First Time Ski Trip to Colorado: A Guide for Beginner Skiing
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Kokomo Hill on Copper Mountain - a hill for the best skiing in Colorado for beginners
The Ultimate Guide to Beginner Skiing in Colorado
Are you gearing up for your first time ski trip to Colorado's magnificent slopes?
Get ready to experience the excitement of beginner skiing in Colorado like a seasoned insider, discovering the best skill hills in Colorado locals love and budget-friendly options that promise unforgettable experiences.
Consider Monarch Mountain, a beloved destination where slopes embrace newcomers with warmth and open arms, offering a genuine taste of beginner skiing in Colorado. It's not just a resort; it's a sanctuary for snow enthusiasts.
Venture to Copper Mountain, another favorite of Colorado ski resorts best for beginners for both locals and visitors alike. Here, you'll find wide, welcoming slopes and patient instructors creating the ideal atmosphere for beginner skiing in Colorado. It's a place where you'll feel like a seasoned pro in no time.
As the icing on the cake, we've got 21 beginner skiing tips waiting for you at the end – insider insights that anyone can use to make their ski adventure in Colorado an absolute triumph at the best Colorado ski resorts for beginners!
Now let’s get skiing Colorado slopes!
Melody and her daughter, take one at beginner skiing in Colorado -Ski Cooper
I took a 27 year hiatus from skiing. My first time out wasn’t pretty. As a spry 47 year old, I decided to give it one more try, this time with my 13 year old in tow. While we fell a lot, it was a blast learning at one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for beginners - Ski Cooper!
Day three - Skiing Colorado slopes on Copper Mountain
Are you interested in learning how to ski in the beautiful state of Colorado? Then Summit County is the place for you!
Here, beginners can find ski runs that are suitable for their level as well as tips on what to wear, where to go and what to eat.
Whether it's your first time skiing or you haven't done it in years, these beginner tips will help get you back on the snowy ski hills in Colorado.
It’s never too late to learn new things and if I can get started at almost 50, so can you!
To further improve your technique, make sure to watch instructional videos online and book ski lessons with a professional.
View from Copper Mountain West Village
Best Ski Resorts in Colorado for Beginners
Ski Cooper Resort - one of the best beginner ski resorts in Colorado
Ski Cooper | near Leadville
About a 50-minute drive from Silverthorne, Ski Cooper is one of our 10 best ski places in Colorado for beginners. Punch "Ski Cooper" into your map app of choice and follow along. This ski resort in Colorado caters to both beginners and advanced skiers, making it the ideal one-stop shop for families and groups with mixed skiing levels.
First time ski trip to Colorado memento - Your Ski pass!
The best part?
It's one of the best-priced ski resorts in the area, regularly offering online deals and coming in under $100/day for a ski pass. Be sure to make an online reservation ahead of time. When you arrive, simply stroll over to the "Will Call" window, provide them with your name, and pick up your lift ticket.
With three main buildings, beginner skiing in Colorado here is a breeze! Once you walk through the entrance, head to the left to use the bathroom. The ski school check in window is just to the right before the ski rental area.
Arrive about 45 minutes ahead of lesson time, giving yourself plenty of time to get gear rentals, go to the bathroom, reapply sunscreen and watch the “experts” come down the hill.
Skiing Beginner Tips! Keep the ski pass in an upper pocket of your outer layer. No need to take it out every time you walk through the sensor. This will keep your waterproof gloves on and poles secure to your wrists. Plus, look like a pro!
Skiing Beginner Tips - Take a Lesson!
Directions and Parking
This easy to find and park Colorado mountain ski resort is within minutes of Leadville, Colorado. Make a weekend out of it with snowshoeing and skiing. Grab a reservation to shop at Leadville’s famous Melanzana clothing store after a day of skiing.
Details for Leadville favorite local restaurants, coffees hops and cocktail lounges are found here (as well as some of the best Colorado winter hikes in Colorado for snowshoes)
Ski Cooper - 232 Co Rd 29, Leadville, CO 80461
Amenities and Ski School
Warm up at Ski Cooper Taproom and Ski School Magic Carpet after tackling skiing Colorado slopes for the first time.
