12 Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Beginners

by Simon Knott | Updated: August 30th, 2023 |  Best Ski Resorts

Want to book your first winter break as a beginner but struggling to narrow things down?

We’ve put together a list of the best colorado ski resort for beginners. Out of the 12, our top pick is Wolf Creek, as it's quieter and cheaper, it gets the most snow in Colorado, and dedicated beginner lessons are excellent value.

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12. Purgatory Durango

Purgatory
Photo by Jon Roig licensed under CC BY 2.0

Purgatory, once known as Durango, is where kids under 12 ski for free, with no strings attached, and summer biking is included too!

What is the Skiing Like?

20% of its trails are aimed at beginners, and the design of the runs at Purgatory Durango has clearly been executed with the needs of beginners as a priority. Just next door to Purgatory village, the Columbine beginner area is small but provides a good selection of green runs to help you find your feet.

You can also practice your lift skills without too many other people around on the two lifts that service the beginner area, the Columbine, Graduate lifts, and a magic carpet.

Moving on from the beginner area is equally well thought out so that you can take the Twilight lift, from which there are numerous greens back down to the base, as well as a few blues when you feel ready for them.

This gradual increase in difficulty is just what the beginner needs, where skills improve, confidence builds and there are few setbacks that can knock your confidence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtmaoyP-iEw&ab_channel=PurgatoryResort

Learning to Ski

A real bonus for beginner families is that under 12s are entitled to a free lift pass, which is quite rare to come across in ski resorts. Similarly, childcare is well organized enabling beginner parents to enjoy a little hard-earned freedom to improve their skiing.

Group ski lessons are broken down into age groups of 4-6, 7-12, and 13+, with the youngest having a full day lesson, with the remainder taking half-day lessons, either in the morning or afternoon. Family ski lessons are available too, where all family members can learn to ski together regardless of age.

Private lessons are available too if you need some extra intensive personal tuition.

All lessons must be booked online in advance and as there is regular demand it is worth booking well in advance.

There is an adaptive ski school program for skiers and snowboarders with physical and cognitive disabilities, where experienced instructors can adapt their teaching skills to individuals’ needs.

Off the Slopes

Learning to ski and snowboard can be demanding physically and mentally and so having a change of scene and activity can really be restorative. There is no shortage of alternatives at Purgatory, where you can get involved in horse-drawn sleigh rides or meet the huskies at the Durango Sled Dog Ranch.

You can also try your luck at Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, snowcat tours, or take a ride on the Tubing Inferno mountain coaster.

What We Love About Purgatory Durango:

  • Well-designed beginner area and improver runs.
  • Free ski passes for under 12s
  • The magical Christmas train experience.

Purgatory Durango Stats

Summit Elevation:10822 ft / 3299 metres
Skiable terrain: 1635 acres
Lifts:12
Runs:105

11. Winter Park Resort

Winter Park
Photo by Usestock B licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0

The fourth-largest ski resort in Colorado Winter Park is also one of the easiest to get to. Just hop on a train from Denver’s Union Station, and you’ll be in Winter Park in around two hours. Perfect for anyone who doesn’t drive or doesn’t enjoy driving on snowy roads.

What is the Skiing Like?

Winter Park has been established for more than 80 years and covers more than 3000 acres, of which 1,212 acres are for off-piste skiing. The Mountain stats explain that only 8% of runs are for beginners but that still provides plenty of choices considering the overall size of the resort.

The Starter Pack at the base is well equipped for those starting out. There are four different chairlifts low down, which include Discovery, Prospector, and Gemini express as well as Endeavour. Combined these lifts give you access to a wide selection of green and blue runs, both on wide-open runs and glades.

When it’s time to move on it’s easy to take the Explorer Express, followed by the High Loner Express to the top of lunch rock, where can make your choice of several greens back down to the base.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4gniXucu_M&ab_channel=CoryGrasser

Learning to Ski

Winter Par is a popular resort so it’s always best to pre-book your lessons, lift tickets, and rentals to avoid disappointment. Additionally, if you book 72 hours prior you may be entitled to discounts.

