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Best Ski Resorts to Practice Skiing in Colorado

July 14, 2014 by · Leave a Comment 

Written by: Ski Daddy

Everyone’s got to start somewhere, and lots of people start by booking group ski packages to Colorado. Colorado is packed tightly with multiple resorts that cater to individuals of all skill levels. In this list, you’re bound to find at least one destination that will help teach you the skills you need to hit the powder.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is one of the most highly trafficked ski resorts in the Western hemisphere. It debuted in 1961, offering service to trails on peak 8 (which still continue today). The main lift was a dual chair lift, and the same lift was installed on the black diamond trail Mach One. The resort is spread across five different peaks that offer varying degrees of difficulty for skiers. Peak 9 is where the beginner should be, specifically the lower part. To access this area, use the Quicksilver Super 6 lift.

Crested Butte

Two men purchased a ranch in 1960, and used the land to start a skiing park. The first ten years were a struggle, but the resort continues to be a destination for group ski trips to Colorado. The base is located off of the western edge of the mountain, and beginners will want to visit the East River section for the best blues in the area. You take a high speed quad lift to get there, and Floresta or Black Eagle are great runs to start with. Just be careful as you arrive at the base. The area is a runout for skiers headed down North Face. Crested Butte is considered an “adventure” destination, and there are plenty of activities to do off the mountain in town.

Keystone

Booking family ski trips to Colorado at Keystone puts you in the largest resort you can find inside Summit County. It was founded in 1970, and it consists of three different mountains. The mountains are all connected by gondolas and lifts that transport skiers around the resort. Only about 19% of Keystone’s trails are made for a beginner, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but that’s almost the entire front side of the resort. Look for the gondola-mid station or the base area of the Mountain house to find beginner lessons and a newbie-friendly zone.

Steamboat

There are three chair lifts that service the beginner zones in Steamboat, a resort named after the company who operates the mountain. The resort has 165 trails, with 14% dedicated to beginners. The Gondola, Thunderhead Express, and Christie Peak Express all service the novice sections of the mountain. Try the “Why Not Trail.” It’s a bit long, but it’s a good test for those straddling the line between beginner and intermediate.

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