Just one Colorado ski area cracks the top-10 in the latest Ski Mag “Best of the West” ski resort rankings, but we still dominate the top-30 with more beloved ski slopes than any state or province.
Colorado claims 11 ski hills on the 2026 best-of list ahead of Utah with seven and Canada with four. Ikon dominates with a whopping 18 wholly owned or partner hills, compared to eight for the Epic Pass.
The absolute best of the best? For the first time ever that title goes to Big Sky, Montana, known for its towering peaks, intimidating tram and terrain straight out of a Warren Miller flick. (No joke, Big Sky’s performing arts center is named for the action-film godfather.)
Aspen Snowmass is again the highest-ranked Colorado ski area, according to Ski Mag readers. They love the variety between the four slopes – Ajax, Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk – and even the stereotype of prestige-over-powder doesn’t exactly ring true on a powder day.
The top-ranked I-70 ski area is Vail Mountain, making its triumphant return to the top-12 after slipping to No. 21 last year. Skiers still love the back bowls and sheer size, although they say it is barely worth the cost after a ticket (over $300), parking (now $50 this season) and food.
The leading Summit County ski hill is Breckenridge at No. 16, jumping up from No. 23 last year. Skiers say Breck’s best attribute is the town – and of course the towering peaks. Value and parking are yet again their biggest gripes.
Arapahoe Basin slips to No. 18 after a record-high No. 13 last year.
Colorado’s “Best of the West” 2026
No. 4… Aspen Snowmass
No. 12… Vail Mountain
No. 13… Telluride
No. 16… Breckenridge
No. 17… Beaver Creek
No. 18… Arapahoe Basin
No. 19… Winter Park
No. 20… Copper Mountain
No. 21… Keystone
No. 24… Loveland Ski Area
No. 25… Steamboat