Winter is an exciting time in Colorado. Most snow sports are available across the Rockies and in many mountain towns. The destinations below feature nearby towns, skiing, hot springs, tubing and ice skating.
Winter Vacation Ideas in Colorado
Colorado is a winter paradise. It’s a world class destination for things do in involving snow. From skiing and snowboarding, to ice skating and hot springs, you’ll have an unforgettable vacation in the Rocky Mountains.
10 Winter Destinations:
- Summit County
- Vail Valley
- Aspen
- Steamboat Springs
- Winter Park
- Front Range
- Southwest Colorado
- Central Colorado
- Crested Butte
- Western Slope
11 Snowy Activities:
- Ski or Snowboard
- Ice Skate
- Ice Fish
- Ice Climb
- Snowshoe
- Snowmobile
- Cross Country Ski
- Snow Tube
- Dog Sled
- Sleigh Ride
- Hot Springs
Summit County
Ten Mile Station at Breckenridge Resort.
One of the quickest and most popular destinations from Denver, Summit County is full of things to do. It’s fairly compact, in terms of the towns being close together, so it’s easy to get around. A free shuttle connects the towns.
The area is surrounded by big mountains, endless recreation and a range of commercial businesses. You can go ice fishing on Lake Dillon or dog sledding in Breckenridge. Take a day off from the slopes and go shopping at the Outlets at Silverthorne.
“Main Street of the Rockies” is Frisco.
Nearby Attractions:
- Towns: Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Dillon, Frisco, Keystone, Silverthorne
- Ski Areas: A Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone
- Snow Tubing: Copper Tubing, Frisco Adv Park, Keystone Tubing
- Ice Skating: Copper West Lake, Keystone Dercum Sq, Keystone Lake
Vail Valley
Splendid views at Vail Ski Resort.
The Vail Valley, situated just west of Summit in Eagle County, is home to two epic ski resorts: Vail and Beaver Creek. Both offer first class skiing and amenities, and are only ten miles apart. The Vail Pass is popular for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
What Vail and Beaver Creek lack in historic downtowns, they make up for with two of the best ski villages in the state. They’re both ritzy and full of tourist centric shops and activities. The restaurants are outstanding and lodging can be found throughout the towns of Vail and Avon, where Beaver Creek is.
Vail’s Lionhead Village.
Nearby Attractions:
- Towns: Avon, Eagle, Edwards, Vail
- Ski Areas: Beaver Creek, Vail
- Snow Tubing: Beaver Creek Haymaker Hill, Vail Adv Ridge
- Ice Skating: Beaver Creek Ice Rink, Vail Sq Ice Rink
Aspen & Glenwood Springs
Downtown Aspen from Aspen Mountain
If you’re heading to the ski mecca Aspen, chances are you’ll exit I-70 at Glenwood Springs. It’s home to the largest outdoor hot springs pool on the planet and Sunlight Mountain Resort. Aspen is 45 minutes away and has four ski areas within minutes of each other, all valid on the same lift ticket.
You can ski Aspen Mountain directly into downtown Aspen, which is one of Colorado’s most beautiful mountain towns. Aspen is absolutely loaded with shopping of every sort. Lodging for all tastes can be found, with the cheaper deals the further you get from town. Try Carbondale for a solid night sleep at an affordable rate.
Glenwood Hot Springs.
Nearby Attractions:
- Towns: Aspen, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs
- Ski Areas: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Sunlight, Snowmass
- Hot Springs: Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Penny Hot Springs, Yampah Vapor Caves
Steamboat Springs
Howelsen Hill’s steep face.
There’s not much quite like the Yampa Valley in winter, home to Steamboat Springs and Colorado’s best tree skiing. There are a few small gems outside of Steamboat, but there’s really no reason to leave this snowy paradise. Everything you need is all close by!
Steamboat’s western downtown features more than enough restaurants, bars and shopping for the average visitor. There’s a mountain village as well, with more options for sleeping, eating and playing. If you fly into Steamboat, you’ll land in Hayden, but chances are you’ll never reach its tiny downtown, a few miles in the wrong direction.
Steamboat Ski Resort and the Yampa Valley.
Nearby Attractions:
- Towns: Clark, Hayden, Oak Creek, Steamboat Springs
- Ski Areas: Howelsen Hill, Steamboat
- Hot Springs: Old Town, Strawberry Park
- Snow Tubing: Howelsen Tubing Hill, Saddleback Ranch Yee Haw Hill
- Ice Skating: Howelsen Ice Arena
Winter Park, Fraser & Granby
Jumps at Winter Park.
Grand County is home to expansive views, rugged peaks and open countryside. Its premier resort, Winter Park, attracts travelers from all over for it’s world class ski slopes. Mary Jane, Winter Park’s other half, has premier bumps, tree skiing and a bowl. Situated north on Highway 40, Granby Ranch is geared for family fun, with easy learning trails, as well as night skiing on Friday and Saturday.
