Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
As the snow blankets the peaks and valleys, Colorado transforms into a magical winter paradise, offering a unique blend of adventure, tranquility, and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re a snow sports enthusiast or prefer cozying up by the fire with a hot cocoa, Colorado in winter has something for everyone.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 11 must-visit places in Colorado during the winter months. From world-renowned ski resorts to hidden gems tucked away in the mountains, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences.
We have selected these destinations based on their popularity among travel enthusiasts, so you are sure to travel to places that are worth your time.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway to one of the cozy ski chalets, or a solo adventure, these 11 places are sure to make your winter in Colorado extraordinary. Let’s dive into the frosty fun!
Winter destinations in Colorado:
Aspen
If you’re looking for the most magical winter getaway, look no further than the beautiful Aspen. Unlike other ski destinations, Aspen boasts much more than just great powder and sweeping mountain views – it’s a cultural hub that offers activities sure to please even the most discerning traveler.
An iconic activity to try while in town is snowcat skiing – an adventure sport exclusive to Aspen where one can ride up an untouched mountain in a snowcat and then ski back down!
For a less daring option, take some time to soak up art and culture at the Aspen Art Museum which features both indoor and outdoor installations for all ages.
No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, Aspen is sure to make your winter trip worth remembering!
Breckenridge
Breckenridge, nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, is a premier destination for winter enthusiasts. Known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, the town boasts Breckenridge Ski Resort, which spans five peaks and offers a diverse range of trails for all skill levels. With an average snowfall of around 300 inches annually, the conditions are ideal for powder days.
Beyond the slopes, Breckenridge is famous for its vibrant historic district. The town, established during the Gold Rush of the 1800s, has preserved much of its Victorian-era charm. Main Street is lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants, offering a perfect blend of history and modern amenities.
Winter activities in Breckenridge extend beyond skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding through picturesque trails. The town also hosts the International Snow Sculpture Championships in January, where artists from around the world create stunning works of art from snow.
For those seeking relaxation after a day of adventure, Breckenridge offers a variety of après-ski options, from cozy fireside lounges to lively bars. The town’s high-altitude location also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, making it a picturesque winter getaway.
Vail
Vail, Colorado, is a world-renowned winter destination famed for its expansive ski terrain and European-inspired village charm. The Vail Ski Resort is the highlight, featuring over 5,200 acres of skiable area, making it one of the largest ski resorts in the world. Its varied terrain caters to all levels, from beginners to expert skiers, with a mix of groomed runs, challenging back bowls, and gladed areas.
The town of Vail itself is designed to mimic a quaint Alpine village, complete with pedestrian streets lined with upscale shops, gourmet restaurants, and art galleries. This unique atmosphere adds a touch of European elegance to the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Winter in Vail is not just limited to skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can indulge in other activities such as snowmobiling, ice skating, and snowshoeing. The Vail Nordic Center offers extensive trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, providing a quieter way to enjoy the winter landscape.
Cultural experiences also abound in Vail. The town hosts various winter events, including the Vail Film Festival and live music performances.
For relaxation, there are numerous spas and wellness centers, perfect for unwinding after a day in the cold.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs, located in the Yampa Valley of Colorado, is a winter wonderland renowned for its world-class skiing and genuine Western hospitality.
The town is home to the Steamboat Ski Resort, famous for its “Champagne Powder” snow, a term trademarked by the resort to describe the light, dry snow ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The resort offers over 2,965 acres of terrain, catering to all skill levels from beginner to expert.
Apart from skiing and snowboarding, Steamboat Springs is a hub for other winter activities. The area is well-known for its natural hot springs, such as Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs, offering a unique way to relax and rejuvenate after a day in the snow.
For those seeking adventure beyond the slopes, Steamboat provides opportunities for snowmobiling, dog sledding, and horseback riding in the snow. The town also has a rich Olympic heritage, often referred to as “Ski Town, U.S.A.,” due to the high number of Olympians it has produced, adding a unique aspect to its winter sports culture.
The downtown area of Steamboat Springs maintains a charming small-town feel, with local shops, galleries, and restaurants that showcase its Western roots.
The town’s friendly atmosphere and array of winter activities make it a compelling destination for those visiting Colorado in the winter months.
Telluride
Telluride, nestled in a box canyon amidst the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a picturesque and historic mining town that transforms into a ski paradise in winter.
The Telluride Ski Resort is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, exceptional terrain, and lack of crowds, offering a more secluded and intimate skiing experience. The resort spans over 2,000 skiable acres, with trails suitable for all levels, and is particularly noted for its advanced and expert terrain.
Beyond skiing, Telluride is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, offering activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice climbing. The town is also home to a unique feature, the free gondola connecting Telluride with Mountain Village, providing stunning aerial views of the snowy landscape.
Telluride’s charm extends to its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture, housing an array of boutique shops, fine dining restaurants, and cozy cafes. The town’s small size creates a warm, community feel, yet it’s vibrant with cultural offerings, including the Telluride Film Festival and a variety of music and arts events throughout the winter.
Keystone
Keystone, Colorado, is a top-tier winter destination known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse range of activities.
The Keystone Resort is a focal point, offering three distinct mountain peaks with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. It’s particularly famous for its night skiing operations, one of the largest in Colorado, allowing visitors to enjoy the slopes under starry skies.
Apart from skiing and snowboarding, Keystone is home to one of the world’s largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice rinks, providing a unique ice skating experience. The resort also offers snow tubing at Adventure Point, a favorite for families and those seeking a fun, alternative snow activity.
Keystone’s appeal extends beyond outdoor sports. The resort village is bustling with shops, restaurants, and après-ski entertainment. For a unique dining experience, the resort offers a gondola ride to its mountaintop restaurant, providing stunning views and a memorable meal.
