Living in Boulder gives skiers and snowboarders nice perks. Very few places in the US have this kind of easy access to world-class terrain without spending a ton on flights or on expensive packages. Boulder residents have more access to peaks and road trips than just about any other destination. If you have good expectations and time for a trip from Boulder, you can make planning a ski holiday on a budget way easier than it looks.

Eldora Mountain Resort

Eldora has become the default choice for locals, and for good reason: it is about 40 minutes from Boulder, allowing skiers to get a full day at the mountain before the weather changes or before leaving for the mountains after work or school.

Eldora is good because:

• There’s no need to stay overnight.
• You don’t spend a lot on gas or travel.
• Midweek skiing is nice and quick.
• The conditions are good for the Front Range.

While it doesn’t have the best terrain or vertical, it is a great place to have fun for the day. It is the best choice for Boulder residents looking for a range of activities at a reasonable cost.

Summit County

For people who want to ski in Colorado on a budget, skiing in Summit County is a must. Breckenridge, Keystone, A-Basin, and Copper Mountain ski resorts are all within a couple of hours’ drive from Boulder, giving skiers lots of choices on what resorts to go to.

What attracts skiers to Summit County from Boulder:

• Varied ski terrains with many options for all ski levels.
• Cheap lift passes and the ability to ski at different resorts (like those on the Epic or Ikon passes).
• The ability to find cheaper ski lodging in the surrounding towns instead of the ski resort lodges.

In Colorado, Summit County offers a wide range of ski options compared to other states. Summit County is a top option for skiers in Colorado.

Winter Park

Another favorite for Boulder skiers is Winter Park. They have a large variety of ski terrain in the main resorts. Among Colorado’s other main resorts, Winter Park offers a high volume of varied ski terrain.

What makes Winter Park a great option:

• They have the best options for driving to the ski lodge without going through the Eisenhower Tunnel (via Berthoud Pass).
• Multiple ski terrain options, including the famous Mary Jane territory.
• Their lodging can be more affordable than other main ski resorts.

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs may initially seem pricey due to the longer drive. However, it can offer great value, particularly for longer stays.

Here’s what makes Steamboat Springs great:

• Fewer crowds than the I-70 resorts.
• Famous family-friendliness.
• Good snow conditions (the legendary “Champagne Powder”).

While the prices for local activities in Steamboat Springs are reasonable, lodging can be pricey. However, the drive can be worth it, especially for less hectic slopes outside peak holiday weeks.

New Mexico Resorts

Colorado skiers often skip New Mexico ski resorts, but they have high potential. They offer great value with less density and a different vibe.

• Taos Ski Valley: Known for its tough, steep terrain.
• Ski Santa Fe: Less busy and often features affordable prices.
• Angel Fire: Family-friendly and great for longer stays.

New Mexico resorts often have lower lift prices, affordable lodging, and great views, making them a great option for Boulder skiers looking for a change. Plus, the Southwestern setting is a great change of pace and makes the trip less repetitive.

Utah Ski Trips

The ski resorts near Salt Lake City, like Brighton and Solitude, have world-class snowfall, making them top-of-the-line for skiers.

Utah trips make sense when:

• Flights are booked well in advance.
• Driving is planned ahead (about an 8-hour drive from Boulder).
• Ski days are booked back-to-back to maximize the lift ticket value.

Utah is well-documented for record snowfall. High snow reliability provides a higher value for travel costs when conditions in Colorado are inconsistent.

Montana and Wyoming

For Boulder skiers aiming higher, Big Sky and Jackson Hole sit firmly in aspirational territory, but they aren’t out of reach.

These trips become manageable by:

• Traveling midweek.
• Large group accommodation sharing.
• Off-peak holiday travel.

As a wonder destination, the conditions, scale, and snow quality deliver a true destination experience. These aren’t the cheapest options, but with enough planning, they don’t become a pipe dream.

Choosing the Right Ski Trip for Your Budget and Time

Boulder skiers choose based on flexible criteria. In a single winter, the skier’s experience can be spontaneous day trips, planned weekends, and even longer trips, all while having a completely different experience.

Consider these important factors:

• The distance you’ll travel compared to the time you’ll spend driving in snow.
• Your season pass access, along with any blackout dates.
• Your accommodation strategy.
• The timing within the season (January is often better for budget and crowds).

Local insights and seasonal planning tips from AboutBoulder may help skiers match conditions, crowds, and costs more effectively. From a quick Eldora morning to a multi-state road trip, Boulder offers a starting point that few ski towns can match.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com