Winter Park is the county’s largest town, complete with a beautiful mountain village and a separate downtown. You’ll find everything you need in terms of shopping, dining, and affordable lodging. Fraser lies a really close drive to the north.
Quiet Grand Lake in the winter.
Nearby Attractions:
- Towns: Fraser, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Winter Park
- Ski Areas: Ski Granby Ranch, Winter Park
- Hot Springs: Hot Sulphur Springs
- Snow Tubing: Colorado Adventure Park, Fraser Tubing Hill
- Ice Skating: Winter Park Ice Rink
Front Range
Loveland’s Ridge.
There are several Front Range towns that have fun winter attractions that are worth experiencing. Next time you’re passing through Idaho Springs, relax at Indian Hot Springs or go snowshoeing in the Arapaho National Forest. Georgetown hosts ice races on its frozen lake. While in Evergreen, make use of the giant frozen lake by ice skating or fishing.
Great skiing can be found at a good price at both Loveland and Eldora. Loveland Ski Area has nearly 1600 acres of varied terrain and free snowcat skiing. Eldora, while only having 600 acres, makes the most of it with expert steeps and tree skiing. Its closest town, Nederland, exudes a funky vibe that’s always worth a visit.
Ice skating on Evergreen Lake.
Nearby Attractions:
- Towns: Black Hawk, Central City, Evergreen, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Nederland
- Ski Areas: Eldora, Loveland
- Hot Springs: Indian
- Ice Skating: Evergreen Lake
Southwest Colorado
Rolling runs and alpine scenery at Purgatory.
A unique region in Colorado, the southwest encompasses rich history and colorful scenery around every San Juan mountain pass. The landscape is dotted with ancient Anasazi dwellings, remote mining towns, natural hot springs and premier ski areas. The towns are spread out by up to an hour sometimes, but the drives are always worth it.
You can go skiing and then to a hot springs one day, and visit a cliff dwelling the next. Each town offers a unique experience and rugged recreation. Drive the San Juan Scenic Byway and tour them all.
Historic Durango.
Nearby Attractions:
- Towns: Cortez, Durango, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Silverton, Telluride
- Ski Areas: Durango, Ski Hesperus, Ski Kendall, Silverton, Telluride, Wolf Creek
- Hot Springs: Orvis, Ouray, Overlook, The Springs Resort, Trimble
- Snow Tubing: Durango Snow Coaster Hill, Hesperus
Central Colorado
Snow dragon at Ski Cooper.
Central Colorado offers an escape from the big resort crowds but at a reasonable distance to Denver. If you’re coming from the Front Range, you’ll pass either Leadville, Buena Vista or Salida first. They’re all connected via Highway 24 and feature plenty of amenities without the hustle you’d see in busier ski towns.
Ski Cooper is ten miles from downtown Leadville and offers a fun mix of terrain and impressive views of Mt Massive and Elbert. Buena Vista is 34 miles south of Leadville and has two hot springs resorts: Cottonwood and Mt Princeton. Just south of that is Salida and Monarch Mountain, which has 1600 skiable acres and a snow cat tour.
Downtown Leadville is a National Historic District.
Nearby Attractions:
- Towns: Buena Vista, Leadville, Salida
- Ski Areas: Monarch, Ski Cooper
- Hot Springs: Cottonwood, Mt Princeton, Salida, Valley View
Crested Butte & Gunnison
Slopes of Crested Butte Mountain.
Crested Butte is a true gem hidden away in the Rocky Mountains. It’s a five hour drive from Denver and every bit worth it to escape the crowds. The resort features some of most rugged, expert terrain in the state, and everything in between.
There’s both a mountain village and historic downtown in Crested Butte. Gunnison lies thirty minutes south of CB and offers additional shopping and recreation.
Old town Crested Butte.
Nearby Attractions:
- Towns: Crested Butte, Gunnison
- Ski Areas: Crested Butte, Monarch
- Hot Springs: Waunita
- Snow Tubing: CB Adventure Park
- Ice Skating: CB Nordic Center
Western Slope
Powderhorn Resort.
Known for its lush vineyards and farmland, Colorado’s Western Slope is often overlooked during the winter. Grand Junction makes a great home base for exploring the area. You can see Colorado National Monument and explore the largest flat topped mountain in the world.
Powderhorn is a fun all around mountain, with light dry snow and exceptional tree skiing. It’s situated on the northern side of Grand Mesa, which is loaded with cross country ski, snowshoe and snowmobile trails.
Downtown Cedaredge.
Nearby Attractions:
- Towns: Cedaredge, Delta, Fruita, Grand Junction, Mesa, Montrose, Palisade
- Ski Areas: Powderhorn
Please share some of your favorite winter destinations or ideas in Colorado.
If you are traveling to the Summit County area, here is a great website to find discounted lift tickets: http://www.summitcove.com/discounts/discount-colorado-ski-pass/