Ski Passes
Passes range from $35-95. Purchase ahead of time and enjoy significant savings. Buy Your Ski Pass Here.
Season Passes go on sale mid-November.
PRO NOTE! The resort often posts online specials like $30 Thursdays. Check out their website for up-to-date deals.
Onsite Rental Shop - Snowboards and Skis, Boots, Poles and Helmets
Operating Hours
7 days/week from 9-4
Ski School
Private lessons are from 10-12 and 1-3 daily. Reserve via phone - 800-707-6114
We went the week between Christmas and New Year’s. For one adult and one child, our 2 hour private lesson and day of skiing cost $218/each.
Halfway down the main ski run at Ski Cooper
Ski Runs at Ski Cooper
As beginner skiers, the day was spent on the magic carpet, a slow moving conveyor belt that took us up a small hill.
Ski Cooper has one main chair lift and another surface lift (here’s a good article on all the many kinds of lifts you might see and how to ride them).
The day we were there, the main chair lift broke down for about an hour.
Beginning skiing in Colorado is not for wimps. Listen to my mid run pep talk to get down the mountain.
I summoned the courage to do one run down the main hill. As this is a small mountain, all ski levels are on this hill.
As a beginner skier in Colorado, I tried my best to stay to one side while snowboarders and expert skiers zipped down the mountain.
Mountain views on Ski Cooper chairlift.
Hindsight 20/20, I would have avoided the main hill completely, waiting to tackle the many green runs at Copper Mountain, a larger resort just half an hour to the north on I-70 between Frisco and Vail.
The hill at Ski Cooper is quite steep in places with bumps and hills.
Copper Mountain has far better runs for beginners.
It took a lot of yoga breathing and positive self talk to get down the mountain. I think my heartrate clocked 180 bpm the entire run.
BUT I made it and went back to the magic carpet to practice my turns and tumbles.
Ski Coopers private ski lessons and easy to access beginner hill make it the perfect mountain for beginner skiing in Colorado.
PRO TIP! Leave the green runs to other resorts and focus on technique at Ski Cooper.
Learning to ski in Colorado by practicing the pizza wedge at Ski Cooper
Skiing Beginner tips at Ski Cooper!
If renting gear from Ski Cooper, wear winter boots to the rental area. There is a large shelving unit in the rental room to store your boots for the day.
Private lessons do not use ski poles. Leave them at home or don’t rent them at all.
PLACES TO EAT | Timberline Taproom does not allow outside food or drinks in this area. Base Camp Cafe has large picnic style tables in the main room for eating. Cafeteria style food service. Bring your own food and save money!
Take a full day to practice on beginner hills. There is no need to go up a green run before really cementing how to turn and navigate the bunny hill.
RELATED POSTS:
For families with varied winter sport preferences, Leadville offers an incredible Nordic center for cross-country skiing, perfect for beginners (check out our guide). Plus, there are dozens of snowshoe trails to explore—making it a great destination for both activities. Don't miss our posts on snowshoeing in Leadville and cross-country skiing for beginners for all the details!
Copper Mountain
After a first day of lessons at Ski Cooper, Copper Mountain is perfect for beginner skiing in Colorado. It’s just off I-70 on Highway 91. You’ll find it just west of Frisco, and right before you hit Vail.
Copper Mountain - 209 Ten Mile Cir, Frisco, CO 80443
Directions and Parking
Skiing Beginner Tips! Put on gear before you head to the shuttle.
A medium-sized ski resort beloved by locals, Copper Mountain shines as one of the best ski hills in Colorado for beginners.
In an area filled with large and well-known ski resorts like Breckenridge, Keystone, Beaver Creek, and Vail, Copper offers a more navigable and beginner-friendly experience, in our opinion.
Free Parking! Unlike Vail resorts, Copper Mountain has free parking! Enjoy this almost $50/day savings by getting there early. Overflow parking is across the street from the Aspen Parking lots. Shuttle buses run regularly to and from the lots.