The resort is also known for its Kidtopia program. It offers a range of family-oriented activities, from scavenger hunts to fort building, making it an ideal destination for families with children.
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain, located in Summit County, Colorado, is a premier winter sports destination known for its naturally divided terrain, which caters to all skiing and snowboarding skill levels. The mountain features over 2,500 skiable acres with distinct sections for beginners, intermediates, and experts, making it an ideal location for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
One of Copper Mountain’s unique attractions is the Woodward Copper Barn, a 19,400-square-foot indoor training facility for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. It offers trampolines, foam pits, and indoor ramps, providing a safe and fun environment for learning and practicing new tricks.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Copper Mountain offers a variety of other winter activities. The resort has a tubing hill, ice skating rink, and snowshoeing trails. For a unique experience, guests can try the thrilling alpine coaster, which winds through the snowy landscape.
Copper Mountain is also known for its lively village atmosphere. The central village area is a hub for dining, shopping, and après-ski entertainment, with a range of options suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Winter Park
Winter Park, Colorado, stands out as a premier winter destination with its impressive ski terrain and charming mountain town atmosphere. The Winter Park Resort, the area’s main attraction, is renowned for its extensive terrain that caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. With over 3,000 acres of skiable area, it includes the famous Mary Jane Mountain, celebrated for its challenging bumps and tree skiing.
The resort is not just limited to downhill skiing. It also offers other winter activities such as snowshoeing, tubing, and cross-country skiing. The resort’s Snowcat tours provide a unique way to explore the backcountry, offering breathtaking views and untouched snow.
Winter Park’s proximity to Denver, just a 90-minute drive, makes it a convenient choice for both short getaways and longer vacations. Despite its accessibility, the town retains a laid-back, local feel, distinct from some of the more commercialized Colorado ski resorts.
The town of Winter Park and the nearby Fraser Valley also offer a range of après-ski activities, from cozy restaurants and breweries to live music and festivals. The area is known for its friendly community and small-town charm, adding to the appeal of a winter vacation here.
Durango
Durango, located in southwestern Colorado, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural heritage, making it a distinctive winter destination. While it may be more widely recognized for its historic narrow-gauge railroad and Old West charm, Durango also provides a robust winter experience centered around the Purgatory Resort.
Purgatory Resort, just 25 miles north of Durango, is known for its family-friendly ski slopes and affordable skiing experience. The resort boasts a diverse range of terrain, suitable for beginners and seasoned skiers alike, with over 1,600 skiable acres and 105 trails. The area receives an average of 260 inches of snow annually, ensuring good skiing conditions throughout the winter season.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Durango offers various winter activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snowshoeing in the picturesque San Juan Mountains. The historic downtown area, with its Victorian architecture, provides a scenic backdrop for shopping, dining, and exploring local art galleries.
Durango also hosts several winter events and festivals, adding to the town’s vibrant atmosphere. The famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a special winter train ride, the “Cascade Canyon Winter Train,” providing a unique way to experience Colorado’s stunning winter landscapes.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte, often referred to as “The Last Great Colorado Ski Town,” offers a unique and authentic winter experience. This charming town, with its colorful Victorian buildings and friendly community vibe, is overshadowed by the impressive Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Known for its challenging ski terrain, the resort is a haven for advanced and expert skiers, particularly famous for its extreme limits and steep, ungroomed slopes. However, it also provides ample terrain for beginners and intermediates, making it a well-rounded ski destination.
The town of Crested Butte itself is a National Historic District, where visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant local arts scene, enjoy fine dining, and explore unique shops. Despite its small size, the town is known for its lively atmosphere, especially after a day on the slopes.
Winter in Crested Butte isn’t confined to skiing and snowboarding. The area offers other activities such as Nordic skiing, with an extensive trail system, snowshoeing, and fat biking – a popular local pastime.
The town also hosts several winter events and festivals, including the famous Crested Butte Nordic Yurt Dinners, offering a unique dining experience in a cozy backcountry setting.
Leadville
Leadville, Colorado, at an elevation of 10,152 feet, holds the distinction of being the highest incorporated city in the United States. This historic mining town, with its rugged, old-west charm, offers a unique and more laid-back winter experience compared to the state’s bustling resort towns.
In winter, Leadville becomes a hub for snow sports enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by some of Colorado’s most stunning mountain scenery, providing ample opportunities for winter activities such as backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Leadville is also a center for Nordic skiing, with the Mineral Belt Trail providing a scenic 11.6-mile loop around the city, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trail winds through historic mining districts, offering a glimpse into Colorado’s rich mining history.
The town itself, steeped in history, is home to numerous museums and historic sites, including the famous Tabor Opera House.
The downtown area, with its Victorian architecture, is lined with local shops, restaurants, and breweries, reflecting the town’s heritage.
Travel tips and tricks:
- Save big on flights with Skyscanner.com – This incredible tool lets you find the most affordable airfare to your dream destination. You’ll love their “Whole Month” feature, which displays the best prices for the entire month. If you’re flexible with travel dates, this is a game-changer for scoring the cheapest tickets.
- Stay in the heart of the action – I always find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com. Their map view lets me filter hotels by my budget and select ones that are right in the center of it all. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this easy way to book your ideal stay!
- Go beyond the resort – I’m all about making the most of my trips, and GetYourGuide.com has been a lifesaver for booking unforgettable tours and day trips. It’s the most hassle-free way to dive into the local culture and explore the hidden gems in every new place.
- Hit the road with DiscoverCars.com – There’s no better way to explore your destination than by car! Renting a vehicle has never been easier, and with their competitive prices, you’ll have the freedom to create your own adventures.
I highly recommend trying these tools for yourself – not only will you save money, but you’ll also create memories that last a lifetime. Happy travels!