There are nine Gems that add to the sparkle of Colorado’s crowning resorts, and in many ways, outshine their bejeweled neighbors. These Gems epitomize Colorado’s ski culture with their western authenticity, endearing charm, and seemingly unending depths of snow. Like diamonds in the rough, these resorts are strikingly beautiful, individually unique, and not to be overlooked.

The nine resorts affectionately referred to as the Gems are Arapahoe Basin, Echo Mountain, Eldora Mountain Resort, Loveland Ski Area, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn Resort, Ski Cooper, SolVista Basin, and Sunlight Mountain Resort. This winter, head out on a treasure hunt to discover the Colorado Gems. Take the road less traveled to the mountains less explored and experience some of Colorado’s most treasured ski areas.

Experience the Difference: ATMOSPHERE

Gems resorts help guests remember what skiing and the mountains are really about. Independently owned, a day of skiing and riding at a Gems resort is not about style and panache. Rather, the culture of a Gem is akin to slipping back into childhood, to a period where the thrill of each day on snow is founded on savoring life and marveling at the majesty of the mountains.

The Gems have soul, just like the Coloradans that choose to ski them. Sharing lifts with mostly Colorado locals, visitors will find that folks are laid-back and friendly and the only hype is about the snow and skiing. Standing atop Monarch, Loveland or A-Basin, it’s impossible to underestimate the power and beauty of the mountains as you’re high on the Continental Divide with 360 views of the spectacular Colorado Mountains.

Experience the Difference: CONVENIENCE

Frustration and impatience simply don’t exist at Gems resorts. Besides being some of the most accessible resorts in Colorado, Gems typically offer free close-in parking at the base of the mountain, which means a short and easy trek to the slopes.

The only long lines to be found at Gems resorts tend to be the long powder tracks carved by skiers and riders. With acres of outstanding terrain covering thousands of feet of vertical rise, the Gems ski big, guests spread out, and lift lines are short.

They say location is everything, and with nine Gems resorts throughout the state, it’s nearly impossible not to come across one. A gem of a time can be had from just about anywhere in Colorado; Echo Mountain is the closest resort to Denver, Eldora Mountain Resort is less than 30 minutes from Boulder, and Powderhorn is less than an hour from Grand Junction.

Experience the Difference: VALUE

Each season, Gems resorts have a knack for raising the bar while still keeping skiing within reach. With a mantra centered on top notch guest service and family friendliness, Gems resorts are proud to offer a wealth of benefits such as free parking, affordable lift ticket and lodging options, simple dining and down home family fun.

One of the keys to unlocking the treasure trove of Gems is the Colorado Ski Country USA Gems Card. Available for a small price each season, the Colorado Gems Card offers a menu of unique specials, discounts, and promotions available at Gems resorts.

The Gems Card is now presented by the official ski partner of Colorado Ski Country USA, Icelantic Boards. Icelantic is a Colorado company, offering handcrafted skis that are known for blending captivating topside artwork with a high-quality ski, perfect for the diverse powder terrain at Colorado’s Gem resorts.

Examples of Gems Cards deals include buy one lift ticket and get one free, $10 off of lift ticket pricing, and even a free ski day. Visit www.ColoradoGems.com to sign-up for a Gems card and head to any of Colorado’s nine Gems resorts this winter to take advantage of the same great snow that falls throughout the rest of the state.