Colorado’s Best Ski Destinations for Families

Before the 2020 ski season suddenly ended, we skied Keystone as a family for the first time after skiing Copper Mountain, Loveland and Arapahoe Basin. I made a separate trip to Vail.  

Keystone

          The abundance of family friendly hotels in the area was impressive. Additionally, several, including the one at which we stayed (Hyatt House), had amazing access to the slopes without being ski-in and out. It’s truly a treat to be able to wake up to an inclusive breakfast and walk to the slopes (in ski boots) rather than getting up at 5pm in Denver for the 90-minute drive. If, however, you need to day trip to and from Denver, it’s an uneventful 90-minute drive with normal traffic. Leave early on the weekends to avoid traffic. The outdoor hot tub overlooking the slopes was the cherry on top of our hotel experience. The kids also liked the complementary gummies.

There was something for everyone, including two members of the family who did not ski. While we were on the slopes, they could hit the spa, ice skate or tube. There was a good mixture of blue and green runs which were all impeccably groomed. The bathrooms and restaurants (facilities) were well laid out. There are very few green runs which offer 3.5 miles of pristine groomed slope. There are blacks and bowls, the latter of which have no facilities. The River Run Village contains shops and restaurants with plenty of options.

Another fun dinner outing was TwoBelowZero in Frisco which is about ten minutes from Keystone. You board a sleigh for a scenic mule drawn ride through the woods to a large tent set for dinner. Comfort food follows along with plenty of hot chocolate and, for the adults, peppermint schnapps.

Copper Mountain

Fifteen minutes west of Keystone is Copper Mountain. Long a favorite of Colorado locals Copper boasts long runs and scenic trails. While it does not have a gondola like Keystone, lift lines were relatively short. Please note that Copper is not part of the Epic system but rather the competing Icon system. What this means is that Copper is a great alternative if you want to ski on an Epic blackout period.

Arapahoe Basin

While A-Basin is one of Colorado’s smaller ski venues, it enjoys top-notch slopes and easy access to Denver. You won’t find high-end hotels and restaurants, but you will experience excellent skiing and comfortable casual dining within a manageable setting.

Loveland

Loveland enjoys the closest proximity to Denver being visible from Highway 70. However, its basic equipment could use an update. Notwithstanding, there are many things to like. Loveland has a lot of greens for beginners and blues once the kids feel ready for that next level. Loveland’s parking shuttle is very reliable. Best of all, once you are done you don’t need to navigate Loveland Pass (think weekend traffic jams) since you are already next to Highway 70.

Vail

Even in Colorado, Vail is iconic. The pros include wonderful, high-end restaurants, hotels and spas. Imagine yourself strolling through a real life Ralph Lauren catalog. There are less green and blue runs as compared with Keystone. As such, Vail is somewhat less family friendly. Notwithstanding, the slopes are impeccably groomed. Daily lift tickets at the window are north of $200 per day. Better to buy in advance a daily local Epic pass online for about half the price.