23 Magical Places To Visit In Colorado In Winter

Colorado is one of the best places in the country for a winter trip, and skiing is really only the beginning.

You can spend a few days at one of the state’s huge ski resorts, soak in hot springs while surrounded by snow, go snowmobiling or snowshoeing, explore tiny mountain towns, or stick closer to the cities for a different kind of winter getaway.

I’ve lived in the Denver area for most of my life and have visited every major mountain town in Colorado, including many of them during winter. These are some of my favorite places to visit in Colorado in winter, plus a few ideas for what to do and where to stay in each.

Best Places To Visit In Colorado In Winter

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most popular ski towns and easily one of the best places in the mountains during winter. Breckenridge Ski Resort is huge, with five different peaks and everything from beginner runs to high-alpine bowls, so there’s a lot to explore whether you’re new to skiing or have been doing it for years. But there’s also a lot to do if you don’t ski, which makes it one of my favorite all-around winter destinations in Colorado.

You can go snowshoeing, ice fishing, ride the free gondola, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or just spend a few hours wandering Main Street, which is packed with fun shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some really fun events happening throughout the winter.

For lots more ideas, check out my Breckenridge In Winter: Top Things To Do guide.

Where to stay: There’s a huge range of lodging in Breckenridge, from ski-in/ski-out resorts to condos and quieter properties outside downtown. Check out my Best Hotels in Breckenridge guide for my favorite options and where I’d recommend staying.

Getting here: Breckenridge is about 1.5 hours (95 miles) from Denver International Airport and roughly 80 miles from downtown Denver. It’s pretty easy to reach from Denver compared to some of the other mountain towns on this list, although I-70 traffic and winter weather can make the drive much longer.

Ouray 

Ouray is a tiny mountain town tucked into the San Juan Mountains, and it’s one of my favorite places in Colorado any time of year. In winter, one of the biggest reasons to visit is ice climbing. Ouray Ice Park is right outside downtown and has more than 150 ice and mixed climbing routes, with options for beginners all the way up to experienced climbers.

Ouray is also one of the best places in Colorado for hot springs, which are especially fun when everything around you is covered in snow. The large Ouray Hot Springs Pool is the most popular option, but there are also smaller hot springs properties around town too.

Beyond ice climbing and hot springs, you can go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, or just spend some time exploring Ouray’s charming downtown area.

Tip: The Ouray Ice Festival is held each January and is one of the biggest events of the year in Ouray. There are ice climbing competitions, clinics, gear demos, and plenty going on around town throughout the weekend.

For more ideas, check out my Ouray, Colorado Guides.

Where to stay: Ouray is small, but there are quite a few hotels, inns, and vacation rentals around downtown. Check out my Ouray Hotels: Best Places To Stay guide for my favorite options.

Getting here: Montrose Regional Airport is about 50 minutes away (40 miles) and has flights from several major airlines. Denver International Airport is about 5.5 hours away (325 miles), so flying into Montrose is much more convenient if the flight options work for your trip.

Aspen

Aspen is one of the most famous ski towns in the world, and despite its glitzy reputation, it’s still a relaxed ski town at its core. There are four different ski areas here — Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass — so you have a ton of terrain to choose from, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier.

But Aspen is also really fun off the slopes. You can spend the afternoon having a drink on a sunny patio, shop at everything from Gucci to western wear stores, check out the après scene, or stay out surprisingly late at the bars around downtown. And yes, this is also one of those places where you might randomly spot a celebrity while you’re walking around town.

For more ideas, check out my Aspen In Winter: Top Things To Do guide.

Where to stay: Aspen has plenty of beautiful hotels, but it’s also one of the most expensive places to stay in Colorado, it helps to book as far in advance as you can. Check out my Best Hotels in Aspen guide for my favorite options and where I’d recommend staying.

Getting here: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is about 10 minutes away (4 miles). Denver International Airport is about 4 hours away (220 miles), although winter weather and mountain traffic can make that drive considerably longer.

Buena Vista

Buena Vista is a small mountain town tucked between the Collegiate Peaks and Arkansas River, it’s a great option if you want a quieter Colorado winter trip away from the big ski resorts.

