19 Magical Places To Visit In Colorado In The Winter

Colorado is a world-renowned winter destination thanks to endless cold weather activities and famous resort towns in the stunning Rocky Mountains.

From skiing and ice climbing, to shopping and hot spring soaking, Colorado is a winter paradise for anyone.

Looking for Colorado winter vacation ideas?

I’ve lived in the Denver area most my life and have visited every major mountain town in Colorado. These are a few of my favorites in winter.

The Best Places To Visit In Colorado In The Winter

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge, simply referred to as “Breck”, is one of Colorado’s most popular ski towns.

As one of the larger mountain towns you’ll have no problem finding a variety of things to do here.

Stroll Main Street, zip along miles of trails, après ski, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride, go for a free gondola ride, and partake in the town’s endless list of festivities. 

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

Getting Here & Where To Stay 

The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (DIA) at 95 miles away.

Breck offers an extensive selection of accommodations from luxury ski-in-ski-out hotels to quiet mountainside cabins.

My favorite hotels are The Lodge at Breckenridge and One Ski Hill Place. 

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Pagosa Springs is one of the state’s best destinations for soaking it up and hitting the slopes.

Thanks to its remote location you’ll find fewer crowds here than in the acclaimed resort towns closer to Denver.

After an adventure filled morning of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or downhill at Wolf Creek, spend your afternoon soaking in the hot springs.

The hot springs are, after all, what makes this Colorado mountain town so loved. 

Did you know Pagosa Springs is home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring aquifer? There’s no doubt the springs make this one of the best Colorado winter vacation destinations!

Getting Here & Where To Stay In Pagosa Springs, Colorado In Winter

The nearest airports to Pagosa Springs are:

• Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) – 56 miles away 
• Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) – 208 miles away
• Denver International Airport (DIA) – 302 miles away 

Pagosa Springs is a smaller town but has some great lodging options.

Look into cozy mountainside rentals, or for easy hot springs access, stay at The Springs Resort & Spa.

Ouray, Colorado 

Ouray is a picturesque town tucked into the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Its main draw in the winter is ice climbing, thanks to the world famous Ouray Ice Park.

If you’re not up for ice climbing, check out guided backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

No matter what you do, be sure to end your day relaxing in the Ouray Hot Springs. 

Tip: The Ouray Ice Festival is held at the end of January every year. This ice climbing competition is the town’s most popular event and one of the more unique winter activities in Colorado.

Check out my Ouray, Colorado Guides for more ideas!

Getting Here & Where To Stay   

The nearest airport is Montrose Airport (MTJ) at 39 miles away, it’s regional but you can find quite a few major airlines here.

The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (DIA) at 325 miles away.

Ouray is quite small but has a handful of great hotels. Check out Ouray Hotels: Best Places To Stay for ideas.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is one of the most famous ski towns in the world. Despite its glitzy exterior, it’s just a regular ski town at its core.

Hit one of Aspen’s four ski resorts and sip a cold one on a patio.

Then shop at Gucci or a western wear store, party into the wee hours, and keep an eye out for the many celebrities who frequent this much-loved ski town. 

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

Getting Here & Where To Stay In Aspen During The Winter

The nearest airport is Aspen / Pitkin County Airport (ASE), 4 miles away. As for international airports, the nearest is Denver International Airport (DIA), 223 miles away.

Aspen has a variety of luxury hotels and mountainside mansions to choose from this winter season. My favorite hotels here are W Hotel Aspen and Hotel Jerome. 

If you’re on a budget, weekday visits and vacation rentals like Airbnb and VRBO, are your best bet.

Buena Vista, Colorado

This small town is situated between the stunning Collegiate Peaks and roaring Arkansas River.

The area is excellent for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and taking in outstanding views, all with a laid-back vibe and amid friendly locals.

Buena Vista is also home to one of my favorite hot springs in the state, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.

For a magical winter experience, soak in the resort’s small pods along the river. 

Getting Here & Where To Stay

The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (DIA) at 147 miles away.

Buena Vista has a few small hotels and lodges, my favorite of which are the Surf Hotel & Chateau and Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. 

