5 Resorts That Colorado Locals Love to Ride

Colorado’s snow-draped peaks summon adventurous souls, whispering tales of untouched powder and thrilling descents. While seasoned skiers flock to Vail and Aspen, a discerning few know the true treasures lie deeper for local snowboarders. These are the resorts where champagne powder stashes linger untouched, crowds are scarce, and the vibe is pure mountain magic. In this blog, we unveil five hidden gems for Colorado snowboarding. From powder hounds chasing legendary stashes to families seeking winter wonderland fun, we’ve culled something for every type of snowboarder.

Colorado snowboarding at Wolf Creek
There’s no shortage of powder days at Wolf Creek. (Photo courtesy Wolf Creek Ski Area/Facebook)

#1. Wolf Creek Ski Area

Welcome to the Champagne Bowl, a nickname affectionately bestowed upon Wolf Creek by those who know its secrets. Tucked away in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, this resort is a powder hound’s paradise, renowned for its legendary snowfall and uncrowded slopes.

Here’s why locals love to shred Wolf Creek:

Unrivaled Snowfall: Wolf Creek receives an average of 430 inches of snow annually. It often ranks among the top snowfall totals in North America. That means fresh tracks are almost always guaranteed, even days after a storm.

Epic Terrain Variety: Wolf Creek offers a diverse playground for all skill levels, from tree-lined glades to wide-open bowls. Explore 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, including 11 lifts. It also has 1,600 feet of vertical drop.

Authentic Mountain Vibe: Wolf Creek retains a true Colorado snowboarding vibe, with a laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and a focus on the pure joy of riding. Moreover, you won’t find glitzy après-ski scenes or fancy resorts here – just untamed powder and a passion for the sport.

Pro Tip: Stay in the nearby town of Pagosa Springs. You’ll enjoy a taste of small-town charm and easy access to rejuvenating hot springs.

#2. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Locals affectionately call it A-Basin, and it’s practically a rite of passage for Colorado snowboarding. Set high in the Rocky Mountains above the Eisenhower Tunnel, Arapahoe Basin is known for two things: its legendary spring skiing scene and its incredibly long season.

Here’s why A-Basin holds a special place in the hearts of locals:

Longest Season in North America: A-Basin often boasts the longest ski season in North America, sometimes extending into July. This means you can carve turns well into spring and even summer, enjoying corn snow and sunshine galore.

Steeps, Bumps, and Expert Terrain: A-Basin is a paradise for advanced riders because it has cliffs, chutes, and mogul fields that will leave you grinning ear to ear.

The Beach, An Iconic Spring Tradition: When the snow melts at lower elevations, A-Basin’s sun-soaked patio, aptly named The Beach, becomes the epicenter of après-ski revelry. Picture bikini-clad skiers and snowboarders, live music, and epic views – it’s a springtime spectacle you won’t find anywhere else.

Pro Tip: Plan a visit for the annual Beach Day party in May, when the festivities peak and the vibe is electric.

Colorado snowboarding at Copper Mountain
With more than 2,500 acres of terrain, there’s plenty of space to carve fresh lines at Copper Mountain. (Photo courtesy Copper Mountain/Facebook)

#3. Copper Mountain

Colorado boasts legendary snowboarding resorts for epic powder runs and expert terrain, but sometimes you crave a different thrill. Enter Copper Mountain, a paradise for progression-hungry riders and families looking for excitement and accessibility. Perched in the Tenmile Range west of Denver, Copper Mountain offers something for everyone, from gentle beginner groomers to heart-pounding terrain parks.

Here’s why Copper Mountain steals the hearts of locals:

Progression Parks Galore: Copper Mountain is renowned for its world-class terrain parks, including the award-winning Woodward Copper. With jumps, rails, boxes, and pipe walls of all sizes, it’s a playground for aspiring freestylers and seasoned veterans alike. Whether mastering your first ollie or perfecting your switch landing, Copper has the perfect feature to push your limits.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Copper Mountain isn’t just about big tricks and gnarly lines. With a dedicated beginner area, gentle slopes, and a vibrant village scene, it’s a fantastic destination for families. Kids will love the Copper Kids Ski & Ride School, while parents can enjoy après-ski at one of the many family-friendly restaurants and bars.

