The Rocky Mountains of Colorado are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US, both for international and domestic visitors. This is in part because you can find some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world here. There are more than 30 ski resorts to choose from, catering to all skill levels and budgets.
Use this guide to help you plan your Colorado ski vacation. It will highlight some of the best resorts, give you some helpful tips, and educate you on the importance of visitors medical insurance for your ski trip.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers Taking Colorado Ski Vacations – FAQs
If you’re traveling to the US to ski in Colorado from another country, be sure to have visitors medical insurance. It’s the only line of defense you’ll have to protect yourself against expensive American healthcare costs if you get injured or become sick while traveling abroad.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for a Colorado ski vacation?
Tourists are not required by law to have visitors insurance to enter the US, but it is highly recommended. The domestic health coverage from your home country is unlikely to be accepted or sufficient in the USA, so you will need to have visitors insurance to stay covered.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before taking a Colorado Ski Vacation?
Getting sick or injured on a Colorado ski vacation is certainly possible. But how will you pay for treatment? A hospital stay could cost more than you have in your bank account if you don’t have insurance, and emergency medical evacuation could put you in debt for years. It’s better not to take the chance. Get visitors medical insurance.
However, be sure that your visitors insurance can cover your activities on the mountain before you purchase it. If the plan you’re interested in isn’t sufficient for what you want to do in Colorado, look into standalone hazardous sports travel insurance. No matter what, be sure to read and understand all of the exclusions of any plan before you buy it.
The Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Tourists
Vail Mountain Resort
With over 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, it’s easy to see why Vail is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. There’s something here for every skill level, and the snow quality and lift systems are second to none.
For the most part, Vail is divided into four main areas: The Frontside, Back Bowls, Blue Sky Basin, and Lionshead. Frontside is perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers. The Back Bowls offer some of the most challenging and rewarding terrain in the state, and are perfect for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Blue Sky Basin is the newest part of the resort. It offers a variety of terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers, and some pretty stunning views as well. Finally, Lionshead is the village at the base of the mountain. Here you’ll find a huge variety of lodging, shopping, and dining options.
Aspen Snowmass
Why visit just one ski resort when you can visit four? Aspen Snowmass consists of Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands are incredible destinations for advanced skiers and snowboarders, with tons of challenging terrain and steep runs to choose from. For a bit of everything, Snowmass is a great choice. It’s the largest of the resorts, and has something for all skill levels. Finally, Buttermilk is perfect for those who are new to skiing. It’s known for its gentle slopes and family-friendly runs, making it a great place to bring your kids.
All of Aspen Snowmass is famous for its opulent accommodations and exciting nightlife. You can find a variety of high-end hotels and vibrant bars and clubs, though options for those on a budget and those with young children are available as well.
Breckenridge
Located just over two hours from Denver, the charming mountain town of Breckenridge is home to one of the state’s most beloved ski resorts.
Breckenridge Ski Resort is divided into five main areas: Peaks 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10:
- Peak 6 – Known for its challenging terrain. A popular options for those with advanced skills.
- Peak 7 – A great option for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
- Peak 8 – The newest area of the resort, with options to suit all skill levels.
- Peak 9 – The most popular area of the resort, with abundant beginner and intermediate runs.
- Peak 10 – Another great option for beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders.
In addition to all of the great hotels and dining you’d expect from a mountain resort town, Breckenridge also offers other winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Key Guidelines for taking a Colorado Ski Vacation
Book in Advance
The peak ski season in Colorado runs from December to March, and popular resorts like those listed above can be very busy. You’ll want to book your hotel and lift tickets early to get good deals. Expect to find better deals on just about everything if you can book the majority of your trip during the week rather than the weekend.
Be Prepared for the Altitude
Many Colorado ski resorts start at about 8,000 feet above sea level and go up to 12,000 feet and beyond in the bowls. If you aren’t used to thin air, take a day to acclimate by walking around the resort and sticking to easier runs lower on the mountain. After about 24 hours you should be OK to venture higher. Always drink plenty of fluids and moderate your alcohol consumption to reduce your chances of altitude sickness, and pay attention to how your body feels.
Dress in Layers
Don’t expect it to be consistently cold just because you’re on a snowy mountain. The weather in Colorado constantly changes, so you’ll want to dress in layers to moderate your body temperature. Remove layers in the sun to keep yourself from sweating and becoming cold, and add layers when the clouds and wind warrant it.
Before You go on your Colorado Ski Vacation – Do This
- Bring strong sunscreen – The reflectiveness of snow combined with the high altitude can cause severe sunburns. Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin regularly. Also, good sunglasses are a must.
- Book ski lessons if you’re new – You can learn far more in an hour with professional instruction than you can all day trying to master skiing by yourself.
- Purchase insurance – Make sure you’re protected with the right visitors medical insurance for your activities and needs.