Colorado's ski resorts are gearing up for an exciting 2024-2025 season, with notable upgrades and enhancements aimed at attracting both seasoned skiers and beginners alike. This year, visitors can look forward to new lifts, improved snowmaking capabilities, and special family-friendly offerings across various resorts.
With the Rocky Mountains cradling more than thirty ski resorts, Colorado has firmly established itself as the ultimate winter playground. Nestled just outside Denver, these resorts offer not only exhilarating skiing opportunities but also charming towns filled with local culture and exciting events. When winter descends, travelers flock to destinations like Steamboat Springs, Winter Park, and Breckenridge to soak up the festive atmosphere along with their favorite winter sports.
Two significant lift replacements stand out this season. Copper Mountain is ready to boast its new six-person Timberline Express lift, replacing the outdated four-person chair. This upgrade reflects the resort’s commitment to cater to families and beginner skiers, making their journeys more comfortable and less time-consuming. "We’ve done extensive work over the last three years to create varied terrain, including new trails, to help skiers progress comfortably from easy runs to more advanced courses," said Copper spokesperson Olivia Butrymovich.
Meanwhile, at Snowmass, the new Coney Express lift replaces the previous four-person Coney Glade chair. This high-speed quad offers increased uphill capacity and is strategically located closer to the Snowmass Mall, simplifying access for ski-goers. Just think about it; skiers will have less waiting time and more time on the slopes!
Winter Park is also stepping up its game by investing $37 million to modernize its snowmaking system, which reportedly hasn’t undergone major upgrades since the 1970s. Highlights of this overhaul include the addition of four new pumphouses, creating a 13-million-gallon reservoir, new pipes, and nearly 200 brand-new snowmaking guns. The improvements aim to provide consistent snow cover and higher quality conditions regardless of natural snowfall.
Let’s not forget about Loveland, which has also added four new snow guns catering to beginner skiers at Loveland Valley, enhancing the experience for those just starting out. Over at Telluride, new snow guns have been added as part of the preparations for the season. Arapahoe Basin is enforcing reservations for parking before 1 p.m. on weekends and holidays this winter, aiming to solve the common parking struggles experienced by visitors.
But the updates aren’t solely limited to ski lifts and snowmaking technology. Eldora Mountain Resort is making waves with the debut of the Caribou Lodge, anticipated to be the new go-to hub for families. This facility will feature a new children’s center, food and beverage options, restrooms, and serve as the headquarters for Ignite Adaptive Sports, which provides adaptive sports programs for those with disabilities.
For those interested in competitive skiing, Beaver Creek is transforming its annual events by extending its racing focus to female athletes. This winter, for the first time, women will compete alongside men during the prestigious World Cup races scheduled for early December. This initiative seeks to showcase and support female alpine skiers, creating more opportunities for women to shine on the slopes.
One notable highlight this season is the International Snow Sculpture Championships held annually in Breckenridge every January. Here, talented sculptors brave the winter chill to create colossal art pieces, using only hand tools. Watching these creative minds at work can transform the ski experience from simply hitting the slopes to marveling at stunning artistry.
Pamper your taste buds after hitting the slopes with international cuisine offered at numerous restaurants dotting these ski towns. From hearty ranch-style meals to sushi joints, foodies will find something to satisfy their cravings. With family-friendly options available including hot chocolate spots and cozy lodges, every member of the family is sure to have their preferences met.
On the more adventurous side, Crested Butte continues to attract thrill-seekers with nearly two-thirds of its terrain designated for double-black-diamond runs. The Colorado town is becoming synonymous with off-piste adventures, making it the perfect haven for seasoned skiers. Local guides provide avalanche courses, private lessons, and unique backcountry tours, solidifying the area’s reputation for expertise and safety.
And let’s not overlook Steamboat Springs, famed for its “Champagne Powder” snow and rich cowboy heritage. Here, adventurers can explore everything from snow tubing to night skiing, plus partake in events like the annual Cowboy Downhill Ski Rodeo where professional cowboys swap saddles for skis!
Just as diverse as the terrain are the experiences awaiting families at Winter Park. A short train ride from Denver directly brings you to this family-friendly atmosphere, which features gentle slopes, snow tubing, and even ski biking for parents and older kids. With activities outside the slopes like s'mores around evening campfires, Winter Park emerges as the quintessential spot for family bonding during the winter season.
When it’s all poured together, winter fun in Colorado is no longer solely about skiing or snowboarding. Between the scenic towns, cultural events, culinary delights, and routine upgrades, the overall experience promises to be filled with lasting memories. Whether seeking adrenaline on the thrills of steep runs or simply enjoying the après-ski scene by the fireplace, Colorado's mountains welcome winter enthusiasts to celebrate the season.
With the new 2024-2025 ski season inching closer, there’s no doubt Colorado will continue to be celebrated as one of the standout destinations for winter sports. For skiers both new and seasoned, the anticipation is palpable. Add to all this the growing market for inclusive sports and efforts to support female athletes, and it’s clear; the future of Colorado’s ski resorts remains bright.
