We know our outdoor gear here at Vital Outdoors and we know where we like to use it! We all have our favorite ski areas in Colorado, which we definitely recommend checking them out.

Vail - Parker 

Parker loves skiing the Back Bowls of Vail and finding the secret powder stashes there. He has a lot of childhood memories here and loves to make new ones! And with over 5,300 acres, that isn't hard to do. 

Over 31 lifts mean that lift lines are a little more spread out here. All the diehards know the way to do Vail though is to head back to Blue Sky Basin and start working your way to the front of the resort. This way you really get to experience all Vail has to offer. Don't worry about not being close to the base too when lunch comes around. There are plenty of places to eat, both on the mountain and at the base. After spending the day at Vail Resort, head down and enjoy the après ski at the base before heading back to your hotel or condo in the town of Vail to do it all again the next day.

Winter Park - Brooke

Brooke loves the Mary Jane side of Winter Park as it reminds her a lot of Bachelor, where she grew up snowboarding. She really likes to go out and find the huts that are hidden in the trees on the Mary Jane side. There is a lot more to explore of Winter Park too. 

With 7 territories, Winter Park has something for everyone. Whether you like to hit moguls until your legs go out, throw 180s off rails, rip down fresh groomed corduroy, or cruise down bowls for the big mountain feel, you'll be sure to find something you like here. Everyone has their favorite of the territories at Winter Park, so be sure to check it all out. And once the snow has melted off, be sure to check out Winter Park in the summer for some world class, downhill mountain biking at Trestle.

Arapahoe Basin - Danielle

Danielle likes how close Arapahoe Basin is to Denver. She also loves the people there and really enjoys the hike-to terrain off the East Wall. It has a big mountain feel with extraordinary terrain.  She also loves that you can start skiing here in October, and stay skiing here until June.

If you are starting out, A-Basin, as the locals call it, may not be fore you; however, once you feel fairly confident on your skis, you'll never have a bad day here. If you are really looking to challenge yourself, head to the East Wall or the Steep Gullies. But be forewarned, this terrain is difficult. After your legs are dead, head down to the base for some of the best, award winning, Bloody Marys in the state. A-Basin also has the longest season in Colorado, and you may find yourself able to make a turn or two on the 4th of July.

Breckenridge - Austen

Austen loves the great community at Breckenridge and its dependable snow. He has a good crew to go with here, which makes the day even better!

Breckenridge is a great place to hang out with family and friends. With great activities the whole family can enjoy, Breckenridge is a great resort for people of all ages. Breckenridge also boasts the highest ski lift in North America with Imperial Chair, which goes up to 12,840 feet high. Breckenridge is surrounded by 5 peaks as well, making for some incredible views. The town of Frisco has a lot to do after the lifts shut down, so be sure to wander around and see all it has to offer.

Crested Butte - Alec 

Alec appreciates how Crested Butte doesn't have a ton of people and has cheap lodging. He loves to ski its gnarly, but beautiful, terrain. It reminds him of his other favorite, A-Basin, without the crowds.

It's a bit of a drive to get to Crested Butte from Denver: around 4 hours when the weather is good. Once you are there though, you'll realize the drive was definitely worth it. Crested Butte is known for having some of the most difficult in-bound terrain in the state. It has some insane chutes that are guaranteed to raise the adrenaline. The resort also features the steepest cut run in the state, Rambo. After you've gotten your fill of powder stashes, which you can always find here, be sure to check out a favorite for tourists and locals alike, Secret Stash, to enjoy some fantastic pizza.

Loveland - Emma

Emma loves Loveland because the sunrises here are better! She skins up in the morning at many of the ski areas, and she has yet to find one with a better view.

Being the closest Front Range ski area to Denver, Loveland is perfect for avoiding some of the heavy ski traffic that occurs right before and after the tunnel. It is a smaller area, and still has the local vibe, which brings many back here. Skiing at Loveland, you also get to ski on the Continental Divide, and access some of the highest in bounds terrain in the area. On weekends, you can take Chair 9 to the top and then ride the snowcat for free to access some amazing snow. Want to ski a 13er? Keep hiking after the cat drops you off to Golden Bear, which sits at 13,010 feet above sea level.

Need to get outfitted for your next ski adventure here in Colorado? Shop our large selection of ski and snowboard apparel, helmets, goggles, gloves, and backpacks.