Summit County Ski Resorts

BethSep 9, 20213 min read

BRECKENRIDGE

Lodging is readily available in town and the surrounding area - over 4,000 loding units are available to rent, ranging from studios to 6 bedroom homes, and everysize in between. The free bus system, Breckenridge Free Ride, has service to many parts of the town, but much of it is walkable, too.

KEYSTONE

Between Breckenridge and A-Baisin sits Keystone Resort. A Vail Resorts ski area, Keystone is the largest of the Summit County ski resorts at 3,148 skiable acres. With a wide variety of terrain, Keystone has something for every skier ability. Keystone is unique with its night sking available many days and most weekends (check the website for details). The village of Keyston is found at the two bases and offer restaurants and shopping ; there is plenty of lodging in the surrounding town.

As part of Vail Resorts, ski passes (cheapest per day skiing) can be purchased before the season starts in mid to late November. (Epic Pass). Tickets can be purchased at the resort on the day you want to ski, but are cheaper when purchased at least a day in advance at their website: Keystone Resort

ARAPAHOE BASIN

Also known as A-Basin, this is the smallest ski resort in the county, but one that has an avid following. The resort caters more to advanced intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers and typically opens for the year in October, closing late June, depending on the weather. WIth an elevation between 10,780 ft and 13,050 ft, the snow comes early and deep. Much of the terrain is hike-to; The newest section of the mountain is The Beavers and has challenging blue runs.

There is no village at the base and no shopping near by, but the town of Keystone and Dillon are within 10 minutes. A-Basin is an independent ski resort, but can be access with the Ikon pass, or buy tickets on line (no on site purchase available). Due to its location high in mountains near the continental divide, cell service can be spotty at best, so download the ski map before you arrive. Website: ArapahoeBasin.com

COPPER MOUNTAIN

Copper Mountain is the furthest west ski resort in the county but with 2,490 skiable acres, is the 7th largest resort in the state, just behind Breckenridge in size. There is a nice mix of terrain fairly evenly split between beginner, intermediate and advanced, with some expert trails and terrain parks. The layout of the mountain is nice as it progresses from easy to hard when going from east to west, with bowls on the backside.

Copper Mountain is part of the Ikon pass, or you can purchase a season pass to just Copper at the resort website. Kids, aged 15 and under, ski free with an adult ticket or pass. Website: Copper Mountain Resort

The town of Copper Mountain consists of three base villages, East, Central, and Union Creek, each within walking distance of each other. Parking is free at Copper Mountain, and the town is serviced by a free bus. There are plenty of places to eat, shop and sleep within town, though it does get sleepier after dark than the Keystone or Breckenridge.