Top Views At Colorado Ski Resorts
Breckenridge (credit: Mike Quaintance)
In a state as beautiful as Colorado, picking the best view is a little like picking the best flower out of a dozen freshly cut roses. Each may be a little different, but it's all scenic and stunning. That's the beauty of Colorado. The sweeping majesty of the Rocky Mountains provides endless opportunities for beautiful backdrops and huge panoramic views. If you're a skier, then you already know how amazing the views are when you hit the top of the mountains. Some may be a little more obstructed than others, so that is where this list of the best views at Colorado ski resorts comes in handy. If you want the picture-perfect ski trip, here are the resorts to visit, just don't forget your camera.
Telluride Ski Resort
565 Mountain Village Blvd
Telluride, CO 81435
(800) 778-8581
www.tellurideskiresort.com
Telluride is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Colorado, and it's easy to appreciate the beauty when you are riding the free gondola that takes you right through the stunning mountain views for a short ride to the Mountain Village. At about 9,500 feet, the Mountain Village is a great place to check out some really amazing views, or you can head even higher with a lift ticket and get to 13,320 feet. When you are done skiing for the day, make sure to stop for a drink at Allred's Restaurant and Bar for a cocktail with incredible views of Telluride and the mountains surrounding it. If you are lucky enough to catch this view at sunset, then you're really in for an amazing treat.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
500 Gothic Road
Crested Butte, CO 81225
(970) 349-2222
www.skicb.com
Crested Butte often gets overlooked in the competition for your ski-dollars. However, this mountain town is stunningly beautiful, partly because its elevation and partly because the city of Crested Butte does such a great job at keeping the small-town atmosphere so strong. The top of the mountain sits at around 12,162 feet, which will provide skiers and snowboarders with expansive views of the surrounding terrain, all 1,550 acres of it. It's about four hours outside of Denver, so if you are heading for a short trip, make a weekend out of it, and then you'll have the time to stop and enjoy the amazing views of this picturesque little town.
Related: Top Ski Areas For Beginners
Vail Ski Resort
Vail, CO 81657
(970) 754-8245
www.vail.com
Vail is actually home to the second largest mountain ski resort in the country with 5,289 acres of beautiful Colorado Mountains to enjoy. The summit isn't one of the highest, which reaches about 11,570 feet, but with so many amazing runs and carved-out bowls, there is no shortage of incredible views to take in. Take the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the summit and break out the camera for panoramic views that perfectly showcase why Colorado is the most scenic state in the country. If you have the extra time, make sure to book a few days in Vail, so you can take in all the incredible views from your hotel at night. When the stars come out and the night sky lights up the mountain sides, you'll want to take some time to enjoy it.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
1599 Co Road 3
Breckenridge, CO 80424
(970) 453-5000
www.breckenridge.com
Breckenridge is beautiful all year long, but in the winter this ski town really lights up. As the highest ski resort in Colorado, with a top elevation of 12,998 feet, you'll find no shortage of panoramic views and expansive scenic beauty to behold. Take the free gondola up the mountain to enjoy all of the incredible views as you ride, then stop at the top for some hot chocolate and photo opportunities with the whole family. Even if you aren't a skier, you can still catch the gondola up the mountain for a look at the surrounding beauty, then you just take the same ride back down when you're done.
Related: Top Single Day Ski Destinations Near Denver
Copper Mountain
0509 Copper Road
Copper Mountain, CO 80443
(970) 968-2318
www.coppercolorado.com
Copper Mountain reaches about 12,313 feet and has 2,465 acres of ski-able terrain. Of course, just like all the other ski areas in Colorado, it's filled with expansive views and amazing spots for iconic photos and panoramic beauty. One of the best views in Copper Mountain is heading up the American Flyer Lift. If you can get up early enough, the views from the lifts in the earliest hours of the day are the best, making them very much worth the early rise. Bring your camera and allow yourself plenty of time to take in the stunning beauty that is Copper Mountain. You'll find lots of views of the surrounding mountains, the White River National Forest and more.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