Group lessons for youngsters, cover the ages of 4-14 and the lessons can be adapted depending on the group's ability. Skiers and snowboarders that are 15 years and older are grouped with the adults.

Younger students are given a GPS unit so the instructor can always find them if they become separated. At the end of the day, you can download the information from your GPS unit to follow your progress over the mountain.

Family lessons are also available and ideal for family beginners, where the whole family can learn together at the same pace. The resort also offers free mountain host tours to first-timers on the mountain, where you will be given a guided tour of runs suited to your ability.

Off the Slopes

The activities never stop at Winter Park. You will always be able to find activities that appeal if you want a short break from skiing. For example, there are sunset snowshoe tours, and moonlight ski touring, not to mention tubing, snow biking, ice skating, and snowmobiling.

What We Love About Winter Park Resort:

  • Family lessons and a guided tour to orientate.
  • Ski school from three years old
  • The sheer number of activities running from sunrise to sunset and beyond.

Winter Park Resort Stats

Summit Elevation:12060 ft / 3676 metres
Skiable terrain: 3081 acres
Lifts:23
Runs:166

10. Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek
Photo by Zach Dischner at licensed under CC BY 2.0

The name might sound ominous, but Wolf Creek is actually a great resort that often gets overlooked. It gets the most snowfall in Colorado – a whopping 430 inches – and is brilliant for beginners who want a bit of peace and quiet to practice and no lift lines!

What is the Skiing Like?

Some regard Wolf Creek as a bit on the small side for a resort but at 1600 acres it just goes to show you the size of some of the larger resorts in Colorado. There is plenty to keep beginners occupied especially around the parking lot which is adjacent to the beginner area.

For complete beginners, there is the Lynx lift or nearby Nova chair and magic carpet to give you access to some shorter green runs for practice.

The ski school doesn’t start until five years old here but does have an advanced program for adventurous children aged nine to twelve. And younger children can make the most of various privately owned, resort-sanctioned childcare companies in the area.

From there you can take the Bonanza and Raven chairs, which give you access to longer green glades and some shorter blue runs when you’re ready. Many of these simpler runs are governed by a speed restriction, so you won’t be harassed by faster skiers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPNEixMpcV4&ab_channel=CoryGrasser

Learning to Ski

Wolf Creek is a small-scale ski resort that lacks many of the upmarket touches of Colorado’s more famous resorts. However, while there may be a few downsides, Wolf Creek has a reputation for offering value for money, which for many families is a big plus.

Ski school is very organized for beginners with dedicated packages of one day aimed at skiers and snowboarders who have never skied before. The second package is a follow-on course aimed at skiers and snowboarders who have taken the initial lesson.

The first-day ski package takes place in the beginner area, while the second moves on to include other nearby lifts. The price of the lesson includes the lift ticket but not ski rental.

Off the Slopes

If you want a change of pace there are two groomed Nordic trails one of 4 km and one of six, as well as snowshoeing trails. You’ll find simple dining and shopping options available at base camp and lodgings for all budgets in the surrounding area.

What We Love About Wolf Creek:

  • Great for beginner families as its quieter and cheaper
  • It gets the most snow in Colorado!
  • Dedicated beginner lessons are of excellent value.

Wolf Creek Stats

Summit Elevation:11904 ft / 3628 metres
Skiable terrain: 1600 acres
Lifts:10
Runs:45

9. Steamboat

steamboat
Photo by Murray Foubister at licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

The cowboy town of Steamboat prides itself on its old-fashioned, small-town charm and has won awards for being one of the best ski resorts for families in Colorado.

What is the Skiing Like?

Beginner skiers can start out from Steamboat Square and use the Preview lift to access the Preview run halfway down to practice. From there you can take Christine III and Christine Peak Express lifts to access higher up the mountain where you can choose between several green runs coming back down to base through the trees.

