3 Massive Colorado Ski Slopes That Run For Miles

Colorado has some of the best skiing areas in the United States. The state receives plenty of snow, and the resort business is well-developed in the region. The state doesn’t simply have numerous slopes for skiers, though. Colorado has some of the longest ones as well. Consider three of the massive Colorado ski slopes and see just how long they can get!

The shortest one on this list is four miles long, lengthy enough to interest any skier that wants to go the distance. See where these ski slopes are located, what resorts are nearby, and how difficult they are to ski!

Discover 3 of the Most Massive Colorado Ski Slopes

Colorado is home to several long ski runs. Some of them are easy enough that all skiers can try them, but others are far more difficult and require a bit of expertise to safely navigate. This list includes three different levels of difficulty to go with their varying lengths. Consider three of the longest, most massive Colorado ski slopes and see where you can find them!

1. Longshot, Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort

Longshot is the most massive Colorado ski slope, and it runs for 5.3 miles! This ski run is ranked moderately difficult, and that means it is probably not the place a first-timer wants to go. The run itself isn’t overly hard to ski, but the combination of factors along with the extreme length makes it fairly difficult.

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The Longshot can be accessed at the Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort located in the town of Snowmass Village. Accessing the run requires the skier to use the Elk Camp lift and then hike for a few minutes to reach the Longshot run. Then, the skier gets to experience a long, rewarding run as they glide down the slope.

The ski area is highly accessible even though it’s on the edge of the resort. At the foot of the trail is the Two Creeks lift along with a café, so you can get a snack before heading back into the action.

The Snowmass ski resort is a large, growing resort that continues to update its lodging, dining, and other available attractions including an alpine coaster. Any skier looking for a long, moderately difficult run will certainly enjoy the Longshot as well as the other numerous slopes at this mountain resort.

Where Is Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort Located on a Map?

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort is in Snowmass Village, located in Pitkin County in western Colorado. The resort is around 15 minutes’ drive from Aspen and four hours from Denver. Snowmass is the largest of the four Aspen/Snowmass mountainous areas owned and operated by the Aspen Skiing Company, which include Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.

2. Galloping Goose, Telluride Ski Resort

The Telluride Ski Resort may not be the most prominent destination compared to other ski resorts, but it has plenty to offer. While it’s hardly the main attraction or even a big draw, the Galloping Goose is one of the most massive Colorado ski slopes in the state.

This path runs for a total of 4.6 miles! This trail is a fair amount shorter than the Longshot run, but it is still very long. Yet, the Galloping Goose also lives up to its fairytale-like name. This trail is easy to ski, so it doesn’t require a lot of experience to safely traverse it. Although it’s a good place for beginners, the run is still very long. So, if a new skier attempts the path, their legs are probably going to feel tired by the time they reach the end. The trail ends in the Meadows area, near a restaurant where skiers can refuel before taking another lift up the mountain.

Located in the town of Telluride, the Telluride Ski Resort has a more centralized feeling to it compared with larger, sprawling ski resorts. The main village, resorts and spa, and market plaza are all close to each other.

Meanwhile, skiers can also visit the town of Telluride by taking a short drive or by using the free gondola. Telluride should be a potential destination the next time any skier has the desire to experience a unique type of ski resort that offers great views and experiences.

Where Is Telluride Ski Resort Located on a Map?

Telluride Ski Resort is in Mountain Village in the northwestern San Juan Mountains. The resort is 6 miles away from Telluride regional airport and 65 miles from Montrose’s regional airport. Telluride is located around 330 miles southwest of Denver, which is approximately a seven hour drive.

3. Riva Ridge, Vail Ski Resort

The Vail Ski Resort is one of the most famous ski destinations in Colorado and a common destination for visitors from all over the United States. Vail is the fourth-largest ski resort in the United States with over 5,000 acres of skiable area.

The resort offers 195 runs for visitors to enjoy. One of these runs is called the Riva Ridge, a four-mile-long ski slope different from any other on this list. The difficulty of the Riva Ridge separates the slope from the others because it is marked advanced.

So, not only would a skier get the chance to ski down a very long run, but the run is innately difficult. To be clear, some parts of the run are simple, but the areas that are very hard, including the extra-steep portion called the “Tourist Trap.” In other words, skiers may be lured into a false sense of security by some of the intermediate areas of the run before hitting that more challenging stretch of land.

The Vail Ski Resort has great lodging and amenities, and the town of Vail itself is loaded with shops, restaurants, and more!

Where Is Vail Ski Resort Located on a Map?

Vail Ski Resort is in Vail, at the base of Vail Mountain in Eagle County, Colorado. In the central Rocky Mountains, it is located 30 miles east of Eagle and 100 miles west of Denver, which is about two hours’ drive away.

Other Long Colorado Ski Slopes

Several other massive Colorado ski slopes exist in the state as well. So, if you don’t make it to any of those on this list, you can check out some of the others.

They include:

• “4 O’clock” at Breckenridge Ski Resort, a 3.5-mile run that is intermediate in difficulty.
• “Homestead Road” at Aspen Buttermilk Resort, a 3-mile run that is mostly beginner-level in difficulty.
• “Why Not?” at Steamboat Ski Resort, a 3-mile run lined with trees but listed as a beginner-level run.

These are some of the longest runs in the state of Colorado. However, some people have claimed that the listed lengths of these ski slopes are not accurate and have been inflated to bring greater prestige to the associated resorts.

Regardless, these are all slopes with impressive lengths that challenge people’s willpower to stay the course over many long minutes.

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