Copper Mountain is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The terrain is segregated into beginner, intermediate and expert areas, each located on different parts of the mountain. The happy result is that beginners aren't intimidated by fast-moving experts, advanced skiers aren't held up by slower beginners and intermediates are left to frolic among themselves. The village at Copper Mountain offers over 40 shops and restaurants, all within walking distance from the base. There's a variety of modern condo lodging, with many units having true ski-in/ski-out access. In the summer, Copper has North America's highest golf course.

Winter Park first opened in 1940, making it one of the oldest ski areas in Colorado (although a lot younger than Howelsen, which opened in 1914). The Mary Jane area was added in 1975. And it really is a "park," owned by the City of Denver. Winter Park Resort is the local's favorite. Year-in and year-out, more Coloradans visit WP than any other ski resort in Colorado. Stands to reason, given that Winter Park is the closest major ski resort to Denver and boasts a combination of great terrain and reliable snowfall. At Winter Park you can wear your jeans and enjoy the small-town atmosphere surrounded by the open spaces and lofty peaks of the Continental Divide. Off the slopes try snow-shoeing or cross country skiing, take a dinner sleigh ride or snowmobile tour, or do a tube ride down the famous Fraser Tubing Hill.