[easy-share buttons=”stumbleupon,facebook,twitter,reddit,pinterest” counters=1 native=”no”]
This guide was designed to be your companion for all things skiing while in the Denver area. Colorado is the premier place to ski and offers some of the best slopes in the entire country. The focus of this guide was to highlight the best slopes within 2 hours of Denver and the appropriate sports shops to hit up when you need gear, ski’s, or anything related. Denver Party Ride transports our customers to the slopes every year in our 4X4 vehicles and here is a list of some of the best local hot spots.
#1 Loveland Ski Resort
Address: Exit 216 Interstate 70, Georgetown, CO 80444
1 hour and 6 minutes from downtown Denver
Loveland is located right at Loveland Pass at the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 which is only about an hour from Denver making it popular with the locals. It is known as the highest ski area with a summit of 13,010 feet and the top of the lift terrain sitting at 12,700 feet. It has 1800 acres of terrain and provides the highest quad chair in the world along with the 2nd highest lift in North America (12,700ft) and the 3rd highest chairlift in the entire world! You can hike to the top and check out the most breath taking views of the Continental Divide. Because of this high elevation, Loveland generally opens before most other ski resorts as snow accumulates faster. Their season runs as one of the longest in Colorado typically opening in early October and running through mid-May. Because of the lack of onsite lodging there, Loveland generally has shorter lift lines and less expensive lift tickets.
The Loveland Rental Shops: Basin & Valley Rental Shop
Exit 216 Interstate 70, Georgetown, CO 80444
Phone: (303) 571-5580
The Basin Rental Shop and Valley Rental Shop are the closest sports stores near Loveland Ski Area. They basically have everything you could possibly want to ski or snowboard with. Clothing, helmets, gloves, and even snowshoes!
Basin is located right behind the flagpoles and next to the Sport Shop and Main Lodge at Loveland Basin and Valley Rental is located underneath the restaurant, on the patio, at Loveland Valley. Both shops are open from 8AM- 4:30PM, seven days a week.
Pricing: (Package includes skis, boots, and bindings)
Adult Sport (15 & Up) Beginner ski rental designed for slower speeds and easier terrains. First time skiers:
- Ski Package $31
- Skis Only $23
- Ski Package Afternoon or Multi-Day $26
- Skis Only Afternoon or Multi-Day $19
- Ski Boot Only $13
- Ski Boot Afternoon or Multi-Day $11
- Ski Poles $5
Adult Performance (15 & Up) Intermediate skiers:
- Ski Package $45
- Skis Only $35
- Ski Package Afternoon or Multi-Day $40
- Skis Only Afternoon or Multi-Day $31
- Child Sport (14 & Under):
- Ski Package (5 & Under) $11
- Ski Package $21
- Skis Only $14
- Ski Package Afternoon or Multi-Day $11
- Ski Boots $10
- Ski Boots Afternoon or Multi-Day $8
- Ski Poles $3
Child Performance (14 & Under):
- Ski Package $26
- Skis Only $19
- Ski Package Afternoon or Multi-Day $22
- Skis Only Afternoon or Multi-Day $16
Snowblades:
- Adult or Child Package $29
- Half Day or Multi-Day $25
#2 Keystone Resort
Address: 100 Dercum Square, Keystone, CO 80435
1 hour and 26 minutes from downtown Denver
For some of the best skiing 90 minutes from DIA, you need to check out Keystone Resort. This place is huge and actually the biggest ski resort in all of Summit County. For those of you unfamiliar, Summit County contains a lot of the resorts in this guide! With over 3000 skiable acres and riding terrain on 3 mountains, 20 lifts and 2 gondolas, Keystone takes the cake when it comes to size. They also offer some of the best advanced slopes for those inclined. They have a ton of wide open groomers, and even 5 bowls for the unafraid. Beyond skiing, there are a lots of other things to do at the mountain including lodging, dining, snow tubing, snow biking, dinner sleigh rides, and ice skating.
