Best Colorado Spring Break Destinations

Spring break in Colorado can look a little different than it does in other parts of the country. While lower elevations may start to hint at spring, Colorado’s high elevation mountains are still firmly in winter mode, with deep snowpack and prime ski conditions well into March.

That actually makes Colorado a great place for a spring break trip, especially if you enjoy winter activities, cozy mountain towns, and beautiful snowy landscapes.

I’ve lived in Colorado most of my life and have visited almost all of these destinations in spring, it’s a really underrated time to explore the state.

From major ski destinations to laid-back hot spring towns and city escapes, there are quite a few places around the state that make great spring break destinations.

Below are some of the top spring break destinations in Colorado, including what to expect during your visit.

Best Colorado Spring Break Destinations

Aspen

Aspen is one of the best spring break picks if you want a classic Colorado ski town experience with a little extra polish. March is still prime ski season here, with reliable snowpack and plenty of sunny bluebird days mixed in.

Even if you’re not skiing every day, Aspen is easy to enjoy because there’s genuinely a lot to do around town. The downtown area is charming and very walkable, with excellent restaurants, shopping, and great après spots. There are also plenty of fun winter activities nearby, like snowmobiling to the Maroon Bells, tubing in Snowmass, or snowshoeing to a long lunch at Pine Creek Cookhouse.

Just know this isn’t a budget destination — in fact, it’s one of the most expensive ski towns in Colorado. You’re paying for the scenery, the ski terrain, and Aspen’s famous name.

For more ideas on what to do, start with my Aspen Winter Weekend Guide — “spring” here is still very much winter, so the guide is perfect for March visits. And if you’re deciding where to stay, my Aspen Hotel Guide breaks down the best areas and hotels. Be sure to book well in advance.

Getting here: You can fly directly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, or drive about 4 hours from Denver.

Buena Vista

Buena Vista is a great spring break option if you want a relaxed Colorado mountain town without the price tag of the big ski destinations. Sitting in the Arkansas River Valley with the Collegiate Peaks rising dramatically behind town, the scenery here is incredible and the overall vibe is much more laid-back than the resort towns.

March is a bit of a transitional time in this part of Colorado. The surrounding mountains are still firmly in winter, so snowshoeing and scenic drives are possible, but town itself can start to see some milder days and less snow. Buena Vista is especially known for its hot springs, which are perfect this time of year — soaking in a warm pool with snowy peaks all around is about as classic Colorado as it gets.

This is an easy place to slow down for a few days. Spend some time walking along the Arkansas River, relaxing at the hot springs, or exploring the small but charming downtown area.

Buena Vista is also more budget-friendly than most Colorado mountain destinations, with hotels and rentals that tend to be much more affordable than the larger ski towns.

Getting here: Buena Vista is about 2.5 hours from Denver, and the drive is scenic but straightforward.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is one of the most popular spring break destinations in Colorado. The town combines a major ski resort with one of the most charming historic downtowns in the state, which makes it easy to spend several days here.

Breckenridge is right in the middle of prime ski season this time of year. Snow conditions are often excellent, and the longer days mean plenty of sunshine on the slopes.

Off the mountain, Breckenridge’s historic Main Street is a destination in itself. The old mining-era buildings are filled with restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops, and it’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering around after a ski day. Visitors often mix time on the mountain with snowshoeing, sledding, or simply enjoying the town’s lively après scene.

While not as expensive as the state’s luxury ski towns, Breckenridge can still be pricey during spring break and the best places tend to book up early.

For more ideas on what to do, check out my Breckenridge Weekend Itinerary. And my Breckenridge Hotel Guide breaks down the best areas around town.

Getting here: Breckenridge is about 1.5 – 2 hours from Denver, depending on weather and traffic on I-70.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte is a favorite among Colorado locals but still feels under the radar compared to other ski towns. Surrounded by dramatic peaks in the Gunnison Valley, the setting is beautiful, and the town itself has a ton of personality. Historic buildings painted in bright colors line the streets, giving downtown a distinctly old-school mountain town feel.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort usually has solid snow well into spring, so expect great conditions in March. The mountain is known for its steeper terrain, though there’s plenty for intermediate skiers as well. Snowshoeing, winter hiking, and fat biking are also popular around the valley.

Crested Butte is more remote than many Colorado mountain destinations, and that distance helps it maintain a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. The town feels authentic and outdoorsy rather than flashy, which is a big part of its appeal.

Prices do climb during peak spring break weeks, but overall Crested Butte is often more approachable than many of Colorado’s larger resort towns, especially if you plan ahead.

