Denver is a gateway to some of the best skiing in the country, offering access to a variety of skiing styles suited for all skill levels and interests. Whether you prefer the groomed slopes of a resort or the untouched powder of the backcountry there’s a skiing style for you. Here’s a look at different types of skiing you can enjoy near our luxury Denver apartments along with where to go for each one.
Why Denver is a top destination for skiing and winter sports
Denver’s location at the base of the Rocky Mountains makes it a prime hub for skiing and winter sports.
With easy access to numerous world-class ski resorts and vast backcountry terrain, the slopes, hills and forests around Denver offer something for every type of skier! The high elevation and frequent snowfall provide ideal conditions throughout the winter season while the city itself serves as a convenient launching point with major highways leading directly to the slopes. Whether you’re looking for resort amenities or backcountry adventures Denver’s proximity to top-tier skiing destinations makes it a must-visit for all winter sports enthusiasts!
7 types of skiing and where to do it near Denver
Downhill skiing
Downhill skiing, also known as alpine skiing, is the most common type of skiing and takes place at ski resorts on groomed trails. It involves skiing down designated runs with the aid of chairlifts or gondolas to reach the top of the slopes, and the skis are designed with fixed-heel bindings to provide stability and control on steep and fast descents.
Where to go: Breckenridge Ski Resort is a popular destination for downhill skiing offering a range of trails for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
Backcountry skiing
Backcountry skiing takes place in unmarked and ungroomed terrain away from traditional ski resorts. It requires specialized gear including touring skis with removable climbing skins, avalanche safety equipment and a strong understanding of snow conditions and navigation. Unlike resort skiing, backcountry skiers must hike or skin up the mountain before skiing down.
Where to go: Berthoud Pass is a well-known spot for backcountry skiing offering challenging terrain and deep powder.
Alpine touring
Alpine touring (A.T.) skiing blends aspects of both downhill and backcountry skiing. It involves using lightweight touring skis with bindings that allow the heel to lift while climbing but lock in place for descents. Skiers use climbing skins to ascend slopes before removing them for downhill skiing — this style is ideal for those looking to explore off-piste areas while still enjoying high-speed descents.
Where to go: Loveland Pass is a great location for alpine touring offering accessible terrain with minimal hiking.
Telemark skiing
Telemark skiing is a unique style that combines elements of both alpine and Nordic skiing, since the skis use free-heel bindings allowing skiers to make deep knee-bending turns. Telemark skiing requires strong leg muscles and balance making it a challenging but rewarding discipline for skiers looking to vary their techniques!
Where to go: Arapahoe Basin is a favorite for telemark skiers with steep runs and diverse terrain.
Ski mountaineering
Ski mountaineering involves skiing in high-alpine environments that require technical climbing and descending skills, since skiers often use ropes, crampons and ice axes to navigate challenging terrain. This style is best suited for experienced skiers with mountaineering knowledge.
Where to go: Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty of opportunities for ski mountaineering with its rugged peaks and challenging routes.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing, or Nordic skiing, is performed on flat or rolling terrain using lightweight skis with free-heel bindings. It can be done on groomed trails or in the backcountry and provides a great cardiovascular workout, since the focus is on consistent and perpetual movement rather than fast descents. There are two primary styles: the classic style, which follows set tracks, and skate skiing which uses a side-to-side motion similar to ice skating.
Where to go: Eldora Mountain Resort has a dedicated Nordic center with miles of groomed cross-country trails.
Freestyle skiing
Freestyle skiing includes jumps, tricks and terrain park features like rails and halfpipes. Skis used for freestyle skiing are often twin-tipped to allow for backward landings and takeoffs.
Where to go: Keystone Resort is home to one of the best terrain parks in Colorado making it a top choice for freestyle skiers.
Denver’s proximity to world-class ski areas makes it easy to explore a variety of skiing styles. Whether you’re a beginner looking for smooth groomers or an expert seeking backcountry adventures, there’s a perfect spot near the city to suit your style!
Have fun!
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Featured photo by Glade Optics on Unsplash
Second photo by Glade Optics on Unsplash
Third photo by William Jones on Unsplash
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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