For more challenges, Steamboat Gondola will take you higher again where you can access the terrain on the east side of the resort, which includes numerous green and blue runs around Rendevouz Lodge.

Steamboat is designed to make life easier for parents. For example, the popular red wagon system, helps you transport kids and equipment around the resort is an easy and fun way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGMf_cUWwV0&ab_channel=RaikoReviews

Learning to Ski

The Happy Camp Childcare program takes babies as young as 12 months, while kids aged 5-12 can join in their own group lessons. Students are always matched for age and ability to ensure they get the maximum from each lesson.

Teenagers’ lessons are for those aged 13 to 17 and adult lessons are for those aged 18+. Private lessons are available for individuals or for up to 5 members of the same family or traveling group.

Off the Slopes

There is plenty of action on the mountain aside from skiing and snowboarding. You can try your hand at ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a mountain coaster, tubing, and even horse riding. There are even geothermal hot springs to soak those aching ski muscles.

What We Love About Steamboat:

  • Ski lessons from 2.5 years
  • Beginner terrain at base level and higher up
  • Natural hot springs for soaking weary ski muscles!

Steamboat Stats

Summit Elevation:10568 ft / 3221 metres
Skiable terrain: 2965 acres
Lifts:17
Runs:170

8. Keystone

keystone
Photo by Des Runyan at licensed under CC BY 2.0

Keystone is a resort designed by someone who knows what beginner families need. They make life easy from the moment you get there with elements like free family parking and sleds that help you get your kids and gear to the snow.

What is the Skiing Like?

Keystone is well laid out for beginners to progress as their skills improve. There are three beginner areas, starting with Discovery which is at the base around Mountain House.

Then at the top of Dercum Mountain, there are the areas of Endeavor and Scout. There is a magic carpet at Endeavor, which is good practice for beginners, but bear in mind this area can get busy on the weekends.

Once you’ve mastered Endeavor you can move on to Scout, to enjoy longer runs. Keystone is famous for its green run, Schoolmarm. It’s getting on for 4 miles long, with some good dips and longer flatter sections.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM1-gvVi2y8&ab_channel=snowboardtraveler

Learning to ski

Childcare and babysitting services are available for babies aged six months and older and carers are happy to provide the service at your accommodation.

Keystone also have a Kids Ski Free program, which gives free lift passes to under 12s when you book more than two nights at the onsite accommodation.

In addition, a ski school is available from three years old, offering group and private lessons for different age groups up to and including beginner adults. Often, taking part in a group lesson is a lot more fun as you have the social aspect to the lesson.

Keystone also offers an adaptive ski program, where qualified instructors understand how to adapt the lessons to individuals’ needs.

Off the Slopes

The après ski activities are very family-friendly and include ice skating, snowcat tours, tubing, and sleigh rides.

Keystone is also home to the largest snow fort in North America, complete with a maze, tunnels, and slides. And it’s free to enter!

What We Love About Keystone:

  • Free priority parking for families, with wagons to help get kids and equipment to the snow.
  • Three different beginner areas to practice on
  • The snow fort and Kidtopia fun zones

Keystone Stats

Summit Elevation:12408 ft / 3782 metres
Skiable terrain: 3419 acres
Lifts:20
Runs:130

7. Crested Butte

Crested Butte
Photo by michael.stockton licensed under CC BY 2.0

Crested Butte is a lot of families’ top pick for the best ski resort in Colorado. This resort really puts the effort into providing fun and facilities for kids of all age groups and parents too.

What is the Skiing Like?

Crested Butte Mountain at 12,162 ft (3707 m) is an imposing edifice as it looks down over the resort. For beginners at the base, you can choose between two conveyor lifts, Pine and Aspen or higher up between two lifts, Peachtree and West Wall which give you access to lower green and blue runs where you can build your confidence.