Skiing Beginner Tips! Expect to cram and jam into the buses. Get all your gear on BEFORE heading to the shuttle stop. This means EVERYTHING - helmet, goggles, gloves, etc.
Practice how to hold your skis and poles. Once you get on that bus, you are responsible for all gear. *Trust me - it is a tight fit!
Feel cool learning to ski in Colorado with your Copper ski pass!
Let’s Talk Ski Passes for Ski Hills in Colorado
My husband and son have the Ikon Pass. If skiing at least 10 days in one season sounds like fun, plan and purchase this or the Epic Pass. You’ll save a lot of money and have access to the best Colorado ski resorts.
Epic Pass
Biggest attraction for this pass is access to Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb and resorts outside the USA
Ikon Pass
You have access to resorts all over the world including Canada, South America, Europe and Asia (50+destinations)
Both passes have friends and family discounts to share, earning them a 25% discount off the lift ticket price. You can also add mountain-specific passses that have different features to them. Our girls had the Copper Mountain four pack (which came with an extra 5th day because we bought early).
Skiing Beginner Tips!
Each year the passes go on sale in Spring, just as the ski season is winding down. Plan ahead and save money. As with most places, purchasing ski passes the day of is the most expensive option for a day on the Colorado ski slopes.
West Village at Copper Mountain - one of the best ski places in Colorado for beginners
Amenities and Ski School
Copper Mountain has three main areas - East, Center, and West Villages. The further west you go, the easier the runs. The best skiing in Colorado for beginners at Copper will be the WEST VILLAGE.
Onsite Rental Shop in each village - Snowboards and Skis, Boots, Poles and Helmets
Lockers to Rent - Small lockers are $15/day, Large Lockers are $25/day
Starbucks is located in Center Village *They have the most restaurants of all three mountains. Every village has its own food to buy options.
Operating Hours
7 days/week from 9-4
Ski School - ONLY located at West Village. You can be taken all over the mountain depending on skill level and type of lesson (private and group) but will always meet at West Village.
To further improve your technique, make sure to watch instructional videos online and book Copper Mountain ski lessons with a professional.
Ski Runs at Copper Mountain
Start at Kokomo Lift. Located in the West Village, this run is perfect for beginners. Multiple lines, including ones specific for the ski school, take you directly to the lift. Start your beginner skiing in Colorado by going up and down this hill.
Lumberjack Lift - Just beyond the top of Kokomo hill is Lumberjack lift. Take it up for several green runs down. The lift is rather slow so settle in and be prepared for a somewhat cold ride.
Runs - My favorite beginner ski runs are Roundabout, Soliloquy, and West Ten Mile. Each run has some steeper hills. That said, look ahead and practice your S turns across the mountain. This interactive map provides exact routes, directions and connector trails.
The first few times I headed down each of these runs—some of the best skiing in Colorado—I landed on my butt a few times. Practice putting your skis on right there on the hill; it’ll come in handy for the falls you’ll take and give you a leg up!
Learning to ski in Colorado means falling down and getting up - A LOT!
Skiing Beginner Tips!
Don’t worry about falling. Keep your poles strapped to your wrists for those falls. My youngest forgot this little step on her first run down Soliloquy.
Thank God for two kind gentlemen who grabbed her poles on the way down and handed them to her. I was already a fair ways down mountain, unable to get back up to where her poles lay.
We spent three days total on Copper Mountain, never leaving the West Village.
The more experienced half of our skiing group were able to catch blue and black runs from this side of the mountain. It worked perfect for our mixed ski level family vacation.
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We love Summit County in every season. Nearby Breckenridge boasts some of the most beautiful fall hikes in the state, along with summer trails that take you over mountain passes. For Colorado wildflower hikes in the area, we’ve done the hard work and created a spectacular wildflower hiking guide. Afterward, unwind at some of the best breweries in Summit County, offering a great selection of local craft beers.