A51 is their 60 acre terrain park for the adventuresome. With 100 features, this park is literally a dream come true for snowboarders! They also offer cat skiing and have the largest night skiing operation in North America right now allowing you to ski until 8pm on as many as 15 epic trails! Keystone Resort is also very kid friendly. With nurseries and childcare, don’t be shy about bringing your young ones with you. Keystone Resort offers training programs and even Kidtopia to keep the little ones occupied while you hit the slopes. Kidtopia includes daily winter activities for the kids and is known as having the largest snow fort in the entire world!
NorSki Sports & Ski Rental
Address: 70 River Run Rd, Keystone, CO 80435
Phone: (970) 468-1475
NorSki Sports & Ski Rental is the closest location if you choose to rent your equipment or purchase gear in Keystone. Located steps from the Gondola in River Run Village, you can’t go wrong with NorSki. Any business that is independently owned and operated is a plus in our eyes. Some of the bigger chain stores lack the personalized customer service that NorSki offers. They also feature premium equipment such as Fisher, K2 and Salomon and are an authorized retailer for premium accessories like Skullcandy, GoPro and Smith Optics. In fact, they also offer you the ability to film your adventures with a GoPro rental camera. It’s basically your one stop shop for everything skiing in Keystone! You can also reserve online and pick up in store for an additional 20% off your reservation.
All equipment is tuned and maintained regularly ensuring the best equipment for the slopes!
Pricing: (Package includes skis/snowboard, boots, and bindings)
Ski Rental Sport: Beginner ski rental designed for slower speeds and easier terrains. First times skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $44
Ski Rental Performance: Intermediate skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $49
Ski Rental Demo: Specific conditions including all mountain, carving, powder and park. Includes upgraded performance boot and choice of ski depending on style of skiing you prefer:
- Ski Package Full Day $59
Snowboard:
- Snowboard Package Full Day $49
Snowboard Rental Demo:
- Snowboard Package Full Day $59
#3 Breckenridge Ski Resort
Address: 1599 County Rd 3, Breckenridge, CO 80424
1 hour and 39 minutes from downtown Denver
What is there to really say about the most visited ski resort in the western hemisphere? Breckenridge, for a lot of reasons, is the most popular ski resort in all of Colorado and perhaps the USA. It’s been the perfect ski town since 1961 when it opened. They offer over 2900 acres of skiable area and even 4 base areas. What impresses us at Denver Party Ride is their 4 terrain parks with 2 half pipes! It’s a free stylers dream! They also house the highest chairlift in North America (12,840ft), the Imperial Empress. Take a ride up to the high alpine bowls and enjoy the spectacular views.
Breckenridge ski resort is owned and operated by the famous Vail resorts and it shows. Everything in Breck is geared towards everyone having a great time. They have plenty of lodging, 5 star restaurants, and activities to do with the family. Mid-season, late-season, summer or fall, there isn’t a bad time to visit this epic mountain town.
Carvers Ski Board & Sports
Address: 203 N Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: (970) 453-0132
Family owned and operated since 1995 and perhaps the best ski shop in all of Breckenridge has to be Carvers. Locals and visitors all love it and there is definitely a reason. Carvers is located conveniently right in the middle of town so no matter where you’re staying while there, it is centrally located. This place has all you could possibly need to get up and down the slopes comfortably and it’s only a 2 minute walk to the gondola!
Just like any high end ski shop, this place rents and sells everything you will need to hit the slopes. Gloves, jackets, ski pants, and of course snow boards and skis. They carry high end gear and accessories from some of the top brands in the industry. Here you will find Burton, Salomon, Rossignol, Volkl, Bonfire and much more. They also test it before you buy or rent so you can rest assured that it works. Reserve in advance online or by phone for the best rates. You can even reserve packages online and receive 20% off your reservation!