There’s tons of outdoor recreation around here in winter, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and some really good snowmobiling. Buena Vista also has a cute downtown with local shops, restaurants, and breweries, so there’s enough going on when you want to get out of the snow for a while.

One of my favorite things about this area, though, is Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. The resort has several different pools, but I especially love the small natural pools built into the rocks along Chalk Creek. Sitting in the hot water next to the creek when everything around you is covered in snow is such a fun winter experience.

Tip: Salida is about 30 minutes south of Buena Vista and is also worth checking out while you’re in the area. It’s a larger town with a really fun downtown, lots of restaurants and shops, and Monarch Mountain nearby if you want to add a ski day to your trip.

Where to stay: Surf Hotel is a great option right in Buena Vista, or stay at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort if the hot springs are a big part of your trip. Overnight resort guests get access to additional pools and facilities.

Getting here: Buena Vista is about 2.5 hours from Denver International Airport (145 miles) and around 2 hours from downtown Denver (120 miles). Winter weather can make the drive longer.

Steamboat Springs  

Steamboat Springs is another one of Colorado’s most popular winter destinations, known for its western roots, huge ski resort, natural hot springs, and some of the best snowmobiling in the state. It’s also a larger mountain town with a really fun downtown, so there’s plenty going on beyond the resort itself.

Steamboat Resort is the main draw in winter, with a huge amount of terrain spread across several peaks and particularly good tree skiing. The area is famous for its light, dry snow — famously referred to as “Champagne Powder” — and there’s terrain for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers. After skiing, there’s a lively après scene around the mountain base, or you can head downtown for restaurants, bars, and shopping.

Away from the slopes, you can go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling, then spend a few hours soaking at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. The pools are tucked into the forest outside town and are especially beautiful when everything is covered in snow.

For more ideas, check out my Steamboat Springs, Colorado Guides.

Where to stay: You can stay near the ski resort for easy access to the mountain or closer to downtown if you’d rather be near the shops, restaurants, and bars. Check out my Best Hotels in Steamboat Springs guide for my favorite options and more information on where to stay.

Getting here: Yampa Valley Regional Airport is about 35 minutes away (25 miles). Denver International Airport is about 3.5 hours away (180 miles), although winter weather and mountain traffic can make the drive longer.

Denver

Denver is obviously a very different kind of Colorado winter destination than the mountain towns on this list. Despite sitting at 5,280 feet, winters in the city are generally pretty mild, with plenty of sunny days and snow that melts surprisingly quickly between storms. But you’re still close enough to the mountains that you can easily add skiing, snowshoeing, or other snowy adventures to your trip.

In the city, there are tons of museums, restaurants, breweries, professional sports, live music, and events to keep you busy. Winter also brings seasonal activities like ice skating, holiday markets and lights early in the season, and plenty of events throughout January and February. I especially like Denver in winter if you want to mix city stuff with a day or two in the mountains rather than spending your entire trip at a ski resort. It can also be a much more budget-friendly way to experience Colorado in winter, since hotels, restaurants, and activities in Denver are much less expensive than what you’ll find during peak season in the major ski towns.

For lots more ideas, check out my Denver Winter Things To Do Guide.

Where to stay: Downtown is a convenient place to stay if it’s your first time in Denver, especially if you want to be within walking distance of restaurants, attractions, and Union Station. The Crawford Hotel is a beautiful spot in the LoDo neighborhood, The Art Hotel is a great option in Golden Triangle, or The Source Hotel is a good option in the fun RiNo neighborhood.

Getting here: Denver International Airport is about 35 – 40 minutes from downtown (25 miles), although traffic can make the drive longer. You can also take the A Line train directly from the airport to Union Station downtown.

Vail

Vail is one of the most famous ski destinations in Colorado and an absolute monster of a resort. Vail Ski Resort stretches across more than 5,000 acres, with terrain divided between the Front Side, legendary Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin, so you could spend days skiing here and still have plenty left to explore.

But the villages are a huge part of the Vail experience too. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, you can wander through Vail Village and Lionshead, grab a drink at après, shop, go ice skating, or book a spa day. The cobblestone streets and European-inspired architecture make Vail feel very different from most Colorado ski towns, and there’s a lot to do here even if you don’t ski.