Arapahoe Basin - A Basin
Directions and Parking
Arapahoe Basin is 68 miles west of downtown Denver. Nearby towns include Keystone (5 miles east) and Breckenridge (20 miles northeast).
Address: 28194 US-6, Dillon, CO 80435
Hours: Monday - Friday 9-4pm, Saturdays and Sundays: 8:30-4
Parking: Gated lots are open 7 am, closing at 6 pm. Early Riser Parking lot is free for carpool (3+ people [per car). $20/car otherwise. High Noon, Last Chance and Upper Last Chance lots are free. Small drop-off lot is $40 in winter.
Check out Arapahoe’s website for snowstang bus service options from Denver. Detailed map showing parking, amenities and ski run options are on their website.
Colorado beginner skiing is better with friends!
Nestled within the stunning Colorado landscape, Arapahoe Basin is one of the best Colorado ski resorts for beginners.
It's not the biggest resort around, but that's precisely what makes it perfect for those taking their first steps on the slopes. If you're new to skiing, kick off your adventure in the Molly Hogan area. Discover gently sloping, well-groomed runs that are ideal for building your confidence.
With its unspoiled mountain vistas and a warm and inviting atmosphere, Arapahoe Basin offers a uniquely intimate setting for beginners to embark on their skiing Colorado journey.
Amenities and Ski School
Food and Drinks: There are several dining in options along with places to bring packed lunches for those mid ski breaks. We're big fans of 6th Alley Bar & Grill for their wide selection of beers—and they even offer food and non-alcoholic drink discounts for Ikon pass holders!
Ski School - From kids club programs (ages 3 and up) to private and group lessons for all ages, it’s easy to become a beginner skiing in Colorado. Group lessons (3 hours) are $220 and included lift ticket and equipment rental. Lessons are at 9 am and 1 pm.
Clothing rental is also available for an additional fee.
Ski Gear Rental available on site
Ski Passes
One day lift tickets cost $89/each. This is a budget friendly Colorado ski mountain.
Ski Runs
Beginners looking for wide and easy slopes will want to head to the Molly Hogan Lift to access Molly's Magic Carpet.
The Black Mountain Express also offers wide and forested runs.
As with most ski resorts offering runs for novice skiers, some slopes at Arapahoe Basin are designated as "Slow Skiing Areas".
The frontside of A-Basin is where all their beginner terrain is found. This is where you get to know A-Basin as a beginner (or intermediate).
Often the best beginner Colorado ski resorts have wide well groomed runs like this one at A-Basin.
Watch a video tour of the frontside of A-Basin here.
The lower half of this mountain’s runs get more difficult as you look at A-Basin’s map from left to right. Wrangler is the easiest way down. Sundance is a steep green, and so on and so forth.
The easiest route at A-Basin is Lenawee Face to Dercum's Gulch.
PRO TIP! Locals say the Montezuma Bowl and the upper slopes offer some of the best skiing in Colorado, but they’re not recommended for beginners.
Arapahoe Basin, the perfect first time ski trip to Colorado destination.
Monarch Mountain
On the top of the Continental Divide at Monarch Mountain
Directions and Parking
Monarch Mountain, conveniently located near Salida and approximately 123 miles west of Colorado Springs, is a fantastic choice for your first-time ski trip to Colorado. With some of the most abundant natural snowfall in the state, you'll enjoy a powder-packed adventure on its slopes.
There is bus service to the resort from Gunnison and easy access to relaxation at the nearby Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. For the latest reservation details, be sure to visit their website.
Address: 23715 US-50, Salida, CO
Hours: 9-4 every day
FREE PARKING Opens at 7am. Paradise lot has ski in/out access. If parked in overflow parking, shuttles will take you to the lift. There are three main lots - Paradise, Main and Lower lots.
You can’t beat the Monarch slopes for Colorado beginner skiing memories!
Amenities and Ski School
Ski School - Pre-registration is required for all ski lessons. You must call to reserve. 719-530-5196
The kid’s program is for ages 3-16. Various clinics are available throughout the season, including cruisers and carving, free-heeling, women’s adventures and grades and trees. You can register for these clinics on line. Check online for current season prices.
