15 Unforgettable Colorado Winter Vacations
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Let’s be honest: winter in the States can change from year to year, but when it comes to Colorado, there’s one thing you can always count on when it comes to winter – snow! And lots of it.
If you’re out searching for the perfect powder to sink your shoes into this snowy season (or next!), Colorado is the perfect winter vacation!
Snow-covered peaks, crisp mountain air, blankets of fresh snow, and glistening snowfall transform Colorado into a winter wonderland. Winter in the mountains is truly magical, and this collection of charming towns outside of the city is perfect for your next Colorado winter vacation!
Pack your coats and snow boots and set out to the stunning state of Colorado for a winter vacation unlike anywhere else in the US! Wander the wilderness this winter on your winter vacation in Colorado!
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Colorado Winter Vacations
Leadville
Located off of the iconic I-70 interstate is the lively town of Leadville, Colorado. Once you exit, the snow-covered pines, snowy mountain peaks, and small mountain town slowly makes its way into the scene.
Leadville easily makes our list of Colorado winter vacations for families. This mountain town is home to Copper Mountain, an easy-going ski resort perfect for pacing the family on your winter ski adventures!
Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and snowboarding are also snowy staples to fill your schedule within Leadville!
The mountains are loaded with snow here during the winter, so be prepared for a snowy adventure!
Breckenridge
Welcome to the winter wonderland of Breck! This charming mountain town truly transforms once the snow begins to fall. Cozy coffee shops, busy boutiques, and frozen lakes line the snow-covered streets of Breckenridge, Colorado!
A Colorado winter vacation in Breckenridge can be family-focused, fun for the non-skiers, or a snowy adventure for the outdoor lovers.
With ski resorts nearby, bundles of trails in the backcountry, and cozy cottages to cuddle in, your dream winter vacation is only a click away!
Be sure to bring the camera; Breckenridge is candidly breathtaking when the clouds break away, and the blankets of snow begin to glisten.
If you want an easy hike here, don’t miss out on the Breckenridge Troll – it’s one of our favorites.
Boulder
Are you busy planning your next Colorado winter vacation? Stop for a moment and consider Boulder. You really don’t have to travel too far into the Rockies to experience the magic of the mountains this winter. Boulder is right in Denver’s backyard!
With a constant mix of sunshine and snow, Boulder is the perfect Colorado winter vacation for visiting, hiking, and exploring the backcountry of Boulder.
On the more snowy days, watching the snowfall from a cozy coffee shop or busy brewery is the perfect way to stay warm.
If skiing is more your style, Eldora Ski Resort sits just outside of Boulder, so make the most of your winter vacation in Colorado by exploring the sights nearby!
Vail
Visiting Vail in the winter is like visiting the set of your favorite Hallmark movie. The snow-covered mountain peaks and valleys of Vail turn this charming mountain village into a winter wonderland, which is perfect for your next Colorado winter vacation!
Vail is home to the top-ranked and most visited ski resort in all of Colorado, so if you’re searching for some spots to shred the snow on your next winter vacation in Colorado, consider Vail.
Enjoy other snowy activities such as snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, and shopping down below in the villages of Vail.
Venture out to Vail this winter and visit this winter wonderland in the heart of winter for a memorable winter vacation in Colorado!
Steamboat Springs
Step into those snow boots, put on that winter coat, and pour yourself a cup of coffee because Steamboat Springs is full of snow you won’t find anywhere else, literally.
In the 1950s, Steamboat Springs Ski Resort trademarked their snow and coined the phrase champagne powder because of its soft, unique snow. Perfect for skiing, this powder averages less water content than any other snow found in Colorado.
After you’ve hit the superior snowy slopes of Steamboat Springs, be sure to soak those sore muscles in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs just minutes outside of town.
For the non-skiers, there are still other ways to enjoy the champagne powder before dipping into the steamy hot springs, just throw on some snowshoes instead!
Try finding the frozen Fish Creek Falls down the quarter-mile snow-packed trail not far from downtown Steamboat Springs!
Aspen
Aspen is located right in the heart of the Rockies, and although it may be slightly tricky to reach when the snow begins to fall, it’s a destination you certainly don’t want to miss. This ambient mountain town is full of activities to keep anyone busy this winter.
The ski season at Snowmass in Aspen is set to open each year around Thanksgiving weekend – it’s tradition! Shred the slopes this season after carving the turkey, and start your own family tradition by adding Aspen to your list of winter vacations in Colorado!
Spice up your winter vacation in Aspen by braving the Arctic air and taking a trip up to the Maroon Bells! This 12-mile round-trip adventure requires snowshoes or a snowmobile to access in the winter, but boy, is it worth it!
Telluride
Take on the mountain town of Telluride this winter for your next Colorado winter vacation. Telluride is a traveler’s dream during the winter months! The bitter cold temperatures are no match to the stunning alpine views of the San Juan Mountains.
On your winter alpine adventure, you’ll find that Telluride is home to another top-rated ski resort with excellent terrain and surprisingly uncrowded slopes.
