Never been to Colorado. Going for 4 nights in February and plan to ski as a gift to my boyfriend (28 yrs). Very confused as to which ski resort is best for slopes as well as night life. The problem is that we can ski for ONLY one day and one night, Saturday. Should I plan Vail, Breckenridge, or Winter Park? Also would appreciate a recommendation of a nice hotel at one of these resorts that would be near nightlife and offer relaxing luxuries like hot tubs. The other 3 days we will be in Denver and Boulder where we already have hotels planned.

Since no one else has answered your question I will take a stab at it.

Of the areas you mentioned, Winter Park is the ski area closest to Denver at 90 miles. Next is Breckenridge at 104 miles. Finally, Vail at 110 miles.

You can fly from Denver to airports close to either Vail or Breckenridge.

It has been many years since I have been to Winter Park so I can't really comment on the night life. Breckenridge & Vail have quite extensive Villages that have many hotels, restaurants & lounges/bars etc.

Winter Park has 3,060 total skiable acreage, includes 143 designated trails and 1,212 acres of off-piste terrain, including Vasquez Cirque and glade skiing.

Breckenridge has 2358 acres, includes 155 trails.

Vail claims to be the largest ski area in the US. The only stats I could find were "l5,289 acres of freeride terrain" and "on an average day, there are only two skiers per acre, and on a busy day, only four!"

I hope this was somewhat helpful.

Since you are only in CO for 4 nights I would try to keep traveling to a minimum.

I can't tell by your post--wondering if you have you skiied before? Bear in mind that the Colorado Rockies are larger in scope than mountains in the east and can take some acclimating; ski lessons are a good idea if you're a novice.

Personally, of the three, I like Breckenridge the best, just because it's a 'real' town. Vail is fun, too, and I'd suggest staying in the Village. Of the three, Winter Park is closest to Denver, plus has the added advantage of the ski train that runs from downtown Denver to Winter Park. Very handy if you don't want to drive on winter roads.

I can't really give you specific hotel recs--we usually stay in condos when skiing. Have a great trip--sounds like fun!

As a Colorado resident for more than 30 years I can help with the skiing part of your question but not the night life. Winter Park is great if you are a novice skier since about half of the huge mountain is beginner - intermediate terrain. The town is quieter than Vail or Breck since many skiers head back to Denver. I agree with Tess that Breckenridge feels like a real town. It would be my favorite if I could afford to live there. The skiing is excellent for all skill levels but especially for intermediate to advance. Vail, a man made village, feels the most fake. Ski tickets are very pricey. The mountain is so huge that it takes valuable time to learn it and get around. I advise against Vail for a one day trip.

Since we use condos whenever possible I cannot comment on the hotels. Go on a weekday. Avoid skiing on the weekend since you will be sharing the mountain and, more signficantly, the interstate with all of Denver.

Have a great time in my state!

annewest, Dyann mentioned skiing at night--do you know if Keystone is the only resort to offer night skiing? We usually go to Breck, haven't skiied or stayed at Keystone--just wondering what your thoughts are.

Keystone is the only resort that has night skiing.

Thank you, fmpden!

I agree with other posters, I think that Breckenridge suits your needs the best. Another option would be to take the ski-train from downtown Denver to Winter Park, but it only does one round trip per day.

http://www.familyskiresorts.net

If they can only ski one day and one night, then it seems Keystone is it--and it is certainly a nice enough place. They can stay in Dillon or Keystone. And if it is President's Day, it is going to be crowded.
Since she mentions night skiing I would guess they have some expertise.

Thank you all for the advise! In answer to your questions, I am actually a beginner to intermediate skier and my boyfriend is an expert skier. I hear that it is very cold there now so we probably won't do any night skiing. The "ski train" that was mentioned sounds really nice. Might consider it. Still deciding on everything. Forgot to post this question under "Colorado", so posted it again, but under the heading "Best Colorado ski resort for one day" and got lots more replies!