Colorado is a legendary ski destination. Epic landscapes, consistent powder, diverse terrain, and world-class resorts – the Rocky Mountain State has it all. But with so many options, it can be tough to decide where to stay in Colorado for skiing. In this post, we’ll go over some of the best towns to rent a Colorado ski villa, based on the kind of traveler you are.
Where to Stay in Colorado for Beginner Skiing
Beaver Creek
If your group has novice skiers, then Beaver Creek villas are a great option. Beaver Creek has some of the best ski schools in Colorado, and many of the beginner areas, like the Haymeadow Park Learning Area, are uncrowded and comfortable. Plus, you’ll enjoy heated walkways and shorter lift lines compared to some of the bigger ski destinations. And there’s still plenty here for experts to enjoy too, including a World Cup recourse and mogul-heavy double-black diamond runs.
Pros of Staying in Beaver Creek Villas
- Well-groomed, uncrowded slopes
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Top-tier ski schools
- Heated walkways and escalators
Cons of Staying in Beaver Creek Villas
- Limited nightlife and dining
- More isolated than larger resorts
Beaver Creek Villa Pick
4 bed, 3+2 bath
From $2,232/night
Combining vaulted ceilings, gorgeous stonework, and sophisticated wood timbers, Wayfarer Lodge is a perfect example of an elevated ski chalet. The interior uses natural light, high-end materials, and stunning furnishings from its 2024 modernization. There’s also a hot tub, sauna, and sunroom, and it’s just across the street from the Elk Horn Express Lift.
Wayfarer Lodge – Beaver Creek
Where to Stay in Colorado for Expert Skiing
Telluride (Mountain Village)
If you’re with a group of skiers looking to push your limits, then Mountain Village villas in Telluride are perfect. With the most terrain variety, you can enjoy steep chutes, double-black diamond runs, and challenging moguls on runs like Palmyra Peak and Gold Hill Chutes. Telluride is also home to some jaw-dropping views, and there are good beginner areas if your group is diverse skill-wise. Plus, no matter your skill level, both the town of Telluride and Mountain Village (connected by a 13-minute gondola) provide plenty of facilities and lots of beautiful villas to enjoy.
Pros of Staying in Telluride Villas
- Expert runs
- Terrain variety
- Stunning scenery
- Mountain Village convenience
Cons of Staying in Telluride Villas
- Relatively limited dining and shopping
- More remote; 5-6 hours from Denver.
Telluride Villa Pick
6 bed, 7+1 bath
From $3,889/night
Surrounding by awe-inspiring mountain views, Picture Perfect truly lives up to its name. It allows easy access to the slopes, while the interior creates the perfect après ski ambiance. Think vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces, and vintage décor. Extra touches, like a 16-person home theatre with an additional fireplace, make this a stay the whole family will love.
Picture Perfect – Telluride
Where to Stay in Colorado for Couples
Aspen
With quaint streets and twinkling lights, Aspen villas are some of the most romantic stays in Colorado. Apart from world-class skiing, Aspen is also home to plenty of art galleries, boutiques, music, theatres, restaurants, and bars. There’s also the Aspen Art Museum to enjoy, as well as snowshoeing, hot air balloons, and gondola rides.
Pros of Staying in Aspen Villas
- Art galleries, shopping, and nightlife
- Vibrant nightlife and great dining
- Lots of non-skiing activities
- Four great ski areas
Cons of Staying in Aspen Villas
- Pricier than other areas
- Can be crowded in high season
Aspen Villa Pick
3 BDM Residence at the Little Nell
3 bed, 4 bath
From $3,109/night
A 3-bedroom residence in the exclusive Little Nell Hotel, this villa was designed with the highest standard of materials and furnishings. Gaze out over Aspen Mountain and the Red Mountain from your floor-to-ceiling window. Relax by the gas fireplace. Take in the original art. Go for a dip in the hot tub. This is mountain elegance.
3 BDM Residence at the Little Nell – Aspen
Where to Stay in Colorado for Non-Skiers
Vail
With a European-inspired charm, Vail is one of the most diverse mountain retreats in the US. World-class dining and shopping, relaxing spas, gondola rides, and non-skiing adventure activities like snowmobiling are all on offer here. Plus Vail villas are often located beside the pedestrian village, giving non-skiers access to plenty to do, day or night.
Pros of Staying in Vail Villas
- Beautiful trails for all ski levels
- Charming pedestrian village
- Great dining options
- Smaller rentals available
Cons of Staying in Vail Villas
- Peak ski season can be crowded
- Less nightlife than Aspen
Vail Villa Pick
4 bed, 4+1 bath
From $1,886/night
A great option for couples or a small family, Cloudcatcher Peak Penthouse is steps from Lionshead Village and the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Designed to maximize natural light, this unit exudes comfort and elegance. Each of the four bedrooms also has access to the terrace, and one of the rooms includes bunk beds if you are traveling with children.
Cloudcatcher Peak Penthouse – Vail
Where to Stay in Colorado for Skiing as a Family
Breckenridge
A great year-round destination, Breckenridge villas take full advantage of everything this town has to offer. Apart from scenic trails, Breckenridge also has a rich history and small-town charm, owing to its roots as a gold mining town founded in the 1850s. There’s also a generally family-oriented atmosphere, with kid-friendly slopes and even the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster.
Pros of Staying in Breckenridge Villas
- Shopping and dining on Historic Main Street
- Kid-friendly runs
- Less pricey than other destinations
- Plenty of non-ski activities
Cons of Staying in Breckenridge Villas
- Less luxurious than Aspen or Vail
- Less upscale dining
Breckenridge Villa Pick
8 bed, 8+2 bath
From $2,680/night
The ultimate family ski villa, the Bear’s Den is full of features that will stun your group. From a glass-encased elevator with panoramic views to a full gym, no detail has been overlooked. There’s also three oversized fireplaces, two decks – both with private hot tubs and fire pits – a games room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an ADA-compliant suite, and more. Perfect for large, multigenerational groups.
The Bear’s Den – Breckenridge
Where to Stay in Colorado for Skiing and Relaxation
Steamboat Springs
Though well known for its “Champagne Powder” snow, Steamboat Springs is equally known for the hot springs that give the town its name. Together, these make for a delightful combination, with smooth skiing during the day, and warm thermal waters for relaxing afterward. Steamboat Springs villas up the ante with stays designed to rejuvenate your body and soul.
Pros of Staying in Steamboat Springs Villas
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Famous hot springs
- Less crowded
- Strong Western culture
Cons of Staying in Steamboat Springs Villas
- More remote and harder to access
- Less dining and nightlife
Steamboat Springs Villa Pick
10 bed, 10+2 bath
From $1,224/night
Consisting of two elevator-accessible residences, Falconhead Grande offers vaulted ceilings, oversized stone fireplaces, and all the other little touches you want in the perfect ski chalet. And with views of the famous Sleeping Giant Mountain, as well as a sports bar and private hot tubs, you’ll always have something to do once your day on the slopes is over.
Falconhead Grande – Steamboat Springs
Where to Stay in Colorado for Skiing – Summary
- For beginner skiers: Beaver Creek
- For expert skiers: Telluride
- For couples: Aspen
- For non-skiers: Vail
- For families: Breckinridge
- For relaxation: Steamboat Springs
Still Wondering Where to Stay in Colorado for Skiing?
Hopefully, this post gives you a better idea of where to rent your perfect Colorado ski villa. If you’re still wondering where the best place to stay in Colorado would be for your group, contact Rental Escapes. One of our friendly Villa Specialists will be happy to provide a personalized recommendation.
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