Pricing: (Package includes skis/snowboard, boots, and bindings)
Ski Rental Sport: Beginner ski rental designed for slower speeds and easier terrains. First times skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $25
Ski Rental Performance: Intermediate skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $35
Ski Rental Demo: Specific conditions including all mountain, carving, powder and park. Includes upgraded performance boot and choice of ski depending on style of skiing you prefer:
- Ski Package Full Day $45
Ski Rental Kids (90lbs or less with a shoe size of 6 or less):
- Ski Package Full Day $18
Snowboard Rental Sport:
- Snowboard Package Full Day $35
Snowboard Rental Demo:
- Snowboard Package Full Day $45
#4 Copper Mountain
Address: 0509 Copper Rd, Copper Mountain, CO 80443
Phone: (970) 968-2529
Copper Mountain has some of the best skiing in all of Summit County and the best part is that it is very close to Denver. Roughly 75 miles west of Denver, this mountain is a local favorite. Make a day trip and get home in time for dinner! There are over 2400 acres of skiable terrain filled with beginner slopes all the way to several wide open bowls for those more advanced. If you are even more adventuresome, check out their 6 terrain parks and pipes. They are some of the nicest amenities in all of Colorado! Copper Mountain gets a ton of snow throughout the season which is always fun. Famous for its naturally divided terrain with distinct sections of advanced, intermediate and beginner trails, Copper Mountain is a must visit with amazing facilities and options for any ability level!
D2D Ski & Snowboard Rental Delivery
Address: 104 Wheeler Pl, Copper Mountain, CO 80443
Perhaps one of the most unique places to get your gear and equipment for skiing or snowboarding has to be D2D Ski Rentals, brought to you by Christy Sports but without the hassle of having to visit the store. This rental shop is at the top of their game with free delivery of your equipment and gear to your condo, house, or even car! Yep, you heard that right. This place will actually send out an experienced field tech to your door with a few different types of top of the line equipment for you to try on and make sure it fits, all at no cost to you! Just make your reservations via phone or online and leave the rest to them. They also pick up your rentals so no need to make a trip to the store to return. This is convenience at its best.
D2D Ski & Snowboard Rental services 16 major ski resorts through the beautiful Rocky Mountains and their prices are right in line with other ski shops. Have a child under 12 that wants to ski? Well D2D will outfit them for free with any adult rental for 4 days or longer! It gets better. If your equipment doesn’t work right for you for some reason or doesn’t fit, you can call them and they will send out their tech again with all new gear…for free. You can see their delivery vans driving all around Copper Mountain bringing gear to customers just like you and me. The benefits of this place are obviously the free delivery but they are also backed by Christy Sports which is the largest sports rental shop in all of Colorado.
Pricing: (Package includes skis/snowboard, boots, and bindings)
Ski Rental Sport: Beginner ski rental designed for slower speeds and easier terrains. First times skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $32.76
Ski Rental Premium: Intermediate skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $40.76
Ski Rental Demo: Specific conditions including all mountain, carving, powder and park. Includes upgraded performance boot and choice of ski depending on style of skiing you prefer:
- Ski Package Full Day $48.76
Ski Rental Premium Jr: (12 & Under):
- Ski Package Full Day $33.56
Ski Rental Jr: (12 and under):
- Ski Package Full Day $25.56
Learn To Ride Snowboard Rental:
- Snowboard Package Full Day $32.76
Snowboard Rental Premium:
- Snowboard Package Full Day $40.76
Snowboard Rental Jr: (12 and under):
- Snowboard Package Full Day $25.56
#5 Winter Park Resort
Address: 85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park, CO
When choosing a skiing or snowboarding destination this winter, be sure to check out Winter Park Ski Resort located off Highway 40 in the city of Winter Park Colorado. An easy and quick commute from downtown Denver, Winter Park is a must experience for outdoorsy people of all skill levels. It opened in 1939 and there is a ton of history here. It seems like every year they come out with new and improved changes to either the slopes, the gondolas, or their elaborate trail system within the mountains. They also boast one of the world’s largest and oldest disabled skiing programs, offering a large variety of amenities and services for those who need them.
Winter Park averages over 320 inches of annual snowfall and is a favorite for Denverites. Known for being family friendly, this resort has over 3000 skiable acres spanning across two mountains with trails for all skill levels. You are sure to accommodate your entire party, regardless of ability, at Winter Park Resort.