Lockers for rent - small lockers are $8/day, large lockers $12/day
Onsite food venues include a coffee shop (Java Stop), a few bars, food trucks and a grill. Bring your own meal and eat in the lodge
Tubing Park is open Friday - Sunday from 10-4.
Ski Gear Rental available onsite *Book rental gear by 11 pm the night before to ensure availability.
ski runs
Monarch Mountain is home to fantastic beginner ski terrain in Colorado while offering super fun and long runs for all abilities. Tanya has skied at Monarch Mountain since the late 1980s and she’s always happy to return to these ski runs. It’s here that her kids have learned to ski and snowboard as well.
Being a smaller, independent ski mountain, Monarch is all about families connecting and having fun. Here, if you “lose” each other on the mountain, you’ll likely reconnect sooner than later.
Also notable is that Monarch Mountain is one of the last ski areas in Colorado to rely entirely upon all natural snowfall.
Monarch Mountain offers easy beginner runs from the base lift of Tumbelina, as well as from Garfield Lift.
From Tumbelina, take a ride down Little Joe, Snow Flake and Rookie.
From the Garfield Lift, hop on Sleepy Hollow, then on to Tenderfoot, Glade or Rookie.
From Rookie, for example, you can hop on the Panorama Lift which takes you to the top of the Continental Divide.
For the longest, easiest run, try this combination at Monarch from the top of the Continental Divide: head left to Skywalker, to Sleepy Hollow, to Rookie or an adjacent green run. You have a choice then: either head all the way down to the base of the mountain or hop on the Panorama Lift to the top again.
ski passes
One day lift tickets vary in price. Ranging from $59- $10
Season passes available. Seniors (69+years) and children 6 years and under SKI FOR FREE.
PRO TIP! Bring a season pass from other mountains and get a $64 lift ticket for the day. Monarch is not a member of IKON or EPIC passes. (BUT you can use those passes for your discount ticket)
Nearby Ski Resorts in Colorado for Beginners
Winter Park
The beginner hill “bunny hill” has a lift and is free. This hill is located at the Winter Park base area. As confidence increases, get a day pass. If you’re visiting ski hills in Colorado with non-skiers in your group, they can still have a blast at the nearby Coca-Cola tubing hill.
Address: 85 Parsenn Rd, Winter Park, CO 80482
Resort Hours: 8:30 - 4 pm
KeyStone Resort
Minutes from Breckenridge, Keystone Resort has a free beginner hill at Discovery lift. It is located at the Mountain House Base, adjacent to West Keystone Road and the Marmot parking lot. Keystone has 50+ easy runs, mostly located at the resort base and at the top of Dercum Mountain.
*Lift ticket is refundable if plans change. Book ahead of time for best prices.
Address: 100 Dercum Square, Keystone, CO 80435
Resort Hours: 9-4 pm
considerations for BEGINNER skiing in colorado
If planning on more than one day of skiing, buy a multi- day pass online vs. showing up at the resort and purchasing the day of. You’ll save a lot of money. Some of the resorts have free beginner hills
If, like me, you are unsure you’ll ski more than one day, purchase the pass each day. I took a lesson at Ski Cooper on day one, then decided to venture to Copper to ski with my family on day two.
Look at mountains known for beginners. Copper Mountain, near Vail and Breckenridge, has a very large beginner hill (West side) with two beginner (bunny) hills to practice on. Other resorts, like KeyStone, have less runs for ski newbies.
Please check resort websites for current operating hours and specials.
What to wear as a beginner skier is up to you - hoodies, raincoats, puffers and legit ski jackets all work.
What to Wear as a Beginner Skier
Skiing is one of the only Colorado adventures I’m not into. Before 2022, I hadn’t skied since 1997. So keep in mind my gear list is more about what do I have in the closet that will work for a first time ski trip to Colorado vs. dedicated gear. Depending on temperatures, you are looking at three basic layers.