For lots more ideas, check out my Best Things To Do In Vail, Colorado During Winter guide. And if you’re deciding between two of Colorado’s most famous ski towns, I also have a Vail vs. Aspen Comparison.

Where to stay: Vail Village and Lionshead are two of the most convenient places to stay, especially if you want easy access to the ski lifts, restaurants, and shops. Check out my Best Hotels In Vail guide for my favorite hotels and a full breakdown of where to stay.

Getting here: Eagle County Regional Airport is about 40 minutes away (35 miles). Denver International Airport is about 2 hours and 15 minutes away (120 miles), although I-70 traffic and winter weather can make that drive significantly longer.

Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is a great winter destinations in southern Colorado, especially if you want to combine skiing with hot springs. It’s pretty far from Denver and the major I-70 ski towns, but that more remote location is a big part of the appeal — this area tends to be much less crowded than some of the state’s more famous ski destinations.

Wolf Creek Ski Area is about 30 minutes outside town and is known for getting an incredible amount of snow each winter. You can also go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or just spend some time exploring around town.

But the hot springs are really what make Pagosa Springs special in winter — the town is home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring. There are several places to soak right along the San Juan River downtown, including The Springs Resort, which has a huge collection of pools overlooking the river.

Where to stay: If soaking is a major part of your trip, The Springs Resort & Spa puts you right at the hot springs and within walking distance of downtown. There are also hotels and vacation rentals throughout Pagosa Springs if you’d rather stay elsewhere.

Getting here: Durango-La Plata County Airport is about 1 hour away (60 miles). Albuquerque International Sunport is about 3.5 hours away (210 miles), while Denver International Airport is roughly 5 hours away (300 miles).

Crested Butte

Crested Butte is one of Colorado’s more underrated ski towns, especially compared with the big resorts along I-70. Crested Butte Mountain Resort isn’t as large as places like Vail or Breckenridge, but it has a really good mix of terrain and is especially well known for its steep, technical runs.

There’s also plenty to do away from the resort. Crested Butte has miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking — basically mountain biking on oversized tires made for riding over snow. Biking is huge here in summer, and I love that it carries right into winter too.

Afterward, head into downtown Crested Butte and spend some time along colorful Elk Avenue, which is lined with local shops, restaurants, and bars. The town itself is a big part of why I like Crested Butte so much, it’s extremely charming and has a smaller, more laid-back feel than many of Colorado’s major resort towns.

Where to stay: Stay in Mt. Crested Butte if easy access to the ski resort is your priority, or in downtown Crested Butte if you’d rather be within walking distance of Elk Avenue’s restaurants, shops, and bars. The Nordic Inn and Grand Lodge Crested Butte are among the most popular options.  

Getting here: Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is about 35 – 40 minutes away (30 miles). Denver International Airport is about 4.5 hours away (250 miles), although winter weather can make the drive longer.

Winter Park

Winter Park is one of Colorado’s most popular ski towns and one of the easiest major mountain resorts to reach from Denver. Winter Park Resort is the big draw, with a huge variety of terrain spread across Winter Park and Mary Jane. There’s plenty for beginners and intermediate skiers, but Mary Jane is especially well known for its moguls and more challenging terrain.

There’s also a lot to do here if you don’t ski. You can go snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat biking, or ice skating, and the surrounding Fraser Valley opens up even more options for winter activities. Afterward, head into town for restaurants, breweries, shops, and après.

Winter Park is also one of the few Colorado ski destinations you can reach from Denver by train. The Winter Park Express runs between Denver Union Station and the base of Winter Park Resort during ski season, which is a really fun option if you don’t want to drive through the mountains.

Where to stay: You can stay at the resort if skiing is the priority, or closer to downtown Winter Park for easier access to restaurants and shops. There are also plenty of condos and vacation rentals throughout Winter Park and nearby Fraser. Check out Gravity Haus Winter Park and Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa.

Getting here: Denver International Airport is about 2 hours away (90 miles), although mountain traffic and winter weather can make the drive significantly longer. During ski season, you can also take the Winter Park Express from Denver Union Station directly to the resort.

