Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

Six of Colorado's ski resorts were named among the Top 10 in the country in SKI Magazine's 2011 resort rankings.

More than half of the Top 20 resorts named are in Colorado.

Deer Valley, Utah, was ranked No. 1.

1.)  Deer Valley, Utah
2.)  Vail
3.)  Whistler Blackcomb, BC
4.)  Snowmass
5.)  Sun Valley, Idaho
6.)  Park City, Utah
7.)  Beaver Creek
8.)  Steamboat
9.)  Breckenridge
10.)  Telluride


Here are some things writers and readers had to say about Colorado ski areas:

Vail:  Noted for the size of the resort, its bowls and runs like Hairbag Alley and Cheetah Gully.  Some people miss a certain "crustiness," but others enthused about quality of service on and off the mountain.

Snowmass:  People loved the variety of terrain, fun for all ages and abilities, world-class terrain parks and ski-in/-out lodging. They weren't too keen on the apres-ski scene, but, hey, if that's your think, Aspen is just down the road.

Beaver Creek:  The only drawback to Beaver Creek appears to be the price. Uh, yeah. Otherwise, what's not to love and ski valets, family-friendly layout, a variety of terrain and escalators to the lifts?

Steamboat:  "Laid-back. Genuine. fun. There’s arguably no other resort that surpasses Steamboat’s down-to-earth vibe..."  Powder and trees on the mountain and funky places off.  And a $20m village face lift on the way.

Breckenridge:  Noted for the charm of the town itself and a good choice “if you're looking for a great town and a big mountain where all types of skiers can find somewhere to play.”  The restaurant Relish was named a must-visit spot and Ullr Fest as the top event.  Lake Chutes and Peak 10's The Burn and Mustang it says are runs worthy of “bragging rights.”

Telluride:  Tough to get to? Yes. Tougher to leave? No doubt.  If you want a small town feeling with a heap of downhill, this is the place.
 

11.)  Aspen
12.)  Jackson Hole, Wyo.
13.)  Heavenly, Calif.
14.)  Winter Park
15.)  Crested Butte
16.)  Canyons, Utah
17.)  Mammoth Mountain, Calif.
18.)  Copper Mountain
19.)  Aspen Highlands
20.)  Snowbird, Utah
 

Aspen Mountain:  Yes, there's glamor and glitz.  And also plenty of terrain to challenge the best skiers and riders in your party.

Winter Park:  While it may disappoint those looking for a "resort" Winter Park is a favorite among another crowd.  “People come to Winter Park to ski,” said one reader. “There’s very little show going on here.”

Crested Butte:  "An afternoon jump-turning the 'holy extreme terrain, Batman!' on the back side ... reminds you you’re alive. And mortal. But quite blessed."  Writers also note the “small, quaint and unpretentious town” and say the Butte will rub off on you.

Copper Mountain:  Its “excellent trail layout” and “free snowcat in the bowls” were touted, but writers didn't like the “snoozy village.”  “Four back bowls, pristine tree skiing and the free snowcat-served Tucker Mountain will keep experts going for days,” said writers.

Aspen Highlands:  :A skier’s hill, with blood-rushing steeps, yee-haw trees and eye-watering groomers so deliciously pitched, readers wonder why no one’s skiing them."

Snowboarders named Aspen's Snowmass Ski Area tops in a Transworld Snowboarding poll.  Read why snowboarders like Snowmass in this Oct. 11 OutThereColorado post.