Layers are KEY to staying warm on Colorado ski hills
Base layer
This is socks, underwear/leggings, and top layer, typically your thinnest layer. I recently added Darn Tough socks to my outdoor gear. They have a great over the knee ski sock that has kept my feet and legs toasty warm for our ski days. *Darn Tough has a lifetime warranty making the $30ish dollar price tag easier to swallow.
Mid layer
The most variable layer depending on the temperature outside. A light jacket, a wool sweater, a Melanzana or other hoodie. If it’s warm enough, skip the mid layer. *We are fans of Smartwool long sleeves keeping you warm even when wet.
Outer layer
This is, ideally, a water/snow proof shell. Ski pants and ski jacket designed for sport-specific mobility and the snowy/windy conditions. If the wind is whipping, this is the layer to stop the cold from seeping in. *Patagonia Torrentshell works great!
In addition, you’ll need:
Helmet (rent or buy)
Ski socks: Darn Tough or Smartwool *one pair works for the entire week.
RELATED POSTS: Check out our winter hiking tips and what to wear for Colorado’s varied seasons to ensure you're bundled up and ready for the trails, no matter the season!
Skiing Beginner Tips!
Put socks under your leggings or base layer. Ski socks are usually very thin. This keeps them in place adding another layer of comfort from the very rigid ski boots.
What I Wore as a beginner skier
Base bottom layer *I wore Lululemon leggings. Other family members love Patagonia’s running tights.
Base top layer Lululemon swiftly long sleeve and Smartwool hooded sweater.
Extended bra top *I’m a huge fan of Athleta’s crop top.
Snow pants *I bought Columbia snow pants at MER, a consignment restore in Colorado Springs, 5 years ago. I wear them snowshoeing and skiing.
Mid layer *Patagonia nano puff worked great for me each day.
Outer layer *Patagonia Torrentshell Rain jacket kept me dry despite all my spectacular falls!
Head covering *Melanzana beanie was perfect!
Waterproof super warm gloves *My husband bought ski gloves 35 years ago for around $50. They worked amazing on the slopes, particularly for all the falls I made those first days. Similar style here
The best ski resorts for beginners in Colorado have gear rentals on site and nearby.
Where to Rent Skis for the Best Skiing in Colorado
For Multi Day skiers
Rent your gear before heading up to the mountains. We rented a week’s worth of skis, poles, and boots for our two girls at a great locally owned store Colorado Springs for half the cost of what the mountain rentals charge.
Day Skiers
Look online for coupons. Many places reserve online, giving you discounts they do not do in the store.
Colorado Springs
REI - If you are a REI member, enjoy a member discount on all rental gear.
The Ski Shop -Consider renting gear for the season or pop in for day rentals.
Local consignment stores sell worn well skis for steep discounts!
Summit County
Silverthorne: Virgin Island Ski
Each resort has onsite rentals as well.
PRO TIP! Look for online deals in the area you are staying.
Smiling before smacking into a tree as a beginner skier in Colorado
My Beginner Ski Story….
When I was in college, I headed to Colorado with my then boyfriend (now husband) for a spring break of skiing. Never having touched skis before, I was a complete newbie to snow sports. I had spent hours on water skis and figured, how hard could it be?
Same guy, 27 years later. This time loving skiing!
Turns out, snow skiing and water skiing are two separate beasts!
After a lesson Cuchara Mountain (a defunct Colorado resort that potentially might reopen), I was convinced I was ready for a green run.
Unfortunately, my nerves got the best of me and I hit a tree. There were many tears and pizza wedging down the rest of the mountain. I never put skis on again.
Until this year….
At the ripe age of 47, I signed my youngest daughter and I up for a ski lesson, determined to hang with my now adult children and still skiing husband.
Years of yoga, distance running, and outdoor activities prepared me for a far better experience second time around. This was particularly true at beginner ski resorts in Colorado we chose to visit.
Below are 21 ski beginner tips I employed, making my beginner skiing in Colorado week much more enjoyable!
