As the cooler weather starts to arrive and the winter months draw ever nearer, many people start to think about all the fun winter activities they’ll soon be able to enjoy. Lazy beach vacations can be fun in the summer, but when winter comes around, there’s no better getaway than a ski trip. Skiing is one of the most popular activities in the United States, with countless mountains and resorts located all around the nation. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Overview
Colorado is one of the best spots for skiing in all of North America. World class ski resorts can be found in the Centennial State, including the likes of Aspen and Vail, and there are a lot of options available to Colorado residents and tourists. If you happen to be looking for a skiing trip in the Colorado Springs area, there are several great resorts relatively short drives away. Here’s some key information about the best ski resorts near the city of Colorado Springs.
2.Loveland Ski Area
When you visit Loveland Ski Area, you’ll be blown away by just how much fun it is, but surprised by the relatively low numbers of visitors. This is still a popular ski resort, but compared to other rival names, Loveland doesn’t attract the same big crowds. The reasons for that are unclear, but it means that if you do want to visit a great Colorado Springs skiing location and not have to worry about it being too busy, Loveland is the place to be.
Skiing season runs for an extra long time at this location as well, beginning in October and continuing through to the middle of May. Loveland Ski Area is about a two-hour drive from Colorado Springs via the I-25 and I-70, so it’s one of the nearest destinations. You won’t find much in the way of eateries or lodging at Loveland, so it’s better-suited for day trips than full weekends, but it has more than 90 trails to enjoy and a huge amount of skiable land.
I-70, Dillon, CO 80435, Phone: 800-736-3754
3.Breckenridge Ski Resort
Ask any ski lover about their favorite spot to ski in Colorado and there's a good chance they'll mention Breckenridge. This is one of the most famous and popular ski resorts in the state, and it's pretty conveniently situated for Colorado Springs too, being about a 2-hour drive out of the city. Breckenridge sees some of the highest visitor numbers of any ski resort in North America, but it has more than enough runs and terrain to handle the crowds.
There are over 150 different runs at Breckenridge, ranging from easy greens to a large amount of double black expert trails. Almost 3,000 acres of skiable land can be found at this resort, with over 30 lifts and 25 acres of terrain parks. Full lodging can be found on-site, along with many other amenities including almost a dozen different dining options.
1599 Ski Hill Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80424, Phone: 970-453-5000
, OH4.Monarch Mountain
Located in the city Salida, Monarch Mountain is a little over two hours away from Colorado Springs. Offering an authentic, exhilarating skiing experience with a lot of advanced and expert trails to try out, Monarch Mountain has a lot of appeal for experienced skiers, but can be a great spot for families too. Skiing season at this resort runs from November through to April.
The area doesn't require any snowmaking equipment as it sees around 400 inches of snowfall annually, and the surrounding scenery offers a beautiful backdrop for long days of skiing. Over 60 runs can be found at Monarch, with the longest running for a full mile, and the area also features five chair lifts.
23715 US-50, Salida, CO 81201, Phone: 719-530-5000
5.Copper Mountain
Another great ski area in Colorado, Copper Mountain is less than two and a half hours away from the city of Colorado Springs. This ski resort location is situated 75 miles away from Denver and is one of the largest in the state, with almost 2,500 acres of skiable land. 23 ski lifts serve Copper Mountain and more than 140 runs can be enjoyed, providing a lot of variety and reasons to come back for repeat visits.
There are some advanced and expert trails at Copper Mountain, as well as a large number of easy and intermediate runs for inexperienced skiers to try out too. Three villages serve the resort, each with their own accommodation options and eateries.
