The Centennial State is a fantastic choice for your next ski trip. To help you plan the best Colorado ski trip possible, here are our top tips!

Select Your Ski Resort

What can we say – Colorado is the place to be for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Depending on how each season kicks off, this state can have as many as 32 ski areas operating at its peak winter, so there’s no shortage of potential destinations.

Different ski areas offer different things, so make sure to pick wisely for your ski trip. You’ll want to consider the location (how easy/difficult it is to get there), budget, difficulty of terrain (are you looking for groomed runs or harder terrain with no cut runs?), and après-ski (because a ski holiday isn’t just about skiing).

While there are many options to choose from, we want to highlight the Telluride Ski Resort that’s close to our hotel. Thanks to its legendary terrain, Telluride is considered one of the best skiing destinations not only in the US but also the world. It’s home to 2000 acres of lift-accessible terrain that can accommodate everyone from expert-level skiers to beginner snowboarders. If you’re looking for world-class skiing and snowboarding, this is a resort you’re going to want to visit.

Prepare for Weather and Altitude

This is the land of extremes, so in order to have a great Colorado ski trip, you need to be prepared.

Before you visit, make sure you track the weather and temperatures. This will give you a good idea of what to expect, but Colorado weather can be tricky and change quickly. Make sure to plenty of good layers so you can be prepared if you’re too cold (or too hot). Avoid any cotton garments, as they can get wet easily and ruin your day quickly.

We’re up pretty high in Colorado, and for some, that can introduce altitude sickness. Symptoms can include headache, insomnia, fatigue, lethargy, nausea, and shortness of breath. While there’s no guaranteed way to avoid altitude sickness, there are a few ways you can reduce the chance of being impacted. First, take it easy on your first day. Second, stay very well hydrated, especially when you’re active. Another way is to increase your cardio pre-trip, as the better cardio shape you’re in, the less likely you’ll feel the effects of the elevation.

Wear Sunscreen

This may seem like a weird stand-alone tip, but that’s because a sunburn can really kill your ski trip.

If you’re thinking, “How can I get sunburnt from snow? Especially on a cloudy day??” We hear you, but be warned: it happens. Snow reflects light, and it’s very easy to get sunburnt while skiing. And when it’s cloudy, you still need to slather than sunblock on. That’s because over 90% of UV radiation can still come through the clouds. Even if you can’t see the sun, the UV rays are very much there. Make sure to wear a good sunblock and reapply it throughout the day.

Buy Tickets Online

To save some money on your Colorado ski trip, buy your tickets online in advance.

Lift ticket prices aren’t cheap, and the closer you get to your ski date, the more expensive the ticket will be. By buying tickets online in advance, you’ll get a much better deal, and you won’t have to wait in those long lines at the slopes. If you plan on skiing more than one day, buying multi-day tickets is another great way to save.

Consider Taking a Lesson

If you’re new to skiing and snowboarding or feel a bit rusty, one way to ensure you have fun on your Colorado ski trip is to take a lesson. This sport has a learning curve that can sometimes feel frustrating before it all clicks. By taking a lesson, you can ensure you and your group stay safe, improve your skills, and make the most out of your trip. Bonus: your instructor can tell you all the best runs for your skill level, and while you’re with them, you’ll likely get to cut the lift line.

Include a Day Off in Your Itinerary

When planning your ski trip, include an extra day or two to enjoy other winter activities and get some rest in. Taking a break from shredding the slopes allows you to enjoy nature and have some fun doing other activities. Most ski destinations and the surrounding areas have plenty of other winter activities like ice skating, ice climbing, snowmobiling, and more. If the activity you’re looking forward to most is relaxing, consider soaking your sore muscles in a hot springs.

Ready to Plan Your Colorado Ski Trip?

With these tips, you’ll be sure to have a fun and memorable ski trip! If you’re looking to ski at Telluride but want to explore a little more of Colorado, we invite you to stay with us at the MTN Lodge Ridgway. We’re located in Ridgway, CO, and are the perfect base camp for all your mountain adventures. We have comfortable rooms and incredible mountain views. Let’s make your stay a memorable one.