Silverton

Silverton is a tiny historic mining town deep in the San Juan Mountains, and winter here feels much more remote and rugged than in most of Colorado’s ski towns. The town sits at more than 9,000 feet and is surrounded by huge mountains, so if you’re looking for a quieter winter trip with lots of snow and outdoor adventure, this is a really fun option.

Silverton Mountain is the big name for skiing here, but this is definitely not your typical ski resort. There’s just one chairlift, no groomed runs, and the mountain is geared toward advanced and expert skiers looking for steep, challenging terrain. Guided skiing and heli-skiing are also a big part of the experience.

The area is also especially popular for snowmobiling, and you can also go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or simply spend some time exploring the historic downtown. Winter is much quieter than summer here, which I think is part of the appeal — you really get that small, isolated mountain town experience.

For more ideas, check out my Silverton, Colorado Guides.

Where to stay: Silverton is tiny, so lodging is mostly made up of small historic hotels, inns, and vacation rentals around downtown. Check out my Best Hotels In Silverton guide for my favorite options and more information on where to stay.

Getting here: Durango-La Plata County Airport is about 1.5 hours away (65 miles), while Montrose Regional Airport is about 1.5–2 hours away (70 miles). Denver International Airport is roughly 6.5 hours away (about 375 miles). Silverton is only accessible via the famously difficult Million Dollar Highway, so winter weather and road conditions can have a major impact on travel here.

Glenwood Springs 

If you’re looking for a more relaxing Colorado winter trip, Glenwood Springs is one of my favorite options. The big draw here is the hot springs, and there are a few very different places to experience them right in town.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has a massive historic hot springs pool, Yampah Spa is known for its natural underground vapor caves, and Iron Mountain Hot Springs has a collection of smaller soaking pools overlooking the Colorado River. All three are fantastic in winter, especially the outdoor pools when the surrounding mountains are covered in snow.

There’s plenty to do beyond the hot springs too. Sunlight Mountain Resort is just outside town if you want to ski or snowboard, and you can also go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling around the area. Glenwood is a larger mountain town with plenty of restaurants and shops as well, so there’s enough to keep you busy while still feeling much more relaxed than Colorado’s major ski resort towns.

Where to stay: Glenwood Springs has everything from historic hotels to resorts and more affordable chain hotels. Hotel Colorado is one of my favorite historic hotels here and puts you within easy walking distance of Glenwood Hot Springs and downtown.

Getting here: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is about 45 minutes away (40 miles). Denver International Airport is about 3 hours away (180 miles), although I-70 traffic and winter weather can make the drive considerably longer. You can also take Amtrak’s California Zephyr from Denver to Glenwood Springs, a really scenic ride through the mountains that drops you off right in downtown Glenwood.

Leadville

Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America, sitting at more than 10,000 feet in the mountains of central Colorado. It’s an old mining town with a really laid back vibe rather than a traditional ski resort town, that’s a big part of the appeal in winter. The historic downtown is lined with colorful Victorian buildings, local shops, restaurants, and bars, while huge snow-covered peaks rise just outside town.

For downhill skiing, Ski Cooper is about 15 minutes away and is much smaller and more laid back than Colorado’s major resorts. You’ll find terrain for a range of abilities, fewer crowds, and a much more old-school ski area experience. Leadville is also surrounded by opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and other winter activities.

One of the most unique times to visit is during Leadville Ski Joring, when skiers are pulled behind horses at high speed down snow-covered Harrison Avenue, hitting jumps and collecting rings along the way. It’s held each winter and is easily one of the more unusual winter events you’ll find anywhere in Colorado.

Where to stay: Leadville has a collection of historic hotels, small inns, cabins, and vacation rentals, but lodging is much more limited than in the major resort towns. Staying downtown puts you within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and much of historic Leadville.

Getting here: Denver International Airport is about 2.5 hours away (145 miles), while Eagle County Regional Airport is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away (65 miles). Leadville sits above 10,000 feet and the surrounding routes cross high mountain terrain, so winter weather can significantly affect drive times.

Estes Park

Estes Park is best known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, but it’s a fun winter destination in its own right too. The town is dramatically quieter than it is during the busy summer and fall months, but you’ll still find plenty of restaurants, breweries, and shops to explore. Elk are also everywhere around Estes Park, and winter is a great time to see them wandering through town and the surrounding valley.