As you progress you can move on to the central area of the resort taking the Red Lady Express lift. From here you will be able to access a selection of greens which will take you right down to the bottom of Prospect and Gold Link lifts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQq5FNlLYYw&ab_channel=PeakRankings

Learning to Ski

Crested Butte has an award-winning ski school, and you can in fact take a lesson from an Olympian skier if you want to go down the private route. Most prefer group lessons and these start for kids aged 3-14, and then teenagers aged 15-18 and then adults.

These lessons are for both skiers and snowboarders and you will get a 20% discount if you have already bought your lift ticket when you book.

Off the Slopes

Then when adults want a little time alone, drop the kids into ​​The Adventure Park and let them run wild on bungee tramps and rock-climbing walls while you explore Elk Street, a quaint, colorful reminder of the resort’s mining-town history.

What We Love About Crested Butte:

  • Taking lessons from an Olympian at an award-winning ski school
  • The fun trails are designed and decorated just for kids
  • The atmospheric strip of Elk Street.

Crested Butte Stats

Summit Elevation:12162 ft / 3710 metres
Skiable terrain: 1547 acres
Lifts:15
Runs:121

6. Breckenridge

breckenridge
Photo by Jonathan Fox at licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Breckenridge is one of the best-known ski resorts in Colorado, but it still manages to have fewer crowds and lower prices than Vail and Beaver Creek. Don’t worry though, you still get a whole lot of mountains for your money.

A high-altitude resort, it’s made up of five mountain peaks, each helpfully geared towards different levels of skiers. Beginners will love the gentle terrain at the base of Peaks 8 and 9 and can then progress to the endless blues covering Peak 7.

What is the Skiing Like?

Breckenridge resort covers nearly 3000 acres, which provides plenty of opportunities for beginners. When starting out skiers and snowboarders will generally keep to the lower runs below Peak 9.

At the base of Peak 9, there is a dedicated beginner area around Camelback Platter. Once you’ve mastered the magic carpets you can progress to practicing on the lifts, in particular, the QuickSilver chairlift, which gives access to several green runs higher up.

These include the Lower Lehman trail and Frontier Run, as well as Ripperoo’s Forest trail, which gives a good experience of skiing through forested areas.

When you are familiar with Peak 9, you can move on to the base of Peak 8, where you find the lengthy, green run Four O’Clock. It’s a long gentle slope, which is great for building confidence, and it will take you right down into the center of Breckenridge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzV_b0jfbao&ab_channel=Ski.com

Learning to Ski

Ski and snowboard lessons start from three years old, and class sizes are capped to ensure the kids’ abilities are well-matched, so everyone gets enough individual attention. Breckenridge Ski School has one of the best reputations, particularly for enabling beginners to get up and skiing in a short space of time.

Although group lessons are routinely cheaper than private lessons, private ones offer considerable benefits such as dedicated attention and instruction and saving time with access to the front of the lift line.

Private lessons also provide a video review, so you can see your errors and you will also receive the instructor’s advice, about the best places to start skiing with your level of ability.

If you’re concerned about the family splitting up and not knowing what your teens are getting up to, download the EpicMix app. The app is linked to their lift pass and tracks and records their progress across the mountain.

Off the Slopes

Breckenridge is well known for its quaint town and you can take a tour of the town to learn about its fascinating history. The atmospheric main street area is packed with a diverse range of shopping and dining options that will leave you feeling satisfied after a day on the slopes. If you have any energy left you can also enjoy ice skating, the alpine slide, or sledding as well.

What We Love About Breckenridge:

  • The Ski School is renowned for helping skiers find their feet
  • The huge ski area
  • The quaint main street is packed with family-friendly eateries.

Breckenridge Stats

Summit Elevation:12998 ft / 3962 metres
Skiable terrain: 2908 acres
Lifts:35
Runs:187

5. Snowmass

snowmass
Photo by Jonathan Fox at licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Aspen/Snowmass comprises four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. The mountains are connected by lifts and shuttles and combine to create an incredible 5,300 acres of skiable terrain.

