Colorado is one of the most renowned places to ski in the USA. Here you will find some of the world's best ski resorts but which ones are the nearest to Fort Collins?

We have been busy checking out some of the best and closest ski resorts to Fort Collins, CO and have put together some details on what you can expect from each one.

The 6 Closest Ski Resorts Near Fort Collins

If you are in the Fort Collins area and are looking to enjoy some excellent skiing, then there are very few other places in the world that have as much diversity.

Within the Fort Collins area, you will find some great ski areas but these are some of the closest and the best.

1. Eldora Mountain Resort (70.3 miles)

If you are looking for an innovative ski area near Fort Collins then Eldora is the place to be. It offers the Woodward experience which is a great social skiing experience that is both innovative and intuitive.

The mountain ski and ride is made for people looking to progress their skiing skills and is suitable for people of all levels.

Aside from fun on the slopes, Eldora has a massive amount to offer visitors.

There are several mountain restaurants and shops as well as the kid's corner which makes this a great resort for families.

2. Echo Mountain Resort (96.3 miles)

Close to Fort Collins but also known for being the closest ski resort to Denver, Echo Mountain is incredibly popular.

This is a great choice for intermediate skiers as the majority of the mountain is geared towards this level. However, there is a small beginner area to help you find your feet in the snow.

There are several intermediate runs and the terrain here is anything but gentle. If you're slightly more advanced, you could head into the glades for more advanced, cross-country trails.

For those who want other types of fun on the slopes, there is tubing which is also excellent for younger members of your group.

3. Snowy Range Ski Area (99.5 miles)

Home to a reputable mountain ski school, Snowy Range is one of the best places near Fort Collins for beginners.

That said, even if you have been skiing for years, you will find something to keep you entertained thanks to the huge range of trails. This includes several red and black runs that veer through the tree-lined terrain.

The resort is also home to a selection of beautiful mountain lodges, so you can make the most of your stay in comfort.

There is also a range of dining options including the Snowy Joe coffee shop and the Libby Creek Bar and Grill.

4. Loveland Ski Area (117 miles)

Located a mere 50 miles from Denver, the Loveland ski area offers the ideal place for a day-long adventure.

Of course, there is also the option to stay in one of the stunning on-mountain cabins, if you want to have a skiing vacation.

For beginners, this is a great place to get started as the resort offers some pretty innovative lessons. You will also benefit from freeskiing along the continental divide and the Love Park terrain park which has features for all levels.

There are a variety of mountain restaurants, ski rentals, and various events that take place throughout the calendar, so there is always something to do.

5. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (124 miles)

Another of the most well-loved and closest resorts to Fort Collins is Arapahoe which remains open until the beginning of June for winter; certainly a top ski area for getting the most out of the mountain.

Even in summer, there is plenty to do so you'll never be bored here.

The ski resort features 147 trails spread over 1428 acres allowing you to enjoy everything from groomed slopes to cross country skiing.

The après-ski scene here is thoroughly enjoyable with the popular 6th Alley Bar and Grill where you can kick back

6. Winter Park Resort (126 miles)

Open all year round, this ski resort near Fort Collins offers something for everybody.

Head over in the winter to enjoy a vast range of activities including uphill tours, cross-country snowshoeing, tubing, and even ski bike tours.

In summer, this area near Fort Collins is perfect for hiking and cycling. You'll also be able to enjoy the Alpine slide, a putting course, and gondola rides.

There is also a range of dining experiences to be had here as well as shopping and a selection of adventure concierge experiences which include the Sundance and Snack hike.

7. Keystone Resort

Even for those who know how to ski, Keystone Resort is a difficult place to navigate. With over 100 runs and 32 lifts, there are simply too many choices; even the most seasoned skiers find themselves standing at the bottom of Triple Trouble or Bonanza wondering where they should go next. Only those that make it above the resort's hogback ridges get the pleasure of seeing Frontside or Back Bowls, and even then they can't see where to go next.

Keystone is a maze, but it's one that novice skiers find themselves in often. Wherever you ski falls into Keystone Resort's "front side", where all skiing originates from the main chalet and runs down the resort's primary bowl. It takes little time to get from the main chalet to The Outback, but getting back is another story. This guide represents an attempt to make it easier for everyone, beginner and expert alike, to navigate Keystone Resort so that you can get your money's worth out of your trip.

8. Beaver Creek Resort

Last week, I took a trip to Beaver Creek Resort for the first time. It was my first experience backcountry skiing and I had no idea what to expect. The sheer height of some of those mountains initially frightened me; they were so massive and intimidating, and I wondered how on Earth we would ski down them.

Beaver Creek is located in Avon, Colorado, at 9700 East Beaver Creek Boulevard. It is only about an hour drive from Denver. If you are planning on skiing or snowboarding there, I suggest that you rent your equipment beforehand; I did not see any shops around the resort itself. If you're like me and don't know anything about backcountry skiing, be sure to read the Avalanche Awareness Guide below.

9. Vail Mountain Resort

Vail Mountain Resort is a ski resort in the US state of Colorado. It is located on the north side of Vail Pass, near Minturn and Beaver Creek, along I-70 and offers over 5,289 acres (2,163 hectares) of skiable terrain.

The resort was founded by Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton in the early 1960s, shortly after the 1962 World Ski Championships at nearby Beaver Creek. It opened for business on December 15, 1962. Earl Eaton was its first president and Peter Seibert served as vice president of ski operations, then became president from 1975 to 1995. John Dyer served as general manager until he retired in 2000. The resort is currently managed by Andy Daly, who has been at that position since August 2013.

Vail Mountain typically has the best early season conditions in Colorado and is popular among backcountry skiers and snowboarders, due to powder stashes found west of Chair 8 and on many other open slopes. Vail's mountain terrain is well suited for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. In 2012, Vail opened China Bowl to skiers and snowboarders who purchase the Mountain Collective pass.

Conclusion

If you are in the Fort Collins region of Colorado, you are sure to be able to find a ski area that takes your fancy.

Whether it's piste skiing or a cross-country adventure that you are after, there aren't many other places in the world that are as good as this.

Of course, this isn't the only place that offers excellent skiing so if you feel like jet setting and discovering everything the world has to offer, why not check out some other amazing ski resortsand see where the wind takes you?

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