21 Skiing Beginner Tips
Pick a small beginner friendly ski resort to learn. *Ski Cooper was perfect for us, especially considering it's among the best ski resorts for beginners in Colorado. With only one main ski lift, this small resort just outside of Leadville, CO was easy to navigate.
Pay for a private lesson. While an initial investment, the hands on teaching was exactly what we needed to get confident. Lessons at the larger resorts are significantly more expensive, but also convenient if you pick it up quickly and want to get skiing.
Freebie Ski Lesson Tip! When working on turns, don’t move your body, just look to where you want to go and your body (and skis) follow. Who knew turning was so simple? Well, you still have to work on balance and speed but hey, practice makes perfect right?
Plan a whole day on the beginner hill. My youngest spent the entire day headed up the magic carpet at Ski Cooper and down the bunny hill, working on wedges, turns and stopping. Having done a lesson 30 years ago, my brain remembered far more than I gave it credit.
Ask resort staff what the easiest run is for beginners. Molly Mayfield is the best run a beginner skier can take at Ski Cooper. At Copper Mountain, the west village is the perfect spot for those learning to ski in Colorado. It's filled with beginner and green runs, including the ski school and chair lifts for beginners.
My youngest daughter learning to ski at a private lesson on Ski Cooper, one of the best Colorado ski resorts for beginners.
5. Take a picture of where you put your ski gear on break. I didn’t think this was such a big deal until AFTER I came out after lunch. It was ski gear overload!
Learning to ski in Colorado requires gear - don’t forget what yours looks like!
6. Practice, Practice, Practice. At the end of day one, I decided to head up the big chair lift at Ski Cooper and go down a green run. While I had second and third thoughts the entire ride up the mountain, deep yoga breaths and positive self talk got me up and down safely.
PRO NOTE! Make sure your ski poles are attached to your wrists before going down the hill. On the lift, hold poles tightly in your hand without strap attached.
7. First Ski Run Tip: Start slow. Take lots of breaks. Fall if needed. I found myself talking outloud the ENTIRE way down the mountain. I was scared but determined to complete my first run. Then I headed right back to the beginner ski hill and practiced turns for the rest of the day.
Magic Carpet on beginner ski hill at Ski Cooper
8. Tell the chair lift staff this is your first time on the chair lift. As I prepared to get on, they graciously held the chair for a few seconds before taking off. They can slow it down for you to get on and off.
PRO TIP! Take the panic away from getting on and off the ski lift by practice. When standing in line, call out "This is my first time!” They will slow down the lift. Don’t worry if you fall.
We saw a woman who just sat on the lift, ready to head back down the lift without getting off. They stopped the entire lift, got her off and sent her down the mountain.
Chairlift at Lumberjack Lift on Copper Mountain
9. Bring snacks/lunch and water. On our first day, I left all our snacks and water in the car, thinking we’d head back to get it at lunch time. Those ski boots are NO JOKE! The last thing we wanted was to walk down and then back up the hill to get food. I ended up spending $20 for two gatorades and fries at Ski Cooper. The ski lodge areas allow outside food. Take advantage and save money!
Wearing my old Nathan running pack to carry water and energy bars on Cooper Mountain.
At Copper Mountain, parking is quite far away, requiring a jam packed bus shuttle to one of three main areas. Once you have on all your ski gear, including your ski boots, walking to the car is near impossible without spending at least an hour of wasted time.
10. Carry a small backpack or hydration pouch with at least 2 liters water and a few snacks. A water reservoir is perfect for small sips of water throughout the day. The best way to avoid altitude headaches is water. Each resort we visited had free water stations with cups. I refilled my water reservoir at these stations as well.
Colorado beginner skiing and advanced skiers alike require standing in line for the chairlift.
11. Rise and shine! Get to the ski resort right when it opens. At Copper Mountain, ski school is from 10-12 and 1-3. Students can bump the line at any time, causing quite a backup at the Kokomo Ski Lift. As the day carries on, more people arrive which creates quite a bit of congestion (and icy runs). The early bird truly gets the worm on the ski slopes.
Logging your ski pass before getting on the sky lift at Copper Mountain.