What is the Skiing Like?

Snowmass is the largest area of Aspen and it has a reputation as being the most family-friendly, which in turn makes it a lot less intimidating for the beginner skier.

The town has pedestrianized streets in its pretty village and a wealth of child-friendly amenities.

The Aspen website has a very useful free resource, which acts as an introduction to skiing and snowboarding. It provides common skiing definitions, advice on clothing, when to visit and being prepared for spending time on the mountain.

There are three beginner areas in Snowmass. Elk Camp is situated higher up the mountain so you can experience skiing at altitude rather than just by the Main Lodge.

The other two beginner areas, Assay Hill, and Fanny Hill also offer plenty of choices of green runs and also trails that run down through the trees.

The treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center in Snowmass Village combines childcare with ski school in a fun environment. Kids from eight weeks old can enjoy the Colorado-themed playrooms and start group ski lessons from two years old!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHhRaAngAbQ&ab_channel=PeakRankings

Learning to Ski

A good part of the ski school classes is conducted at Elk Camp, which can be found at the top of the Elk Camp gondola. The facility was constructed solely with beginner skiers in mind and the aim is to help skiers and snowboarders learn but in a natural environment higher up the mountain.

There are even party nights, held at Elk Camp, where you can celebrate the life of the Norse god of snow, Ullr

Aspen Snowmass commits to making its mountains as accessible as possible and offers adaptive ski and snowboard lessons for ages four and up. Volunteer helpers are on hand should anyone need them, and Ascendigo provides ski and snowboard lessons for adults and children on the autism spectrum.

Off the Slopes

After skiing, how about boarding a snowcat to be chauffeured up the mountain for dinner at a high-altitude restaurant? Enjoy kids’ snow bikes, riding the alpine coaster, watching fire dancers, and eating your body weight in s’mores.

What We Love About Snowmass:

  • Ski school lessons start from two years old!
  • Three different practice areas for beginners
  • Ullr Nights at Camp Elk.

Snowmass Stats

Summit Elevation:12510 ft / 3813 metres
Skiable terrain: 3342 acres
Lifts:22
Runs:98

4. Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain
Photo by W.G. Dayton at licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Another laid-back resort now. Located only 75 miles from Denver and known for being one of the most chilled-out and budget-friendly resorts in the vicinity is Copper Mountain.

What is the Skiing Like?

As a larger resort, Copper Mountain is renowned for its good spread of variety on the runs, and as such more than 20% of runs are suitable for beginners. The beginner area is located between Center Village and East Village, where you can use the Gem magic carpet to access the green run, Green Acres.

Once you have cut your teeth at the base the world really is your oyster at Copper Mountain, where you will be able to find lifts to take you to some of the highest peaks and then ski down on green runs right back to base.

Some of these best lifts include Lumberjack, Timberline Express, Highpoint, and American Flyer. The great thing about Copper Mountain is that you can progress gradually, as your technique improves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuV4WpmQ750&ab_channel=PeakRankings

Learning to Ski

Ski and snowboard instructors at Copper Mountain are fully qualified and skilled in coaching beginners to adopt the best techniques to ensure skiers have a good foundation on which to improve their ability.

Copper Ski School offers private and group lessons for ages three and up. Classes are carefully selected to ensure the optimum mix of age and ability so that everyone can benefit from the teaching progressively and without frustration.

Off the Slopes

The resort’s 140 runs are evenly split across ski levels, and there are an additional 25 kilometers of cross-country trails through the beautiful White River National Forest. In addition, there are loads of other activities such as tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, exploring the snow maze, the Alpine Rush Zip Line, and the Rocky Mountain Coaster.

What We Love About Copper Mountain:

  • Beginner runs right from the top of the mountain
  • The Kids’ Night Out program gives parents a night off.
  • It’s a laid-back, small-town Colorado vibe.

