Colorado’s ski towns are destinations in their own right. Many started as mining towns, carrying a rich American West history. Today, they mix that frontier spirit with world-class skiing, and outdoor adventures. They also offer vibrant local culture. Most are on the Ikon or Epic pass. This guide takes you inside the best ski towns in Colorado, what makes each one unique, what they’re famous for, and how they stack up across the experiences we know our readers love.

Still not sure whether alpine touring is for you? Luckily, there are a growing number of places where you can get a feel for the backcountry