Of course, Rocky Mountain National Park is still one of the biggest reasons to come here. Winter completely changes the park, with snowy mountains, frozen lakes, and far fewer people on the snow-covered trails. Snowshoeing is one of my favorite things to do, but you can also go cross-country skiing, sledding at Hidden Valley, or just drive into the park and enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

And because Estes Park isn’t centered around a major ski resort, it’s a great option for a snowy mountain trip without the skiing focus or high prices of Colorado’s major ski towns.

For more ideas around town, check out my Estes Park: Things To Do In Winter guide. And if Rocky Mountain National Park is a big part of your trip, I also have a full Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park During Winter guide.

Where to stay: Estes Park has a huge range of cabins, lodges, hotels, and vacation rentals, including plenty with mountain and river views. Check out my Best Hotels In Estes Park guide for my favorite options and more information on where to stay.

Getting here: Denver International Airport is about 1.5 hours away (75 miles).

Colorado Springs 

Colorado Springs is a great winter destination if you want a mix of city activities and outdoor adventures without staying in a ski town. Winter in the city is relatively mild, but you’re surrounded by mountains and can easily head to higher elevations when you want more snow.

Pikes Peak towers over the city, and you can ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit even in winter. You can also explore Garden of the Gods, hike around Red Rock Canyon Open Space, spend an afternoon at the beautifully decorated Broadmoor, or take a day trip to the Royal Gorge Bridge. And if you’d prefer something smaller, neighboring Manitou Springs is always fun to explore too.

For lots more ideas, check out my Best Things To Do In Colorado Springs During Winter guide.

Where to stay: Colorado Springs has everything from downtown hotels to some really beautiful resorts, including The Broadmoor, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, and Garden of the Gods Resort & Club. 

Getting here: Colorado Springs Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown (12 miles) and is served by several major airlines. Denver International Airport is about 1.5 hours away (85 miles), although traffic and winter weather can make the drive longer.

Durango

Durango is one of the larger mountain towns in southwest Colorado, and there’s a ton to do here in winter. It has a lively historic downtown packed with restaurants, breweries, shops, and beautiful old buildings, while the San Juan Mountains are right outside town.

If you want to ski, Purgatory Resort is about 30 minutes north of Durango and gets some fantastic southwest Colorado snow. You can also go snowmobiling or snowshoeing, soak at Durango Hot Springs, visit Mesa Verde National Park, or ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad on one of its winter train trips through the mountains.

I especially like Durango if you want a winter destination with plenty to do beyond the ski resort. You can spend one day in the mountains, another exploring downtown, and another visiting somewhere completely different like Mesa Verde.

For more ideas, check out my Durango, Colorado Guides.

Where to stay: Durango has a much larger selection of hotels than many of the small mountain towns on this list, with everything from historic downtown properties to resorts and vacation rentals outside town. Check out my Top Hotels in Durango, Colorado guide for my favorite options and more information on where to stay.

Getting here: Durango-La Plata County Airport is about 20 minutes away (15 miles). Albuquerque International Sunport is about 3.5 hours away (220 miles), while Denver International Airport is roughly 6.5 hours away (360 miles).

Telluride

Telluride is one of the most remote ski towns in Colorado, but it’s absolutely worth the effort to get here. It’s one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the state, tucked into a dramatic box canyon with huge, steep mountains rising on three sides. Add in the colorful historic downtown and everything covered in snow, and Telluride is pretty hard to beat in winter.

Telluride Ski Resort is obviously a huge part of the experience, with a great variety of terrain ranging from beginner and intermediate runs to seriously challenging expert terrain. And despite being one of Colorado’s best-known ski destinations, its remote location means it generally doesn’t see the same crowds as the major resorts closer to Denver.

But the town itself is just as much a reason to come here. Downtown is packed with locally owned shops, restaurants, and bars, it’s one of those places where simply walking around is part of the experience. Telluride and Mountain Village are also connected by a free gondola, so it’s really easy — and fun — to go back and forth between the historic town and the ski resort.

For more ideas, check out my Telluride, Colorado Guides.