Copper Mountain Stats

Summit Elevation:12441 ft / 3792 metres
Skiable terrain: 2507 acres
Lifts:24
Runs:142

3. Arapahoe Basin

Photo by bixentro at licensed under CC BY 2.0

One of our favorite resorts in Colorado is often overlooked by people heading straight for the more well-known slopes of Vail and Breckenridge. But if you’re looking for a laid-back resort that’s a bit more budget-friendly, Arapahoe Basin (or A-Basin as the locals call it) might be the resort for you.

What is the Skiing Like?

Just over 38% of the runs have been designated as beginners at Arapahoe Basin, which provides plenty of scope of practice for those starting out.

The beginner slopes can be found at the base with the Molly Hogan lift and Molly’s Magic carpet, where you can practice getting on and off without the pressure of others watching.

From there you are well placed to take the high-speed quad, Black Mountain express, halfway up the mountain, from where you can take the wide green runs, Wrangler, and Sundance back down. If you feel intimidated by faster skiers you can stick to designated ‘Slow skier areas’, where the pace will be gentler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCXV6hVtSNs&ab_channel=snowboardtraveler

Learning to Ski

Ski and snowboard lessons are well organized at Copper Mountain to ensure you get value for money. Group lessons are open to those aged 7+, with a maximum of six per lesson.

Private lessons are open to those aged 3+, with a maximum of four other people of your choosing. All lessons last for half a day.

Kids will love the Ace Ventura-themed park where they can play, learn and hang out with Ace, the mountain goat resort mascot. Then they can start ski and snowboard group lessons, which start from seven years old, and private lessons from three.

Off the Slopes

Arapahoe Basin may not have the glitz of some of its larger cousins. However what it does offer in bucket loads is a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, competitive pricing, and one of the longest skiing seasons in the State.

There is no on-resort accommodation, but you will find plenty of inns and hotels in nearby Silverthorne or Dillon, or larger chains in Denver which are about one hour away.

What We Love About Arapahoe Basin:

  • A laid-back, unpretentious vibe – ideal for beginners
  • The Ace Ventura kids playground complete with mountain goat
  • It’s budget-friendly

Arapahoe Basin Stats

Summit Elevation:13050 ft / 3978 metres
Skiable terrain: 1428 acres
Lifts:9
Runs:145

2. Beaver Creek

beaver-creek
Photo by Dave Herholz at licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Beaver Creek is easily one of the best ski resorts for beginners in Colorado. It is something of a luxury resort, and it aspires to meet the needs of children and beginners alike.

What is the Skiing Like?

There is plenty of variety in Beaver Creek offering nearly 20% of trails as green circles.

The Haymeadow Park is most beginner's first stop where they can practice getting on and off the Haymeadow Express Gondola and get to grips with the green runs around there.

Progressing from there you can choose Red Buffalo Park, which is to be found at the top of Beaver Creek Mountain, which gives access to several green runs which are also equipped with interactive features to help you learn techniques.

Newly opened McCoy Park offers plenty of green runs, which are shared with the Nordic skiing trails. You can access McCoy Park via McCoy Park Express lift.

Beaver Creek takes its responsibilities to its skiers and snowboarders seriously and has won awards in the National Ski Area Association’s Best Overall Safety Awards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_UtkPqVxRM&ab_channel=PeakRankings

Learning to Ski

Beaver Creek Ski School offers both group and private lessons and they have a keen reputation for encouraging complete beginners. The instructors make use of video analysis to demonstrate errors to students and how to correct them.

Students in private lessons keep their DVDs, as a memento, to remind them of how they first skied.

Beaver Creek offers professional childcare from two to six years old and ski school from three. Plus, it has the Ski Girls Rock program that lets girls learn and ride together in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Off the Slopes

Other attractions include ice skating, tubing, the marmot maze, on-snow storytime, and fireworks displays. Then return to your ski in ski out accommodation or board a free shuttle bus to the many nearby suburb accommodations.