Getting here: Crested Butte is about 5 hours from Denver by car, or you can fly into Gunnison–Crested Butte Regional Airport, about 40 minutes away.

Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is another great spring break option if you’re looking for a quieter Colorado mountain town and don’t mind traveling a little farther to get there. Tucked into the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, the setting is beautiful and a slower pace this time of year.

The town is best known for its natural hot springs and is famous for having the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring aquifer. That aquifer feeds the mineral pools that sit right along the San Juan River, and soaking here with snowy mountains around you is easily the highlight of a visit.

Pagosa is also just 30 minutes from Wolf Creek Ski Area, which is known for getting some of the most snowfall in Colorado. The mountain has a laid-back, old-school ski vibe, and many visitors split their time between skiing during the day and relaxing in the hot springs afterward. In between, Pagosa’s small but charming downtown offers a handful of shops and restaurants to explore.

Getting here: Pagosa Springs is about 5.5 – 6 hours from Denver by car. If you want to fly, the closest regional airport is usually Durango–La Plata County Airport, followed by about a 1 – 1.5 hour drive.

Denver

If you want a spring break destination that mixes city life with easy access to the mountains, Denver is a great base. While the high mountains are still firmly in winter this time of year, Denver which sits at a much lower elevation, often feels very different.

Spring weather here is famously unpredictable. March brings plenty of warm, sunny days when you’ll find locals out running in the park or sitting on rooftop patios — but it’s also historically the snowiest month of the year. The city’s biggest snowstorms often arrive in March, usually in just a few heavy storms though, and the snow melts just as quickly as the storm snuck in.

Because of that, it’s best to come with a flexible itinerary. One day might feel like early summer, and the next could look like winter again, but the city has plenty to do regardless of the weather.

Visitors can explore neighborhoods like RiNo and LoDo, visit museums, or check out Denver’s excellent breweries and restaurants. Short day trips into the foothills are also easy, and if you’re hoping to enjoy winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or tubing, the mountains are still very much in season. Just keep in mind that winter driving conditions are likely in the mountains even if Denver itself is enjoying a warm, sunny day.

For seasonal ideas, start with Denver Things To Do In Spring, which breaks down what’s worth prioritizing this time of year. I also have many more articles in my Denver Guides section.

Getting here: Denver is home to Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the easiest major airports in the country to fly into. From there you can take the A-Line train directly into downtown, or drive about 30 – 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Vail

Vail is one of Colorado’s most iconic ski towns and a fantastic spring break destination if you’re looking for big mountain skiing paired with a charming alpine village atmosphere. March is still peak ski season here, with excellent snow conditions and long sunny days that make time on the mountain especially enjoyable.

Off the slopes, Vail Village and Lionshead Village are some of the most picturesque mountain villages in the state. The pedestrian streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, and the après scene here is always fun after a day of skiing or snowboarding.

Visitors often mix time on the mountain with other winter activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, or simply wandering the villages and enjoying a long lunch somewhere cozy.

Just keep in mind that Vail is one of the most expensive ski destinations in Colorado, especially during spring break weeks when both hotels and lift tickets can be at their highest prices.

For ideas on how to plan your trip, start with my Vail Weekend Guide. And if you’re deciding where to stay, my Vail Hotel Guide breaks down the best hotels around town.

Getting here: Vail is about 2 hours from Denver via I-70, or you can look at flights into Eagle County Regional Airport, about 35 minutes away.

If you’re deciding between Vail and Aspen for spring break, I also have a full Vail vs Aspen Guide to help you choose.

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs makes a great spring break destination if you’re looking for something a little different from the typical ski trip.

The town is best known for its hot springs, including the massive Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and the newer Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Soaking in warm mineral water with snow still on the surrounding mountains is easily the highlight of a visit this time of year.

There’s also plenty to do nearby. Visitors often spend time exploring Glenwood Canyon, walking through downtown’s historic core, or taking the gondola up to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for sweeping views over the valley.

Glenwood Springs also works well as a base if you want to mix in a ski day nearby — both Aspen and Vail are within day trip distance.

Getting here: Glenwood Springs is about 3 hours from Denver depending on weather and traffic, or roughly 35 minutes from Eagle County Regional Airport. There’s also an Amtrak train stop right in town, which is a rare and convenient bonus in Colorado.

Estes Park

Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and a beautiful mountain destination year-round. Spring break is an especially interesting time to visit because while the town itself may start to see some milder days, the surrounding mountains are still firmly in winter.