Where to stay: You can stay in the historic town of Telluride or up in Mountain Village, and the free gondola makes it easy to get between the two. Check out my Best Hotels In Telluride guide for my favorite options and more information on which area I recommend staying in.

Getting here: Telluride Regional Airport is about 15 minutes away (6 miles), while Montrose Regional Airport is about 1.5 hours away (70 miles) and generally has more flight options. Denver International Airport is about 6.5 hours away (355 miles), making Telluride one of the more remote destinations on this list. 

Creede

Creede is a tiny historic mining town tucked into the mountains of southwest Colorado, and it’s one of the quieter winter destinations on this list. Things slow down considerably here once winter arrives, but if you’re looking for lots of snow, very few crowds, and easy access to outdoor recreation, that’s a big part of the appeal.

Snowmobiling is especially popular around Creede, with more than 85 miles of groomed trails winding through the surrounding mountains. You can also go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, or ice skating, and Wolf Creek Ski Area is about 45 minutes away if you want to add a day of downhill skiing.

Creede itself is tiny, but definitely spend some time exploring the historic downtown while you’re here. The dramatic cliffs surrounding town and old mining structures scattered throughout the area give it a completely different feel from Colorado’s polished ski resort towns.

If places like Creede are more your speed, check out my Best Underrated Colorado Mountain Towns guide for more ideas.

Where to stay: Lodging is pretty limited in winter, with mostly small hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals in and around Creede. I’d book ahead and double check seasonal availability since some businesses close or reduce their hours during the quieter winter months.

Getting here: Durango-La Plata County Airport is about 2 hours away (100 miles), while Colorado Springs Airport is roughly 4 hours away (220 miles). Denver International Airport is about 5 hours away (275 miles), and winter weather can have a major impact on drive times through this remote part of the state.

Grand Lake

Grand Lake is a tiny lakeside mountain town on the quieter western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, and it gets a ton of snow in winter. It’s especially well known for snowmobiling, with miles of trails around the area and the unusual bonus of being able to ride right through parts of town.

There’s plenty to do without a snowmobile too. The Grand Lake Nordic Center has miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and you can also go ice fishing or spend some time exploring the small downtown. Grand Lake is also right at the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can explore the much quieter Kawuneeche Valley in winter.

I especially like Grand Lake if you want a snowy, small-town Colorado trip without staying at a ski resort. Just keep in mind that Trail Ridge Road closes through Rocky Mountain National Park in winter, so you can’t drive between Grand Lake and Estes Park through the park this time of year.

For more ideas, check out my Grand Lake, Colorado Guides.

Where to stay: Grand Lake has a small collection of hotels, cabins, lodges, and vacation rentals, including some beautiful properties right on or near the water. Check out my Best Cabins On The Lake In Grand Lake guide for my favorite options and more information on where to stay.

Getting here: Denver International Airport is about 2.5 hours away (125 miles), while downtown Denver is roughly 2 hours away (100 miles). Winter weather can make the drive longer, especially as you get farther into the mountains.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is one of Colorado’s more luxurious, resort-style ski destinations, with excellent skiing and a beautiful pedestrian village right at the base of the mountain. The resort has a good mix of terrain for different ability levels and is especially well known for its beautifully groomed runs, but there’s plenty of more challenging terrain here too.

Off the slopes, Beaver Creek is very much about the resort experience. You can go ice skating in the middle of the village, spend an afternoon at a spa, shop, have a really good meal, or settle in for après without needing to go anywhere else. And don’t miss the warm chocolate chip cookies handed out in the village every afternoon — it’s a small thing, but one of Beaver Creek’s most famous traditions.

Beaver Creek is also only about 15 minutes from Vail, so it’s easy to visit both during the same trip if you want to experience two very different resorts.

Where to stay: Beaver Creek has an impressive collection of luxury hotels and slopeside resorts, including Park Hyatt Beaver Creek and The Pines Lodge. Staying in or around Beaver Creek Village puts you within easy walking distance of the lifts, restaurants, shops, and ice rink.

Getting here: Eagle County Regional Airport is about 35 minutes away (30 miles). Denver International Airport is about 2.5 hours away (130 miles), although I-70 traffic and winter weather can make the drive considerably longer.

