The Largest Ski Resorts in Colorado

Colorado is one of the most well-known skiing destinations in the entire world, offering more than two dozen ski resorts. The highest state in the nation is covered by powerful mountains that average 300 inches of snow each year. Colorado's largest ski resorts are also among the largest in North America.

  1. Vail: Most Skiable Acres

    • The most common indicator used when determining the size of a resort is skiable acres. Vail is not only the largest resort in Colorado, it's the largest single resort in the United States and the second largest in North America. Vail offers 5,289 acres of terrain spread across three separate mountains. The mountain drops from a peak of 11,570 feet to a base of 8,120 feet, providing 3,450 feet of vertical for skiers and snowboarders. The resort averages 350 inches of light, Colorado powder each season and also enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. Vail is also the largest Colorado resort in terms of number of trails, offering 193.

      Vail Resorts

      P.O. Box 7

      Vail, CO 81658

      970-476-5601

      vail.com

    Telluride: Most Vertical

    • One of Colorado's other storied ski towns, Telluride is known for being one of the highest resorts in North America, offering a peak elevation of 13,150 feet. That high elevation combined with the steep, soaring San Juan mountains means that Telluride offers the most vertical drop in the United States with 4,425 feet. Telluride is third in North America as far as largest vertical, behind only Revelstoke and Whistler Blackcomb. Note that the vertical that pushes Telluride to the top of the list requires hiking; the resort offers 3,845 feet of lift-served vertical. All that vertical helps to cement Telluride's reputation as one of the most challenging resorts in Colorado, a reputation it has bolstered by opening up additional expert terrain in Palmyra Peak and the Gold Hill Chutes.

      Telluride Ski & Golf

      565 Mountain Village Blvd.

      Telluride, CO 81435

      800-778-8581

      tellurideskiresort.com

    Snowmass: Second in Vertical and Acres

    • Coincidentally, Snowmass is the second largest ski resort in Colorado, both in terms of skiable acres and vertical drop. One of four Aspen resorts, Snowmass offers 3,132 acres of skiable terrain with 91 runs. The resort is also a close second to Telluride in terms of vertical, offering 4,406 feet, the second largest vertical in the United States. Like Telluride, not all the vertical is lift-served. A diverse mountain with excellent groomers and freestyle terrain, Snowmass offers 50 percent of its terrain as intermediate. Experts can find plenty to do off The Cirque.

      Snowmass

      P.O. Box 5629

      Snowmass Village, CO 81615

      800-308-6935

      aspensnowmass.com