What We Love About Beaver Creek:

  • The beginner, welcoming terrain of McCoy Park
  • Video progress during lessons
  • The Ski Girls Rock program.

Beaver Creek Stats

Summit Elevation:11440 ft / 3487 metres
Skiable terrain: 2082 acres
Lifts:24
Runs:167

1. Vail

Vail is the most well-known ski resort in North America but asks anyone around the world and it will most likely be their first choice as well. Vail is one of Colorado’s oldest resorts and is famed for its great snow, excellent facilities, and endless activities.

What is the Skiing Like?

Vail has a staggering 5,289 acres of terrain to explore and 18% of that has been designated as beginner, so there is little chance of you becoming bored on the same runs!

The main beginner area is just in front of the Vail Village Bar, where you will find the Gopher Hill lift and green run. From there it’s just a short walk to try your skills getting on and off a gondola, Gondola 1, which will take you right up to Mid-Vail.

From here you have greens going in both directions, which will take you on long and winding routes through trails in the forest.

The mountain at Vail is well designed, so even as a beginner you can take in some of the highest peaks and still enjoy straightforward greens back down to the base. There are numerous traversing trails across the mountain, like Lion’s Way, Gitalong Road, and Trans Montaine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VuxDX0FjCk&ab_channel=PeakRankings

Learning to Ski

As with the quality of skiing, the quality of the tuition in ski school is also second to none. There are several ski school locations throughout the resort, Golden Peak is the main children’s Ski School, while classes can also be found in Vail Village and Lionshead.

Packages for tuition include a 3-day First Timer Package, which includes three days of group lessons, your lift ticket, and equipment rental.

As a beginner family, you can also opt for a private lesson, which would last for a full day with up to 6 people in your group. The instructor can tailor the lessons depending on your age and abilities. This package does not include a lift ticket or equipment rental.

One of the main reasons Vail is so popular is the excellent Adventure Ridge fun zone. The young and the young at heart alike can have fun snow tubing, sledding, snow biking, snowmobiling, and ice skating.

Off the Slopes

Don’t worry if you can’t ski yet. Adventure Ridge is accessible by gondola. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, stay up there for dinner at the child-friendly restaurants.

What We Love About Vail:

  • Adventure Ridge fun zone.
  • Terrain for all the family.
  • The kudos for skiing in one of Colorado’s most famous resorts.

Vail Stats

Summit Elevation:11,570 ft / 3526.54 metres
Skiable terrain: 5317 acres
Lifts:31
Runs:2

Why Choose Colorado for Skiing?

You really are spoilt for choice when choosing a resort in Colorado for skiing, some of the stats for skiable terrain and snowfall are mind-blowing. However, this doesn’t mean the State’s resorts are only suitable for experts. Far from it, all of our top picks demonstrate that these resorts are keen to attract beginners and offer them some of the best tuition.

Your personal choice will most likely be governed by geography, budget, accommodation, activities, and layout of the resort. But whichever you choose you will be sure of creating some lifelong memories.

P.S If you want to know what it’s like skiing throughout the season from November to April – read our guide on the Best Month to Ski in Colorado.

How Did We Order This List?

To help rank our top selection of ski resorts for this list we compared the following ranking factors:

👨‍👩‍👦 Ranking Factor📈 Power to affect Rank
Amount of Beginner Trails (Mi) 4x
Amount of Skiing Area (Mi) 3x
Cost of two adult tickets + child ticket1x
How many magic carpet lifts1x

We gave each factor its own weighting depending on how important we feel it is for family fun across all ages. For example, a resort with more beginner trails is higher ranked than a resort with a lower-priced family ticket - with all else being equal. That's because while cost is a factor, it's not a primary one. We may also use our editorial judgment to remove or add resorts that we believe should make a list.

When taking all of this into account, it gives us our awesome list above. We hope it was helpful in planning your next family ski vacation.