Echo Mountain Deals & Info
Echo Mountain is the closest ski area to Denver. It is located less than 1 hour from downtown and just 20 minutes from the suburb of Evergreen. It is also Denver’s most affordable ski area. It is a small hill with only 600 ft. of elevation, 3 lifts and 13 trails, making it a good place for beginners or Denver locals who are just looking for some quick laps. The ski area offers night skiing Wednesday – Saturday and operates 7 days a week.
Echo Mountain was first opened as the Squaw Pass Ski Area in 1960. Among ownership changes and name changes, it once operated as a terrain park-only ski area. Echo would be shut down, reopened, turned private, and eventually re-opened to the public during its history. Echo Mountain has seen it all, but since 2016 Echo Mountain has been under the same owners.
Echo Mountain Ski Area Highlights
What do you need to know about Echo Mountain? Here is the quick summary.
- Closest ski area to Denver
- Denver's most affordable ski area
- Small and beginner-friendly mountain
- Offers night skiing Wednesday - Saturday
Getting to Echo Mountain
From Denver or the Front Range, take I-70 west towards Evergreen. Then, take Exit 252 – CO-74 towards Evergreen Pkwy South. Take a right onto CO-103 (Squaw Pass Road) and head west towards Mt. Evans for 12 miles. On the right, at the end of the driveway, is a big white and green sign that says, “Echo Mountain.” Head down the drive and stay to the right (lower lot) for skiing and snowboarding, or left (upper lot) for tubing.
Echo Mountain FAQ
Yes, many people have skied for the first time at Echo Mountain. It is a small and mellow hill that is good for beginners.
Echo Mountain’s limited terrain may get boring quickly for some, however, it is a great spot for hardcore skiers living in Denver to get some quick laps or some night skiing after work. Echo Mountain does have some expert terrain as well as a terrain park.
Echo Mountain is extremely small and low-key compared to any of the other resorts close to Denver. That being said, it is way closer to Denver and much more affordable than any other resort.
Tips for Visiting Echo Mountain
There is good tree skiing on the skier’s left near the top. Traverse over in this direction from the top of the hill and you will find some good tree skiing here. This includes a few built-in terrain park features through the woods.
The tubing hill is open at night but may require reservations. Echo Mountain is lit for night skiing and tubing on select nights of the week, but if you want to go tubing, you may need to make reservations.
There is a beginner’s carpet lift near the lodge. Parents can rejoice. Just across from the lodge there is a covered surface lift and beginner’s slope for first timers.