209 Ten Mile Cir, Frisco, CO 80443, Phone: 866-841-2481
4 Best Ski Resorts Near Colorado Springs
- Overview, Photo: FerrizFrames/stock.adobe.com
- Loveland Ski Area, Photo: DoubletreeStudio/stock.adobe.com
- Breckenridge Ski Resort, Photo: Mosto/stock.adobe.com
- Monarch Mountain, Photo: samevig/stock.adobe.com
- Copper Mountain, Photo: rodphotography/stock.adobe.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of Shelley - Fotolia.com
Attraction Spotlight: Western Museum of Mining & Industry
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry in Colorado Springs is dedicated to educating the public about the history of mining in Western American and the important role it played in the development of society as we know it today. The mission of the Western Museum of Mining and Industry is to collect, restore, exhibit and interpret a variety of artifacts relating to mining, metallurgy and their support industries and to encourage the wider community to take an interest in the fascinating field of mining. More Things to Do in Colorado
The history of mining is brought to life through an array of informative, interpretive and entertaining exhibits, displays and presentations, as well as daily docent-led guided tours that give visitors an in-depth insight into the industry.
Established in 1970 as the Museum of the West to preserve the rich history of mining in Colorado and the American West, the Museum was later renamed the Western Museum of Mining & Industry in 1972 and has been educating people about mining in the region ever since. The Museum features 27-acre exhibit site with indoor and outdoor areas, which includes a multi-purpose center and theater, a ten-stamp ore mill, and a research library with over 5,000 volumes. The Museum is home to more than 4,000 mining-related artifacts and items that were once and still are used in mining and industrial technology, and geology.
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry features a variety of mining-related equipment, machinery, and artifacts, including steam engines, antique mining equipment, pneumatic machines, scale models of mines and mills, and a recreation of an old assay office. Outdoor exhibits include a steam shovel, an operating stamp mill for gold ore and live burros (donkeys).
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry offers a range of educational programs, classes, camps and lectures for both students and adults. Adult programs include the Heritage Lecture Series, which offers lectures of the highest quality by world-class speakers and experts in the field. The lectures complement the Museum’s exhibitions and its permanent collection and are held four times a year.
Family Exploration Days offers fun ways for families to explore the museum together with a variety of inter-generational activities, adventures, and challenges. Family Exploration Days are run by the Museum three times a year in conjunction with the museum's exhibitions.
The Western Museum of Mining & Industry offers educational and entertaining experiences for high school students through guided or self-guided tours. Tours are customized to suit students' educational needs and consist of three components - mining techniques, The Industrial Revolution, and a movie about the history of mining and the impact it is in daily life. The first section of mining techniques includes highlighting the process of hard rock mining and how gold is panned. Visitors can witness a 37-ton Corliss Steam Engine in operation, discover what rocks humans can eat, learn how to pan for gold, and visit with the Museum’s live donkeys.
The Western Museum of Mining & Industry at 225 North Gate Boulevard in Colorado Springs and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Daily guided tours are offered at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm and are free with admission to the facility and the Museum Gift Shop sells an assortment of exhibit-related merchandise, books, fine jewelry, and unique gifts. The museum library features more than 5,000 volumes ranging from books on early mining practice to contemporary fiction about the riches of mining in the American West. There are picnic spots dotted around the 27 acres of the Museum’s grounds which can be enjoyed by families and friends.
The Western Museum of Mining & Industry can be rented for special occasions, social gatherings, and celebrations. The Museum offers a unique and unusual environment in which to celebrate, surrounded by a spectacular backdrop of working 19th-century steam engines and antique mining equipment with an atmosphere like no other. The Museum also offers a range of services and event planning staff to help with every detail from on-site catering, event set-up and break-down and event management.
Back to: Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs
225 North Gate Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 | Exit 156 and East from I-25, Phone: 719-488-0880
Spotlight: Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs
Situated within the tourist destination of Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain Resort features breathtaking sights, an 18-hole golf course, and a state-of-the-art spa. Cheyenne Mountain Resort is ideal for family vacations, getaways with friends, or romantic trips.
