather reports and visitor reviews of major ski resorts statewide.

also see related features -> Expert Skiing Tips

Fitness & Training for Skiers | How to Choose the Right Skis

How to Ski | How to Buy the Right Ski Boots