Stetsons & Ski Boots: Colorado’s Wild West Winter Heads Into Spring

With Colorado seeing up to 90cm of fresh snowfall and the annual Leadville Skijoring competition taking place this weekend, Visitors might be interested in a roundup of the best resorts for a Wild West–inspired ski holiday in Colorado.

Skiing in America feels wonderfully different from Europe, and nowhere captures that contrast quite like Colorado, where Wild West spirit meets high-altitude Alpine terrain. This is especially true in Leadville, which will host its 78th annual Skijoring event in March. Equal parts rodeo and ski race, it’s the perfect inspiration for a Colorado winter escape. Check out these five resorts where you can hit the slopes, stetson hat optional.

A Rocky Mountain Rodeo in Leadville

Set high in the Rockies at 10,152 feet, Leadville is no ordinary ski town. Once a booming silver-mining hub, its wide Victorian main street now transforms each March into the stage for one of Colorado’s most exhilarating winter traditions. The annual Leadville Skijoring competition (7–8 March 2026) sees horses thunder down Harrison Avenue, towing skiers over jumps and ring grabs in a spectacle that feels more frontier festival than ski race. Free to attend and fiercely authentic, it’s a chance to experience Colorado’s Wild West heritage at full gallop.

Live out your Cowboy Fantasy in Steamboat

Originally a ranching town, Steamboat Ski Resort officially opened as Storm Mountain ski area in the early 1960s. The resort’s ski culture, however, traces back to Norwegian immigrant Carl Howelsen, who in the 1910s introduced ski jumping and winter recreation to the local cowboys, earning Steamboat its nickname “Ski Town USA”. Today, it is one of Colorado’s largest resorts with over 3,700 acres of skiable terrain. It continues to celebrate its Western heritage with the legendary annual “Cowboy Downhill” event, where over 100 professional cowboys and cowgirls trade their boots for skis in a wild, one-of-a-kind race every January.

Old West Elegance in Telluride

Telluride offers a refined take on Colorado’s Wild West spirit, blending world-class skiing with the charm of a beautifully preserved former mining town. Tucked into a dramatic box canyon, its Victorian architecture, boutique-lined streets and standout restaurants give it a character all its own. A free scenic gondola links historic Telluride with Mountain Village, providing breathtaking views and car-free access to the slopes. With wide-open intermediate runs, challenging expert terrain and an atmosphere that’s equal parts rugged and sophisticated, Telluride is perfect for skiers who want charm both on and off the mountain.

Western Luxury in Aspen

For skiers who like their Wild West adventure served with a touch of luxury, Aspen is Colorado’s most iconic destination. A former silver mining town turned global ski legend, it blends frontier heritage with Michelin-starred dining and iconic stays such as the Little Nell. Beyond the glamour, Aspen Snowmass spans over 5,500 acres across four mountains, with around 65% of terrain rated advanced or expert. From the steep glades and mogul fields of Aspen Mountain to the hike-to thrills of Highland Bowl, it’s a high-altitude playground for confident skiers – where cowboy history meets world-class adrenaline.

Old School Skiing in Silverton

Skiers tired of soulless, cookie-cutter resorts should head to Silverton for a true old-school experience. The rugged terrain and untamed surroundings reflect the area’s Wild West heritage, and with scenes from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid filmed nearby, the setting delivers a fittingly rough-and-ready frontier spirit. Silverton’s lift system is minimal – just a single, vintage double chair – yet it provides access to some of the highest and steepest lift-served terrain in North America, topping out at a breathtaking 4,111 metres. As the resort proudly notes, there’s “no easy way down,” but at the bottom, an old-fashioned bus whisks skiers back to the base, ready to tackle another run.

Ski Pass Fact Box

Aspen Snowmass and Steamboat are included on the Ikon Pass (access varies by pass tier). While Silverton Mountain, Ski Cooper and Telluride sell independent lift passes. Ikon Pass now offers up to 77 days total lift access across 72 global destinations worldwide.

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine and 28 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, 26 scenic and historic byways and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800 COLORADO. Follow Colorado on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.