12. Keep your ski pass in the pocket of your jacket. Gone are the days of paper passes zip tied to the outside of a jacket. All resorts require lift entry with the pass. At Copper Mountain, you pass through the sensor on every chairlift ride. I kept mine zipped inside the pocket of my Patagonia (inner layer) and it worked great.
13. Control your speed with long looping slow turns. You can tackle almost any run in the mountain if you take it slow.
14. Chest up and out. Resist the temptation to bend over at your waist. You will most likely have skis that allow you to stay hip distance apart. Look the direction you want to turn and the skis will take you that way (most of the time).
15. Wear sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, a high altitude sunburn is guaranteed.
16. Googles - brighter days, wear darker tinted lenses. Cloudy days, light tint. This allows you to see the contours of the mountain.
Cooper Mountain West Village is one of the best Colorado ski resorts for beginners and experts alike!
17. Smart small and have a plan. In a nutshell, look at the mountain map and ski runs. Decide what you want to try, knowing the names of the runs BEFORE you get to the top of the lift. You don’t want to head down a blue run - trust me!
18. Wear seamless leggings. Your ski boots will be tight to the shin and rub all day long.
Gearing up for a day of beginner skiing in Colorado
19. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy gear vs. rent for multiple days. For example, you can buy a used helmet for $30 vs. renting for $15/day. *Check out the best ways to find and buy affordable and great condition used skiing and hiking gear.
20. Forget gear? Onsite ski shops have everything you need - buy or rent. NOTE! You cannot rent goggles. Buy them used or on Amazon. We had a minor snafu day 4 when I had exchanged ski poles with my husband. I ended early and headed back to our VRBO. He was left without poles and ended up renting a pair for $12.
Expect top notch views on your frist time ski trip to Colorado.
21. Never say “This is my last run of the day.” You want to quit before you’re so exhausted you’ll make a stupid mistake. You must listen to your body. It’s better to end the day early and ski tomorrow VS. trying to get one more run in and getting injured.
Places to Stay Near Ski Resorts in Colorado for Beginners
There are many ski resorts in Colorado for beginners and experts alike. These mountain towns have resorts, hotels, timeshares, and vacation home rentals, making them excellent options when you're looking for the best beginner Colorado ski resorts.
Imagine sipping coffee with this view! - updated condo near Keystone
We’ve found renting homes through VRBO to be the most econonmical way to take a family for a week of skiing. Having a fully equipped kitchen plus washer and dryer helps with the food budget. Pack less and throw in a few loads of laundry - stretching your ski gear over a few days.
Summit County
Keystone (near Arapahoe Basin)
This updated condo (sleeps five) with great mountain views is within minutes of Keystone ski resort. For more room, we love the full wall of window views of the lake and mountains in this 2 bedroom condo.
Mixing drinks sure got an upgrade in this kitchen.
Silverthorne, Colorado is a great hub for Copper Mountain, Breckenridge and Frisco. We made Silverthorne our homebase this past winter for a week of family skiing.
With a Kroger and Whole Foods just down the road, this mountain town is a sure bet for beginner skiing in Colorado.
Ski Cooper is minutes from Leadville, Colorado. Stay in a one of a kind carriage house, minutes from downtown Leadville. For a group of 8, rest easy in a log cabin retreat - hot tub included! Ahhhh…that sounds like bliss after a day of skiing. This tiny house is filled with fun nooks and crannies, comfy beds and a kitchen.
Chaffee County
Monarch Mountain (near Salida)
Nearby Buena Vista and Salida mountain towns make this area a fun and memorable place to visit and stay. Downtown BV - localeze for Buena Vista - has awesome breweries, local shopping and great restaurants. Salida is fast becoming THE destination for Colorado Springs residents.
Stay near or in these towns and be at Monarch mountain within minutes!
No matter your age, give beginner skiing in Colorado a chance! While you might not take to it like those three year olds whizzing past you on ski runs, that’s okay! The journey to do something new is ALWAYS rewarding!
Welcome to my first time back on skis after a 27 year hiatus.