The amount, quality, and frequency of snow at each mountain near Denver can greatly differ. This is the definitive guide for finding the best snow near Denver. Skiers and snowboarders can see where it has snowed most near Denver during the last 10 days, and where it will likely snow most during next 10 days.
Below that, we've collated 40 years of data to show what ski resorts near Denver have the best snow conditions historically—which tends to hold up year to year.
This article and data were updated on November 20, 2024. Updated daily.
ZRANKINGS MODEL: NOAA GFS, MET
Ski Resorts with Best Snow in Denver area
| Resort | True Snow* |
Base & Top Elev. |
Days w/ more than 6 inches |
Months w/ more than 90 inches |
Months w/ less than 30 inches |
North-facing Terrain |
East-facing Terrain |
West-facing Terrain |
South-facing Terrain |
Denver area Snow Score |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Winter Park
CO |
347" | 9000' to 12060' |
13.4% | 10.4% | 9.3% | 50% | 10% | 38% | 2% | 82.1 | more |
|
Loveland
CO |
344" | 10800' to 12700' |
12.6% | 11.6% | 11.0% | 40% | 30% | 0% | 30% | 80.5 | more |
|
Vail
CO |
354" | 8120' to 11570' |
13.9% | 18.2% | 10.7% | 40% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 78.3 | more |
|
A-Basin
CO |
314" | 10780' to 12472' |
10.4% | 6.4% | 23.2% | 55% | 25% | 15% | 5% | 78.2 | more |
|
Beaver Creek
CO |
325" | 8100' to 11440' |
12.1% | 8.3% | 13.1% | 55% | 25% | 20% | 0% | 77.4 | more |
|
Copper
CO |
278" | 9712' to 12313' |
10.5% | 3.8% | 21.1% | 55% | 25% | 15% | 5% | 74.1 | more |
|
Breckenridge
CO |
282" | 9600' to 12840' |
11.3% | 5.4% | 17.5% | 20% | 60% | 0% | 20% | 70.6 | more |
|
Keystone
CO |
235" | 9280' to 11998' |
8.9% | 0.0% | 34.3% | 47% | 13% | 30% | 10% | 63.0 | more |
|
Eldora
CO |
225" | 9200' to 10800' |
9.0% | 2.0% | 35.0% | 35% | 65% | 0% | 0% | 61.8 | more |
|
Ski Granby
CO |
200" | 8202' to 9202' |
8.0% | 1.0% | 40.0% | 15% | 0% | 80% | 5% | 51.5 | more |
Winter Park - Snow Score: 82.1
HWinter Park is well situatioe with 50% north-facing slopes, which, combined with its high base elevation of 9,000, makes for excellent snow preservation. Just as good, however, is the true snow average of 347 inches. The mountain's combined high snowfall and its preservation characteristics make it the No. 1 ski resort for snow near Denver. Snow frequency is strong, as the resort experiences snowfall of over six inches on 13.4% of winter days. Over 90 inches of snowfall occurs in 10.4% of winter months, but there's a 9.3% chance of less than 30 inches in a month.
Loveland - Snow Score: 80.5
Nestled high above at 10,800 feet, Loveland's snow is kept in peak condition by its 40% north-facing slopes. It's a place where significant snowfall is the norm, with 12.6% of winter days witnessing more than six inches. Heavy snow months aren't rare either, occurring 11.6% of the time, contributing to the 344-inch annual average.
Vail - Snow Score: 78.3
Positioned advantageously west of Vail Pass, Vail's slopes receive an abundant 354-inch average snowfall annually. The 40% north-facing and 20% south-facing slopes strike a balance, making the most of the 13.9% of winter days that see more than six inches of snow. The resort also celebrates a significant 18.2% of winter months that amass over 90 inches of snow.
A-Basin - Snow Score: 78.2
At A-Basin, a favorable base elevation of 10,780 feet means the 314 inches of average snowfall benefit from the colder temperatures. More than half the slopes are north-facing, which is excellent for snow preservation, especially when 10.4% of winter days bring a snowfall of six inches or more. Even with just 6.4% of months hitting the 90-inch mark, the quality of snow here is rarely in question.
Beaver Creek - Snow Score: 77.4
Beaver Creek enjoys its location, where the weather systems generously cover its slopes with 325 inches of snow on average. The resort's 55% north-facing slopes are a boon, ensuring the snow endures, especially during the 12.1% of winter days with snowfalls over six inches. The 8.3% of winter months with 90+ inches of snowfall attest to the area's solid snow accumulation.
Copper - Snow Score: 74.1
Copper Mountain's slopes, 55% of which are north-facing, receive a respectable 278 inches of snow each season. The resort's 9,712-foot base elevation serves as a cold trap for snow, particularly during the 10.5% of winter days when more than six inches fall. However, only 3.8% of months typically exceed 90 inches of snow.
Breckenridge - Snow Score: 70.6
Breckenridge's high altitude, with a base at 9,600 feet, compensates for its 20% north-facing and 20% south-facing slopes. The town's historic charm is matched by the reliability of its snow, with an average of 282 inches, and the 11.3% of winter days that receive heavy snowfalls. Though less frequent, 5.4% of winter months still see over 90 inches.
Keystone - Snow Score: 63.0
Keystone, boasting 47% north-facing slopes, tends to hold onto its snow despite the southern exposure on 10% of its terrain. The resort sees 235 inches of snow on average, and while the base at 9,280 feet is just under the optimal elevation for snow preservation, it still manages to deliver on 8.9% of winter days with significant snowfall.
Eldora - Snow Score: 61.8
Eldora may have less north-facing terrain at 35%, but its proximity to the Front Range means it still catches a fair share of snow, averaging 225 inches annually. The resort, with a base elevation of 9,200 feet, sees more than six inches of snow on 9% of winter days, though the months with over 90 inches are notably rarer.
Ski Granby - Snow Score: 51.5
Ski Granby may have the most west-facing slopes, which results in variable conditions, but its 200-inch annual snowfall is not to be overlooked. While the north-facing terrain is limited, the resort still enjoys days with substantial snowfall, contributing to its unique skiing experience.
Top Photo: Deep snow at Loveland Pass, 90 minutes from Denver.
Christopher Steiner is the founder of ZRankings and a two-time New York Times Bestselling Author