Variety for All Levels: Beyond the terrain parks and beginner areas, Copper Mountain boasts a diverse range of runs for Colorado snowboarding. Cruise down wide-open groomers, explore tree-lined glades or tackle the challenging black diamond runs in the Copper Bowl. With over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, there’s always something new to discover.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Woodward Copper Action Sports Park, a year-round facility offering skateboarding, BMX, and cheerleading alongside snowboarding. It’s a great way to cross-train and add variety to your winter adventure.

#4. Steamboat Resort

Steamboat Resort isn’t just about epic runs and fresh powder (though it boasts plenty of both!). It’s where cowboy charm meets mountain adventure, a resort that oozes family-friendly vibes and genuine Western hospitality.

Here’s why Steamboat is a special place for locals:

Champagne Powder Paradise: Steamboat receives an average of 314 inches of snow annually. It’s known for its light, dry powder affectionately nicknamed “Champagne Powder.” Glide through this legendary snow on over 2,965 acres of terrain, carving through wide groomers, exploring hidden tree runs, or tackling the challenging double-black diamond chutes.

Beyond the Slopes: Steamboat offers more than just Colorado snowboarding. Soak in the natural hot springs scattered throughout the valley, from the iconic Old Town Hot Springs to the more secluded Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride or explore the charming town of Steamboat Springs with its art galleries and shops. There is also a lively après-ski scene.

Western Heritage and Family Fun: Steamboat embraces its rich cowboy heritage with events like the annual Cowboy Downhill and chuckwagon dinners. But it’s also a haven for families, with dedicated kids’ programs, beginner-friendly slopes, and a welcoming atmosphere. The resort’s mascot, a jolly snowman named Buddy, will make sure the little ones have a blast while parents can enjoy the friendly service and laid-back vibe.

Pro Tip: After a day on the slopes, head to the historic Steamboat Gondola for stunning views and a delicious meal at one of the mountaintop restaurants.

Colorado snowboarding at Sunlight Mountain
Sunlight Mountain Resort has plenty of terrain and some sweet progression features. (Photo courtesy Sunlight Mountain Resort/Facebook)

#5. Sunlight Mountain Resort

Forget the glitz and glamour of the biggest Colorado snowboarding resorts. Sometimes, the true magic lies in hidden gems like Sunlight Mountain Resort, affectionately nicknamed The Powder Paradise. Tucked away near Glenwood Springs in the heart of the White River National Forest, Sunlight offers unrivaled powder stashes at affordable prices. Furthermore, it’s a haven for budget-conscious adventurers and die-hard powder fiends.

Here’s why locals adore Sunlight:

Untouched Powder Stashes: With an average annual snowfall of 265 inches and fewer crowds than its more famous counterparts, Sunlight guarantees fresh tracks for days. Explore 2,300 acres of skiable terrain. You can carve through untouched lines in hidden meadows, and let loose on the wide-open bowls bathed in sunshine.

Terrain for All Levels: Most terrain leans toward intermediate riders, with plenty of blue and green runs. Sunlight also offers exciting expert chutes and bowls in the Upper Cirque. There’s truly something for everyone, from first-timers carving their first turns to seasoned veterans seeking technical challenges.

Budget-Friendly Fun: Sunlight is a breath of fresh air for riders weary of expensive lift tickets and crowded slopes. Here, you can enjoy a full day of shredding without breaking the bank. Affordable lift tickets, family-friendly pricing options, and a casual, down-to-earth atmosphere make Sunlight a perfect escape for value-conscious adventurers.

Pro Tip: Stay in the nearby town of Glenwood Springs for access to hot springs, delicious dining, and charming shops after a day on the slopes.

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