The Scene
Although it is officially frowned upon, the last day of the year finds some skiers letting it all hang out--literally. As for the rest of the season, the four-hour drive from Denver means the lifts are rarely crowded with big-city masses.
The Slopes
CB is home to some of the most difficult terrain in North America (they also used to host the annual Winter X Games). Challenge the notorious North Face, 550 acres of the steepest lift-accessed terrain on the continent. The experts-only Poma chair is packed with locals on any powder day. The longer trails are split-groomed--smooth on one side, bumps on the other--to allow groups of varying ability to ski together.
Vital Stats
Vertical Drop: 2,775 feet
Base Elevation: 9,375 feet
Top Elevation: 12,162 feet
Lifts: 14
Skiable Acres: 1,058
Beginner Terrain: 145 acres
Intermediate Terrain: 340 acres
Advanced Terrain: 125 acres
Extreme Terrain: 448 acres