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These Are the 6 Best Ski Resorts for Mixed Ability Groups

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 5:02 AM ET

One of the best things about skiing is getting to do it with your friends, but sometimes, that means skiing a little below (or above) your skill level. When planning a ski trip with skiers of different abilities, mountain terrain is one of the biggest considerations. While most mountains have some mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain, there are also places that wouldn't be very fun for a beginner skier or a super advanced skier.

Planning a trip to a resort with a wide range of terrain means everyone in the group will have fun. It's also worth considering if a place has fun non-skiing activities or good après options that everyone will enjoy. While no mountain is perfect for every skier, here are some pretty great options for skiers of all abilities. These resorts generally have a solid mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain, as well as good après options and fun things to do off the slopes.

1. Copper Mountain, CO

While Copper Mountain's terrain leans a little more towards the intermediate and advanced side of the spectrum, the mountain's layout is still super beginner friendly. The resort's terrain gets progressively more difficult as you move from east to west. Groups with mixed abilities will find plenty to ski between Copper's fun, rolling groomers and steep, bowl terrain.

2. Sun Valley, ID

Sun Valley is one of the oldest and most well-loved ski resorts in America. Spanning between Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain, Sun Valley has a wide range of terrain. Dollar Mountain is mellow, whereas Bald Mountain is a bit more advanced. Both have plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain for those a bit newer to skiing. Advanced skiers will enjoy steeper, alpine terrain off the top of Bald Mountain, as well as a smattering of black diamond runs across the resort.

Sun Valley also has hot springs and some amazing dining options in Ketchum. Even if you're not all skiing the same terrain, everyone in your group is sure to eat well in Sun Valley.

3. Vail, CO

Vail is conveniently located just a couple hours from Denver, or a quick 40 minutes from the Eagle County airport. One of Colorado's most loved resorts, Vail has plenty of terrain variety for everyone to enjoy. Most of the front side of the mountain is made of groomed terrain with a smattering of steeper runs. Vail's Back Bowls are a playground for more advanced skiers and add tons of terrain options.

4. Aspen Snowmass, CO

With four different ski resorts all in the same town, Aspen truly has no shortage of options for differing skier abilities. Buttermilk and Snowmass have more beginner terrain to work with, and Buttermilk is a bit smaller and can be easier to navigate. More seasoned skiers will love Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands. Both mountains have lots of intermediate terrain as well as advanced and hike-to skiing.

Aspen also has great live music at places like the Belly Up, lots of cool events like the X Games, and great dining. Even if your group is dividing and conquering the four mountains, everyone can enjoy some kind of après together.

5. Steamboat, CO

Steamboat isn't necessarily known for having super steep or difficult terrain, but with some of the lightest and best snow in the state, skiers of all abilities will find something to love there. Wide open runs, beginner lifts, and lots of groomers make Steamboat an amazing place for those just learning or intermediate skiers. More advanced skiers will love Steamboat's tree skiing and famous aspen glades, as well as some long, off-camber mogul runs. Most lifts have access to all types of terrain, too, so groups will have an easier time staying somewhat together.

Steamboat has tons to do off the mountain like enjoying a soak at one of the hot springs in the area or live music at Schmiggity's or Old Town Pub. It's also a bit further from Denver, so it can be more off the beaten path than other Summit County resorts.

6. Winter Park, CO

Located up Highway 40, about an hour and a half from Denver, Winter Park Resort is one of the most versatile mountains in Colorado. The resort spans two areas, Winter Park and Mary Jane. Winter Park is home to more beginner and intermediate terrain with tons of gentle greens and fun blues, but still has lots of advanced skiing in the steep, moguled terrain Winter Park is known for.

The Mary Jane side is a bit more advanced, but it still has some very fun intermediate terrain even off its summit, as well as some of the most fun fall line moguls in the state. The resort's wide variety of terrain makes it a great option for groups with different skill levels. There's truly something for every type of skier at Winter Park.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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