This is important for visitors to understand — March in Rocky Mountain National Park is absolutely still winter. Expect deep snowpack, icy trails, and winter road conditions throughout much of the park.

Because of that, many visitors focus on winter activities like snowshoeing, winter hiking, wildlife spotting, or scenic drives when conditions allow. Snow-covered alpine scenery makes this one of the most beautiful times of year to experience the park.

Back in town, the weather is often more mild and Estes Park has a relaxed mountain vibe with plenty of restaurants, local boutiques, and adorable coffee shops. It’s also a much quieter time of year compared to summer and fall, and hotel prices often reflect that.

For more ideas, check out my Estes Park Winter Things To Do guide and Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Things To Do guide, and for hotel recommendations, The Best Estes Park Hotels.

Getting here: Estes Park is about 1.5 hours from Denver International Airport, making it one of the most accessible mountain destinations in the state.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a great spring break destination if you want dramatic scenery without committing to a full mountain trip. Sitting at the base of Pikes Peak, the area offers easy access to outdoor attractions while still having the amenities of a city.

The city has excellent outdoor attractions like Garden of the Gods — where massive red rock formations rise dramatically against the backdrop of the mountains — Pikes Peak Highway, Manitou Springs, and the Manitou Incline. Or you can spend time visiting museums and local restaurants around town. There’s a fantastic “city meets the outdoors” vibe here.

Like Denver, spring weather in Colorado Springs can be unpredictable. Some days feel warm and almost summer-like, while others bring heavy snow or chilly temperatures, so it’s best to visit with a flexible itinerary.

One of the advantages of Colorado Springs is that it tends to be relatively affordable compared to Denver and Colorado’s major ski towns, especially when it comes to hotels.

For more ideas, check out these Colorado Springs Things To Do. I also have many more articles in my Colorado Springs Guides.

Getting here: You can fly directly into Colorado Springs Airport (COS), which is serviced by most major airlines and offers a smaller, easier arrival experience. Colorado Springs is also about 1 – 1.5 hours south of Denver International Airport by car.

Telluride

Telluride is one of the most spectacular mountain towns in Colorado, tucked into a dramatic box canyon surrounded by towering peaks. It’s more remote than other ski destinations, but that distance is part of what gives the town its special atmosphere.

Again, March is still firmly ski season here, with excellent snow conditions and some of the most scenic terrain in the state. The views are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Colorado.

Even if you’re not skiing every day, Telluride is a wonderful place to spend time. The historic downtown is full of old Victorian buildings, great restaurants, and small shops, and the free gondola connecting Telluride and Mountain Village offers incredible views over the valley.

Like Aspen and Vail, Telluride is considered one of Colorado’s luxury ski destinations, so expect prices to reflect that, particularly during spring break weeks.

If you’re deciding where to stay, my guide to the Best Hotels In Telluride breaks down the best hotels around town.

Getting here: Telluride takes more effort to reach, but it’s worth it. The town has a small regional airport (TEX), though most visitors fly into Montrose Regional Airport about 1.5 hours away. Otherwise the nearest major airport is Denver (DEN), which is about about 6 – 6.5 hours.

Steamboat Springs

Finally, Steamboat Springs is another fantastic spring break destination in Colorado, especially if you’re looking for great skiing paired with a laid-back mountain town atmosphere. The ski area is famous for its light “Champagne Powder” snow and excellent tree skiing, which keeps conditions fun well into spring.

Steamboat also has a slightly more relaxed feel than some of Colorado’s bigger resort towns. The historic downtown along Lincoln Avenue is full of restaurants and breweries — like most Colorado towns — but with a distinctly Western vibe.

Beyond skiing, visitors often spend time snowshoeing, tubing, or soaking in town’s stunning hot springs.

If you’re deciding where to stay, check out the Best Steamboat Springs Hotels.

Getting here: Steamboat is about 3.5 hours from Denver by car, or you can fly into Yampa Valley Regional Airport, roughly 40 minutes from town.

Spring break in Colorado offers a mix of experiences, from classic ski towns and scenic mountain villages to relaxed hot springs destinations and cities with easy access to the outdoors.

Whether you’re hoping to spend your trip skiing, soaking in hot springs, exploring national parks, or simply enjoying time in the mountains, there are plenty of great options around the state.

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Colorado guides helpful for trip planning.

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Best Colorado Mountain Towns For First-Time Visitors
• Underrated Colorado Mountain Towns Worth Visiting
• Luxury Mountain Towns In Colorado
• Colorado Travel Guide (everything to know for planning your trip!)
• All Colorado Guides