Alpine Sun Ski & Sport
Address: 1008 Winter Park Dr, Winter Park, CO 80482
Phone: (970) 726-5107
When you choose to go skiing or snowboarding in Winter Park, a great shop near the mountain to get your gear is Alpine Sun Ski & Sport. They are the closest full service rental shop in Winter Park Resort. They offer easy access to a free lift shuttle to the base of the resort and free parking all day for rental customers. This just makes things a lot easier for you if the boots don’t fit right, the snowboard doesn’t quite work like you had hoped, or for any other reason, you can always bring them back for an exchange if you rented the gear close by. With Alpine Sun Ski and Sport, this is all possible. They also do high tech tuning, service, and repair for all your skiing and snowboarding needs offering Montana Crystal Glide Skit & Board Tuning equipment. The best part is that you know you can trust them as they have 80 combined years of experience doing service and repairs.
Alpine Sun Ski and Sport is family owned and operated since 1980. When we say family owned, we really mean that. Husband, wife, son, and about 6 seasonal employees make up the entire operation. Go on in and meet the owners, Alpine is that type of place. Also check out Apres Ski Tavern right next door. 3 years ago, they also purchased this tavern so stop in for a drink after a day on the slopes!
Pricing: (Package includes skis/snowboard, boots and bindings)
Adult Sport (15 & Up) Beginner ski rental designed for slower speeds and easier terrains. First time skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $22
Adult Performance (15 & Up) Intermediate skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $28
Adult Demo (15 & Up):
- Ski Package Full Day $43
Jr Sport (10-14):
- Ski Package Full Day $16
Jr Performance (10-14):
- Ski Package Full Day $22
Child (9 & Under):
- Ski Package Full Day $10
Adult Snowboard (15 & Up):
- Snowboard Package Full Day $30
Jr Snowboard (10-14):
- Snowboard Package Full Day $24
Child Snowboard (9 & Under):
- Snowboard Package Full Day $18
#6 Eldora Mountain Resort
Address: 2861 Eldora Ski Rd #140, Nederland, CO 80466
1 hour and 22 minutes from downtown Denver
Eldora Mountain is one of the closest resorts to Denver and only 20 miles from Boulder making it super easy to get a quick ski in if staying in the Denver area. Eldora is best known for their Snow Sports School as well as multi week lesson programs for children and adults. It does not have the largest skiable terrain with only 680 acres however, you can definitely take advantage of that day off and enjoy a day at the slopes due to its proximity. No transportation? No big deal when skiing at Eldora because there are large buses that transport people to and from Boulder five times a day during ski season which is pretty cool. Check out their cross country skiing area as well. They have over 40 kilometers!
Eldora Mountain Ski Rentals
Address: 2861 Eldora Ski Road #140 Nederland, Co. 80466
Phone: 303-440-8700
In this comprehensive guide to all things skiing in the Denver area, we tried to pick out the nearest places to rent ski and snowboard equipment from the slopes. Eldora Mountain has a great rental shop located right on their property. Eldora Mountain Ski Rentals, to be more specific, is located in the Indian Peaks Lodge right at the base of the mountain. This rental facility isn’t the cheapest but they make up for it with a ton of highly sought after and elite gear for you to choose from. After all, if you go for the cheap gear then you’re most likely going to have a cheap time! Eldora Mountain Ski Rentals carries Volkl, Burton, Never Summer, Black Diamond, G3’s, and more! They also don’t limit themselves to just the skis and snowboards, they also have boots, poles, helmets, and winter jackets to rent. Not interested in going down the slopes in used gear? They also have a wide variety of equipment and accessories that you can purchase there. If you decide to ski or snowboard at Eldora Mountain, be sure to check out their rental shop before going elsewhere. Let them suit you up professionally so you have the best time out there in the snow!
