December brings holidays, cold weather, snow, and for Colorado- skiing and snowboarding! The first of the month, many get a hankering to play in the fresh snow that has fallen earlier. For those itching to strap on those boots, here are a few ski mountains located under 2 hours from Boulder.
Eldora happens to be the closest ski mountain to Boulder at only 35 minutes. It is known for having a laid-back, local vibe- making it a great spot for a day trip of skiing. One of Colorado's smaller ski resort at 680 skiable acres, it offers 9 lifts and 3 terrain parks. Daily group lessons for beginners are available. The Eldora Nordic Center offers 25 miles of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing terrain.
Echo Mountain is the smallest out of the ones listed. Located only an hour away, this 16 trail ski mountain is very family friendly and perfect for beginners.
Located at 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Boulder, A-Basin offers the longest ski season in Colorado. More than half of the 1,300 skiable acres are considered advanced and expert. You can find many locals hanging around this resort where the only thing one the mind is skiing.
Winter Park is voted as the #1 ski resort in North America for the second year in a row! Located at 1 hour and 40 minutes away, this family friendly park offers award winning slopes and several terrain parks. Most of the 3 interconnected skiable mountain peaks are intermediate and above, but don't let that stop any beginners from having any fun.
Split into two ski areas, Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley, this mountain offers 1,800 acres of terrain. Ski on the Continental Divide right off of I70 with plenty of fresh snow and enjoy their free snowcat skiing. Located only 1 hour and 40 minutes away.
Nicknamed Colorado's friendliest resort, Copper Mountain is a pleasant place to ski and avoid the crowds while only being 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Boulder. If you happen to be a fan of backcountry skiing, take advantage of their free snowcat service.
Breckenridge is one of Colorado's most visited ski resorts and is only located 1 hour and 40 minutes away. This complete package has groomed runs through the trees to high alpine bowls. Its home to the highest lift in North America, the Imperial Chairlift on Peak 8.
Another large resort for everyone, Keystone is very family friendly with daycare options and snowsports school programs. You can find the very popular terrain park Area 51 with its own ski lift. Its large skiable territory is spread over three mountain peaks and five bowls. This mountain is known for their night skiing and is only located 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Boulder.