Fill your schedule with some snowy activities at this ski resort, or opt for an outstanding day on the town in Telluride.
This mountain town is full of tasty treats and winter foods, perfect for your winter vacation in Colorado! There’s nothing better than sitting down to a wonderful, warm meal while watching the snowfall on the winter wonderland streets of Telluride.
Colorado Springs
Cold weather is just better in Colorado. Plain and simple. Isn’t that why you’ve chosen it for your next winter vacation? Colorado Springs is a mountain town filled with history and epic views of Pikes Peak.
Enjoy some frosty fun in Colorado Springs for the perfect Colorado winter vacation for you and your family!
Colorado Springs claims some of the mildest winter weather in the Colorado Rockies, so streams of sunshine might have you thinking more about spring than winter!
Winter in Colorado Springs is really no different than Colorado Springs in the summer, minus the extra layers…
Head out to Seven Falls, take on the slippery stairs of the Manitou incline, or brave the cold in the caves of the mountain park in Manitou!
Grand Junction
You’re gonna need to pack the snow boots and sneakers for this one! If you’re searching for spots to stay out of the snow this year, Grand Junction is a Colorado winter vacation with very few falling snowflakes!
Many of the popular trails here stay busy all year round. Visit the National Monument, take a wintry walk downtown, and enjoy some yummy food in Grand Junction!
After all that sunshine, you can still find some snow with a scenic drive up to the Grand Mesa! The snow catches on this flat-top mountain and piles up at Powderhorn Resort.
Enjoy some backcountry skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling before heading back down to the less snowy spots of Grand Junction!
Winter Park
We’re walking in a winter wonderland here at Winter Park! How much better does it get than visiting Winter Park in Colorado for a whimsical winter vacation? You tell us!
Whether you’re visiting Winter Park for the weekend or a week, this Colorado winter vacation will leave you wishing you didn’t have to leave!
This winter wonderland offers all sorts of wintry sports, snowy stargazing, and some super savings because skiing isn’t just about the terrain! Just be sure to purchase your tickets at least one week in advance for some super savings!
Estes Park
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Estes Park is the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. This adventurer’s dream is filled with wildlife, frozen alpine lakes, and trail after trail of evergreen-lined forests.
Head out early for a stunning view above the timberline of the snowy scene below.
Some of the cutest coffee shops are tucked into the charming town of Estes Park, so be sure to save some time to walk the streets and shop the shops after your day at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Snuggle up after a long day in Estes to a warm, serene fireplace or firepit and enjoy the serenity of the mountains on your Colorado winter vacation!
Ouray
Okay, but what better place is there to go than the little Switzerland of America on your next Colorado winter vacation?! Ouray is a true winter paradise surrounded by the snowy peaks of the San Juan Mountains and the steam of the surrounding hot springs.
This Colorado winter vacation for non-skiers is full of ice parks and beautiful backcountry. Trade the snow for the ice this winter and visit Ouray during their iconic ice festival this winter for all the icy activities in January!
Learn to climb the ice using picks and check out the ice skating rink after you’ve found your way down.
Denver
Denver is the gateway to the Rockies, and in the winter, it’s the gateway to a winter wonderland during your Colorado winter vacation!
Escape the cold by exploring one of the many museums, enjoying the Christkindl Market, skating the ice at Skyline Park, or stopping and seeing a festive show at Ball Arena.
Don’t forget to check out some of the dazzling lights around downtown Denver during your winter stay.
With many mountains only a scenic drive away, Denver is the perfect gathering place for your next Colorado winter vacation!
Crested Butte
Break out the snow boots because we’re settling into the snowiest spot in the state of Colorado! The Crested Butte is buzzing with friendly locals, backcountry trails, and cozy condos for one of the best winter vacations in Colorado.
The Crested Butte Mountain Resort is known for some extreme terrain and expert skiing, so buckle up those skis and go shred some of the back bowls of the Butte!
Save some time to explore Elk Ave during your stay for some small-town shopping and delicious culinary cuisines.
Adventures await at the most authentic alpine mountain town in Colorado!
Cañon City
Climb aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Canon City and watch the winter wonderland pass you by from the cozy comfort of the train window. The train travels twelve miles through the canyon for a full two-hour experience of the Colorado railway.
If trains aren’t your vibe, you can visit the Royal Gorge and Bridge in Canon City on foot, and during the winter when it’s dusted in snow, the gorge is gorge-ous!
Winter temperatures in Canon City are warmer than surrounding mountain towns, which allows many of the mountain activities to be accessible year-round. Join an off-road excursion, visit the canyons, or watch the wild rapids of the river this winter in Canon City!
Final Thoughts: Winter Vacations in Colorado
There’s no stopping in the Rocky Mountains without seeing snow somewhere along the way, but that’s what mountain vacations are for right? If you’re searching for your winter wonderland this winter, these Colorado vacations have you covered!
Pack some layers, enjoy some cocoa, and set out for the snow this winter in Colorado.
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