With 316 guest rooms and suites, Cheyenne Mountain Resort boasts homey décor, up-to-date amenities, and comfortable bedding. Each room contains a private balcony, specialty bath products from the resort’s spa, and a mini-fridge. Guests can choose from the Standard Double Queen, Deluxe Double Queen, Deluxe King, or Executive King Rooms.
Standard Double Queen: With 430 square feet, the Standard Double Queen room can accommodate 4 guests. The balcony provides a view of the courtyard.
Deluxe Double Queen: The Deluxe Double Queen room also accommodates 4 guests and has 430 square feet. Its balcony offers a view of the resort.
Deluxe King: The Deluxe King room has 430 square feet of space. Its balcony provides a view of the resort, and it can sleep two guests.
Executive King: The Executive King room is also 430 square feet. Guests can view the resort from the room’s balcony, and it includes a pullout couch or a tub with jets. This room can accommodate up to 3 guests.
For more space, guests can also book the One Bedroom Junior Suite or Presidential Suite.
One Bedroom Junior Suite: The One Bedroom Junior Suite offers visitors a private bedroom, two bathrooms, two balconies, and a large living space. The living space includes pull out couches for additional guests, sleeping up to 4 guests total.
The Presidential Suite: The Presidential Suite offers 1130 square feet of space. This suite offers multiple beautiful views of Cheyenne Mountain, a full bar, and functioning fireplace. The Presidential Suite also includes separate living areas, a dining area, and multiple bedrooms. This facility can be booked to include one or two bedrooms with either queen-sized beds or king-sized beds.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort also offers pet friendly lodging.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort features a slew of dining options for guests to enjoy during their stay.
The Elevations Lounge is a restaurant and bar that highlights local and seasonal cuisine. Guests can enjoy hearty pub fare and local beers beside panoramic windows that offer views of Cheyenne Mountain. The Elevations Lounge invites visitors to stay awhile with its televisions, games, and comfortable seating. Guests can also enjoy their drinks on the outdoor terrace amidst the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
As the resort’s signature restaurant, Mountain View Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant features an expansive selection of beverages and dishes, as well as a brunch option on Sundays.
For visitors of the resort’s golf course, Gates Grille is perfect for a casual meal and drinks after a day of recreation on the resort’s fairways. Gates Grille offers indoor and outdoor dining spaces, and is open seasonally.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort also offers room service throughout the day to guests of the resort. Available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in-room dining can be ordered by phone and is delivered quickly.
Guests can also visit Cheyenne Mountain Resort’s General Store. This shop features baked goods, ice cream, and coffee. Visitors can also purchase a variety of light snacks from this establishment.
Spa
For a day of rest and relaxation, guests can head to the Alluvia Spa and Wellness Retreat. For a more therapeutic experience, guests can choose from a selection of massages, body treatments, and facials. Cosmetic treatments, such as nail services, hair styling and makeup, and waxing services are also available to visitors of the Spa. The Spa also offers seasonal spa treatments that take advantage of local ingredients.
Golf
Billed as one of the top golf courses in the state of Colorado, the golf course at Cheyenne Mountain Resort offers scenic views, challenging courses, and instruction by a professional from the Country Club of Colorado.
Visitors can spend the day on the greens, travel about the grounds on a top-of-the-line Golf Board, and then take in a meal at Gates Grille. Cheyenne Mountain Resort also offers a Golf Shop to visitors of the Golf Course. Whether an experienced golfer looking to upgrade or a novice hoping to rent a set of clubs, the Golf Shop has something to offer to golfers of all experience levels.
Weddings, Reunions & Conference Facilities
Cheyenne Mountain Resort’s picturesque location and facilities make it ideal for gatherings of any size.
Guests looking to book an event at the resort will have a variety of available spaces from which to choose. Whether looking for a meeting space, classroom, or banquet hall, Beaver Creek Lodge offers more than 40,000 square feet of space for visitors to rent. The Cheyenne Mountain Resort Conference Center is perfect for work-related events, while the four ballrooms are commonly used for wedding receptions.