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain is another one of Colorado’s major ski destinations that’s fairly easy to reach from Denver. The resort has more than 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, but one of my favorite things about Copper is how naturally divided the mountain is by ability level. Beginner terrain is mostly concentrated on one side of the mountain, advanced terrain on the other, and intermediate runs in between, which makes the mountain surprisingly easy to navigate for its size.

Copper is also a really good destination for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Woodward Copper has terrain parks and a massive superpipe, and the resort regularly hosts and trains some seriously talented athletes.

Off the slopes, you can go snow tubing, ice skating, ride the mountain coaster, or spend some time around Copper’s three pedestrian villages. Center Village has the most going on, with restaurants, shops, après, and activities all within walking distance.

Where to stay: Copper has three main villages with slopeside hotels and condos. Center Village is the most convenient if you want to be close to restaurants, activities, and nightlife, while West Village is especially convenient for beginners and families and East Village puts you closer to more advanced terrain.

Getting here: Eagle County Regional Airport is about 1 hour away (55 miles). Denver International Airport is about 2 hours away (100 miles), although I-70 traffic and winter weather can make that drive considerably longer.

Boulder

Boulder is one of my favorite Colorado destinations any time of year, and winter is no exception. The city sits right against the Flatirons, so you get incredible mountain views and easy access to outdoor recreation without giving up the wide variety of restaurants, shops, and other things to do around town.

On a nice winter day, you can hike or snowshoe around Chautauqua Park, walk or bike the Boulder Creek Path, then spend the afternoon shopping and eating along Pearl Street Mall. And if you want to ski, Eldora Mountain Resort is only about 30 minutes away and is even accessible from Boulder by public transit (a huge perk!).

Boulder is another good option if you want to mix snowy outdoor activities with a city trip, and staying here can be much more affordable than spending your entire vacation at one of Colorado’s major ski resorts.

For more ideas, check out my Boulder In Winter: Top Things To Do guide.

Where to stay: Downtown is my favorite area to stay, especially if you want to be within walking distance of Pearl Street’s shops, restaurants, and bars. Check out my Best Hotels In Boulder guide for my favorite options and more information on where to stay.

Getting here: Boulder is about 35 minutes from downtown Denver (30 miles) and about 45 minutes from Denver International Airport (40 miles), although traffic can make either drive longer. Public transportation is also available between Boulder and both Denver and the airport.

Grand Junction

Grand Junction is a completely different kind of Colorado winter destination. Located on the Western Slope, the city has a much milder, drier winter climate than the mountain towns on this list, so you can often hike among red rock landscapes without dealing with deep snow.

Colorado National Monument is one of the biggest reasons to visit, with huge red rock canyons, overlooks, and hiking trails just outside the city. Winter is a much quieter time to explore the monument, although snow and ice are still possible, especially along higher sections of Rim Rock Drive.

But you don’t have to completely give up the snowy side of a Colorado winter either. Grand Mesa is about 45 minutes away and gets tons of snow, with opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Powderhorn Mountain Resort is also on the mesa if you want to add a day of downhill skiing or snowboarding.

Back in Grand Junction, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, breweries, shops, and wineries, and nearby Palisade is an easy addition to the trip too. I really like Grand Junction if you want a Colorado winter vacation with a little more variety — red rocks and relatively mild weather one day, then deep snow and skiing the next.

Where to stay: Grand Junction has a much larger selection of hotels than most of the small mountain towns on this list, including plenty of more affordable options. Downtown is a convenient choice if you want to be close to restaurants, breweries, and shops.

Getting here: Grand Junction Regional Airport is about 10 minutes from downtown (5 miles). Denver International Airport is about 4.5 hours away (280 miles), although I-70 weather and road conditions can make the drive longer. You can also take Amtrak’s California Zephyr from Denver directly to Grand Junction, with a really scenic ride through the Colorado mountains along the way.

There are so many great places to visit in Colorado during winter, and you definitely don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the season here. Hopefully this list gave you a few ideas for your next Colorado winter trip, whether you’re looking for deep snow and winter sports or just a fun city to spend a few days.

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

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Colorado guides.

More Colorado Guides:

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