Pricing: (Package includes skis/snowboard, boots, and bindings)
Ski Rental Sport: Beginner ski rental designed for slower speeds and easier terrains. First times skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $45
Ski Rental Premium: Intermediate skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $55
Ski Rental Jr: (12 & Under):
- Ski Package Full Day $29
Snowboard Rental Sport:
- Ski Package Full Day $45
Snowboard Rental Premium:
- Snowboard Package Full Day $55
Snowboard Rental Jr: (12 and under):
- Snowboard Package Full Day $35
#7 Echo Mountain Park
Address: 19285 Colorado 103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
1 hour from downtown Denver
Echo Mountain is only 40 minutes from Denver and is a small family run ski resort. This resort is a premier race training facility in the beginning of ski season and opens to the public in December. It originally opened to the public in 2006 but was shut down in 2012 for renovations which have been completed this year. They are also one of only two resorts (the other being on this list) in Colorado to offer night skiing. Echo Mountain is home to the Front Range Ski club which is an elite group of individuals looking for expert skiing to challenge themselves.
This park sits on 75 acres of some of the fastest slopes in all of Colorado. They even manipulate the slopes to create optimum conditions for Olympic class skiers. They are the first ski area in Colorado to implement terrain based learning with their main attraction being their terrain park and free ride terrain. We here at Denver Party Ride are very excited to have this ski area open back up this winter as it sits right in our backyard!
Christy Sports
Address: 19285 Colorado 103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Phone: (303) 378-3447
The owners at Echo have finalized a partnership with Christy Sports to ensure their guests receive the latest and greatest in gear and rental equipment. If you know anything about skiing, you’ve heard of Christy Sports. It’s the largest retailer of winter sports in the entire Rocky Mountains with 40 locations and growing. They are literally taking over the rental business in Colorado. They have done this by providing outstanding customer service and employing the most knowledgeable staff. Since Echo has a partnership with Christy Sports, they will be offering a full rental fleet onsite for snowboarders and skiers. Because this relationship is so new, all details and pricing will need to be verified through the park but Christy does typically offer discounted pricing to most other ski rental facilities.
#8 Arapahoe Basin
Those looking for an absolute challenge when skiing or snowboarding should check out Arapahoe Basin. Sometimes shortened to A-Basin or The Legend, this place is an alpine ski resort in the White River National Forest. They are best known for staying open way later than the competition and opening earlier. We consider this a win-win. With over 350 inches of snowfall annually, they generally open mid-October and stay open until mid-July some years! (Weather permitted) Arapahoe has novice and intermediate skiing and even a children’s program but is known for their double black diamonds and other more advanced skiing making it a must visit for those more advanced. This ski area opened in the 1940’s and offers over 100 carved trails with above timberline bowls and deep powder stashes.
Need some jumps to get your adrenaline pumping? Arapahoe Basin has you covered there with a number of high soaring jumps to experience. The 13,050 summit allows adventurers to catch a great glimpse of the continental divide while up on the lifts. It’s truly a spectacular view! Locals and visitors alike enjoy The Legend which hosts over 400,000 skiers a season!
A-Basin Rentals
Address: 28194 US-6, Keystone, CO 80435
Phone:(888) ARAPAHOE
Rent your gear slopeside for convenience! A-Basin Rental Shop is located right at the heart of it all within seconds of the lifts and excitement. They have anything and everything related to winter sports there and also offer coin operated lockers to keep your belongings and valuables safe while on the slopes. With a wide selection of ski and snowboard equipment, such as Rossignol, Nordica, and K2, A Basin has you covered.
Pricing: (Package includes skis/snowboard, boots, and bindings)
Ski Rental Sport: Beginner ski rental designed for slower speeds and easier terrains. First times skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $29
- Ski Package Half Day $25
Ski Rental Performance: Intermediate skiers:
- Ski Package Full Day $39
- Ski Package Half Day $35
Ski Rental Demo: Specific conditions including all mountain, carving, powder and park. Includes upgraded performance boot and choice of ski depending on style of skiing you prefer:
- Ski Package Full Day $49
- Ski Package Half Day $45
Snowboard Package:
- Snowboard Package Full Day $37
- Snowboard Package Half Day $33
Helmet:
- Full or Half Day $10
Final Thoughts
It has been a pleasure for the authors to compile this list of 10 great Ski Local Hot Spots in Denver. Great lengths were taken to accurately write reviews on the gems that would be both helpful and informative. Try to experience them all while on your next adventure to Denver and it’s guaranteed to be a good time for you. Thank you and happy skiing!