Other available facilities include a variety of boardrooms, terraces, and classrooms.
Each facility is outfitted with a variety of technological and audio-visual equipment, and catering from the chefs at the resort is available for any event.
Couples can make their wedding-day dreams come true at Cheyenne Mountain Resort. The resort offers 217 acres of grounds that can be used for ceremonies or pictures, and guests can choose from several indoor and outdoor venues for their ceremonies and receptions.
Wedding venues include outdoor locations such as the resort’s private beach, the Chipping Green, Grand Rivers Terrace, Quail Terrace, Cheyenne Courtyard, and The Pavilion. Indoor weddings can be booked at one of the Cheyenne Mountain Resort’s several ballrooms, including the Colorado Ballroom, the Centennial Ballroom, the Grand Rivers Ballroom, and the Cheyenne Ballroom.
The resort supplies multiple wedding packages, rentable décor, culinary services, and ceremony coordination by an on-site wedding planner.
3225 Broadmoor Valley Road, Colorado Springs, CO80906, Phone: 719-538-4000
More Colorado resorts
Venue Spotlight: Younger Ranch
Younger Ranch is a private wedding and event venue in the heart of Colorado Springs. Located just a few miles east of Monument, and within easy access of Denver, Park, Castle Rock and the Black Forest regions, Younger Ranch offers a beautiful location for romantic ceremonies, elegant receptions and other special celebrations against a backdrop of magnificent Pike’s Peak views. The venue has Several sites for a variety of occasions from the Hilltop Ceremony Site where couples can exchange their vows under a wooden arch surrounded by spectacular views of the Colorado Rockies and the open-air Hay Barn and Reception Barns for lavish receptions and cocktail parties. The venue provides specific services with the rental of the space, such as friendly service staff, and a dedicated property manager who be on site for the duration of the event.
Amenities & Facilities
Younger Ranch offers beautiful sites for both ceremonies and receptions for varying sizes of parties. Services can be held at the rustic Hilltop Ceremony Site, where the bridal couple can say ‘I do’ with 150 of their friends and family in an exquisite locale looking out over the rugged mountain peaks, forested slopes, and dense woodlands of the Rocky Mountains.
Receptions can be held at one of two locations, namely the Open Hay Barn and the Reception Barn. The Open Hay Barn is an open-air pole barn with haystacks which makes for a unique venue for cocktail parties and wedding toasts. The Reception Barn boasts 2,400 square feet of space and serves as the primary site for receptions and post-ceremony gatherings. The large barn has classic red-painted wood exteriors and provides an idyllic country setting for elegant seated dinner and dancing receptions for up to 200 people.
Services
Services offered with the rental of one of the venues at Younger Ranch include the use of the site for up to 12 hours, which include a bar, patio area, modern bathrooms, and a bridal suite for the bride to change and relax before the event. Other services feature the setup and clean-up of the venue, tables, chairs, tabletop décor, and rustic log benches, professional staff and an on-site property manager for the duration of the event, and ample free parking at the site. Younger Ranch offers a list of preferred vendors for services such as catering and beverages, floral arrangements and bridal bouquets, music and entertainment, wedding cakes and cake-cutting ceremonies, and photography and videography. The bridal party is required to have an event coordinator who will liaise with the property manager throughout the day to ensure a hassle-free event.
General Information
The Younger Ranch is located at the intersection of Walker and Brown Road in Colorado Springs, is wheelchair accessible and offers secure onsite parking for guests. Colorado Springs rests the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains near the glacier-carved Pikes Peak. The city offers much to see and do in the way of attractions and activities, including the 14,000 foot Pike’s Peak, the Garden of the Gods park, which is home to iconic red-sandstone formations and spectacular mountain views, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Old Colorado City, and the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.
Intersection of Walker and Brown Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80908, Phone: 719-648-5370
