Best Ski Resorts in the State of Colorado

Based on the 22nd annual Reader Resort Survey, "Ski Magazine" recently published the Top 30 ski resorts in the U.S. While Deer Valley, Utah topped the list, eight of Colorado's ski resorts found a place among the Top 30.

Best Ski Resorts in Colorado: Vail

Vail Ski resort is the ideal ski destination for the amateurs and the ardent ski enthusiasts. According to Ski Magazine, "Vail gives almost everyone almost everything," and finds itself third among the best. This ski resort in Colorado boasts 5,289 acres of total skiable area and around 3,017 acres of Back Bowls. Skiers can expect 31 lifts, 16 high-speed quads and one gondola.

An array of lodging choices is available to meet every budget. Guests can choose from residence homes, hotels and vacation homes in the neighboring towns. While the budgeted-traveler may opt for Minturn Inn, those looking for glitz and glamour at this ski resort have Ritz-Carlton, Sonnenalp Resort and Vail Renaissance.

The area offers several dining options from fine dining, five-course serving restaurants to bistros for casual dining. Value-for-money deals include the Lunch for less, where guests buy an entrée, side dish and drink for $9.95, valid at all mountain restaurants.

Vail has plenty to keep the non-skiers happy with its avenues for shopping, spas and nightlife. It is a haven for family vacationers with its snowmobiles, ski schools, snowshoe tours and dogsledders.

Best Ski Resorts in Colorado: Beaver Creek

Following Vail, its sister resort, Beaver Creek makes it to the fifth position among the best ski resorts. Conveniently located near the Eagle Airport, Beaver Creek is the home to the Alpine Skiing World Cup. Featuring a vertical rise of 4,040 ft. and summit of 11,440ft, this ski resort in Colorado has almost 1,625 acres of terrain for your skiing pleasures.

This ski resort in Colorado presents various lodging choices like hotels, condominiums and vacation homes for travelers. From luxurious, intimate setting to informal lodging, the area has it all. Be it American, Asian, European, Italian or Mexican, Beaver Creek has enough choices to satiate your gastronomical senses. Nightlife is limited to live jazz concerts, Broadway performances and evenings by the bar.

The family-friendly ski resort in Colorado beckons parents with its weekly family programming, ski and snowboard schools, and the complimentary Beaver Creek's cookie time where chefs serve hot, chocolate chip cookies at the base of the Centennial Chairlift, everyday at 3pm.

Best Ski Resorts in Colorado: Snowmass

Ski enthusiasts flock to the Snowmass Mountain in Colorado for its 3,132 acres of terrain, 91 trails and 21 chairlifts, and voted it the sixth best among the top 30.While 6% of the trails fall among the easiest, 32% of it is reserved for the experts.

Those interested in visiting have a range of accommodations to choose from in Aspen, Snowmass Village or, in the neighboring towns. Budget-hunters may choose from Hotel Denver, Snowmass Inn or Sunlight Mountain Inn while, Silvertree, Hotel Jerome and Little Neil are some of the upscale and expensive options. Mountain-dining at this ski resort in Colorado ranges from taverns, pizzerias and cafes or, guests may choose an evening of fine-dining at Butch's Lobster Village or the Il Poggio located at the Snowmass Village.A family friendly destination, the resort features live outdoor music, skate parks, free kids' hour and adventure centers to keep the young mind busy and occupied.

Source(s):
http://www.skinet.com/ski/resorts/2009/09/top-30-resorts