Colorado Cult Classic Ski Resorts

Colorado ski resorts are some of the more iconic out there; from Vail to Aspen to Breckenridge, there is no shortage of well visited and well known hills in the state. However, some of Colorado’s more tucked away resorts have become cult classics in skiing and snowboarding culture not for their extensive grooming or vast acreage, but simply for a plethora of snow, and rad lines that make their their case. Get your fix of three of the Colorado’s best for no lift lines, bottomless turns, and plenty of adventure.
Wolf Creek Ski Area
What storm doesn’t hit Wolf Creek? Anytime the Southwest, Northwest, or central Rockies get a dusting it seems that this little resort on Wolf Creek Pass ends up getting hammered with some serious accumulation. As of this season, Wolf Creek has received 260 inches, making it the snowiest resort in Colorado. While this quintessential skier’s mountain doesn’t boast the most extensive terrain, it’s a must for anyone who finds him or herself chasing some Colorado snow.
Silverton Mountain
“Imagine a place where the average total snowfall of over 400 inches exceeds the amount of daily visitors. Advanced and expert only riding, no groomers, no clearcut runs and a real mountain experience with plenty of adventure on tap. All thrills no frills.”
Heaven? No, just the brief synopsis offered by Silverton Mountain’s website of what visitors can expect from a day spent exploring the backcountry and rugged terrain of this Southwestern Colorado classic. Offering unguided day passes, guided tours, and heli skiing, Silverton is the place for a Colorado experience away from the lift lines and crowds of major resorts. Not for the faint of heart, skiers and riders should expect advanced and expert lines, and be ready for a day of charging.
Monarch Mountain
Situated off of Monarch Pass just West of Salida, it’s easy to nearly miss the resort’s gates while winding around the southern end of the Collegiates. However, those that make the right hand turn into Monarch’s parking lot will be greatly rewarded with steep tree runs, nearly no lift lines, and guided cat skiing at 12,000 feet. The cat skiing, in particular offers 1,000 acres of expert terrain for those looking to test their skills at some more advanced terrain.