Summit County, Colorado

Looking for the best skiing in Summit County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Summit County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Skiing Spots in and near Summit County

  • Leadville, Colorado

    Ski Hut-to-Hut from Uncle Bud's to Skinner Hut

    5.0
    24.5 mi / 4700 ft gain
    The trek starts just outside of Leadville near Turquoise Lake at 9800 ft. The first day you'll travel 6.5 miles and gain 1700 ft. to Uncle Bud's Hut, which sits around 11,400 ft. The second day you'll ski 7.1 miles to Skinner Hut and gain 2100 ft, mostly in the last 3 miles after having dropped...
    Read more
  • Fairplay, Colorado

    Climb Horseshoe Mountain via Boudoir Couloir

    7 mi / 2500 ft gain
    Horseshoe Mountain is a peak that is ranked in the top 100 tallest peaks in Colorado at 13,898 feet, and it can be done in the summer but is arguably more fun in the spring as a snow climb. Avalanche safety, snow climbing, and snow safety experience is necessary. To get to the trailhead, follo...
    Read more
  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Hiking James Peak (13,294')

    8.3 mi / 3000 ft gain
    James Peak is one of 76 13,000'+ peaks in Colorado's front range. On your way up to the peak you will pass St. Mary's Glacier. It is not an actual glacier yet a permeant snow field that is popular among skiers and snowboarders year round. St. Mary's Glaicer is a very popular destination (though m...
    Read more
  • Leadville, Colorado

    Ski or Snowshoe to the Weston Pass Hut

    5.0
    13.4 mi / 2400 ft gain
    Your trip starts at the winter trailhead for Weston Pass, approximately 6.7 miles from the hut. Depending on road conditions, you may be able to cut off a few miles by driving further up the road.In the summer, you can drive all the way to the hut, and enjoy a great basecamp for hiking and trail ...
    Read more
  • Basalt, Colorado

    Peter Estin Hut

    5.0
    8.02 mi / 2238 ft gain
    If you have stayed in other 10th Mountain Division Huts, Peter Estin is a quite similar and definitely one of my favorites. I made the trip in the winter because of the awesome skiing/snowboarding just right out side the front door. The trailhead begins at Yeoman Park and there are two routes th...
    Read more
  • Meredith, Colorado

    Ski Betty Bear to Skinner Hut

    20.2 mi / 3650 ft gain
    Betty Bear and Skinner Huts reside deep in the Colorado backcountry surrounded by thick forests and snowy peaks. Both of these huts offer an opportunity for off-grid leisure and crowd-free skiing. The huts come stocked with padded mattresses, wood stoves & fuel, propane burners, all cookware ...
    Read more
  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Hike to the Historical Interlaken Resort

    5.0
    6 mi / 500 ft gain
    Follow Colorado Highway 24 South from Leadville for 14 miles, then turn right onto Colorado 82 towards Aspen. Turn left onto County Road 25, then follow the road for 1 mile to a small parking area for the Colorado Trail. You have arrived!This trail starts near 9,200 feet of elevation and while yo...
    Read more
  • Nederland, Colorado

    Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski at Caribou Ranch

    4.5
    4.2 mi / 750 ft gain
    The Caribou Ranch Open Space is about two miles north of the town of Nederland. From Nederland, at the town’s roundabout, head west on CO 72 for about two miles. Turn left onto CO 126 at the sign for Caribou Ranch Open Space. Follow the dirt road for about .8 miles until you see the large parking...
    Read more
  • Champion Mill, Colorado

    Mountain Boy Ridge via Independence Pass

    5.0
    4.76 mi / 1051.62 ft gain
    The trailhead is to the Independence Pass viewing deck is located at the Summit parking area, which is about 20 miles from Aspen and 24 miles west of Highway 24 on the Leadville side. At the parking area you will notice a paved walkway that takes you to the viewdeck, which is a easy five minute w...
    Read more
  • Ward, Colorado

    Winter Camp at Lefthand Reservoir

    3 mi / 250 ft gain
    The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a winter adventurers playground with numerous snowshoe and cross country ski options to be explored. This area is popular as it offers dramatic mountain peaks, a trail for everyone (no motorized vehicles off of pavement), and close proximity to the Denver and ...
    Read more
  • Aspen, Colorado

    McNamara Hut

    5.0
    12.46 mi / 2631 ft gain
    McNamara Hut sits in the national forest on the slope of Bald Knob, with easy access to intermediate backcountry skiing and more challenging terrain further away. Built in 1982, it's one of the original huts in the 10th Mountain Division system along with Margy's Hut. The hut comes stocked with...
    Read more