If you plan to visit the springs, I recommend staying at the resort. Overnight guests have exclusive access to upgraded facilities. 

Tip: You may also like Buena Vista’s neighboring town, Salida.

Denver, Colorado

Denver is the largest city in Colorado, and despite sitting at 5,280 feet above sea level, it sees surprisingly mild winter weather.

You’ll have no problem finding something to do in here with 200 parks, dozens of museums, and fun professional sports teams. Not to mention, winter festivals galore and countless adventures within quick driving distance. 

For lots of ideas regarding what to do in Denver during winter, check out my Denver Winter Weekend Guide.

Getting Here & Where To Stay 

Denver International Airport (DIA) is located 25 miles away from downtown.

Downtown Denver is the best area to stay if visiting the Mile High City. There are tons of lodging options, but if you’re looking for a unique stay check out The Crawford Hotel or The Art Hotel.

Vail, Colorado

Vail is one of the most renowned ski destinations in the world and an absolute monster of a resort — it’s the largest in the state and one of the largest in North America.

Vail Ski Resort has a whopping 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, 33 ski lifts, and 193 marked skiing trails on three faces: the front side, the back bowls, and Blue Sky Basin.

After you’ve spent the day downhill or nordic skiing (or maybe snow tubing!) stroll through the cobblestone European-inspired villages.

In the luxury villages, shop, enjoy some hot chocolate, après, or relax in a world class spa.

For a full list of things to do, check out The Best Things To Do In Vail, Colorado During Winter.

Trying to decide between Vail and Aspen? Check out my Vail Vs Aspen Comparison.

Getting Here & Where To Stay

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is the closest airport at 37 miles away, and DIA is 119 miles away.

Lionshead and Vail Village are among the most popular areas in Vail Valley. The two are right next to each other and it’s easy to navigate between them.

My favorite hotel in Lionshead is The Arrabelle and in Vail Village, The Lodge at Vail.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Crested Butte is one of the state’s most underrated ski destinations.

The resort may be on the smaller side, but it makes up for it with diverse runs and small crowds.

Spend your day skiing, fat biking, or snowshoeing followed by shopping on Elk Street and dinner at a delicious local restaurant. 

Never heard of fat biking? It’s an off-road bicycle with oversized tires. The tires allow for extra traction and grip, perfect for biking in the snow.

Crested Butte loves summer biking, so it’s no surprise winter fat biking is much-loved as well.

Getting Here & Where To Stay In Crested Butte, Colorado 

Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) is just 29 miles away. Denver International Airport (DIA) is the nearest major airport at 253 miles away.

Crested Butte has a mix of large hotels and quaint inns. The Nordic Inn and Grand Lodge Crested Butte are among the most popular options.  

Colorado National Monument

Perhaps snowy mountains aren’t your idea of a magical winter in Colorado? That’s no problem.

The red rock-covered, far western slope of Colorado is for you.

Colorado National Monument is a desert park with endless miles of hiking trails and incredible views. It does occasionally get snow, but much less than other parts of the state, making it excellent for year-round hiking. 

Getting Here & Where To Stay

To get here, check out Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), just 20 miles away or DIA, 286 miles away.

The nearest town is Grand Junction, which has plenty of lodging options. Check out SpringHill Suites by Marriott. 

Prefer to stay somewhere more remote? You may like the stunning Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa.

Winter Park, Colorado 

Winter Park is home to Winter Park Resort, one of the closest ski resorts to Denver.

Here the cold weather months offer endless activities aside from the obvious skiing and snowboarding. You can also snow tube, fat bike, ice fish, ice skate, snowshoe, and much more.

Wrap up your day with some après and exploring the shops downtown.

Tip: Be sure to also stop by the nearby towns of Granby and Grand Lake!

Getting Here & Where To Stay In Winter Park

The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (DIA) at 92 miles away.

The town has a handful of hotels and rentals available. Check out Gravity Haus Winter Park and Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado 

If you’re looking for a place to relax this winter in Colorado, Glenwood Springs is the spot for you.

While it does offer many fun activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and mountain coasters, its main draw is the hot springs.

The most popular springs here are Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Iron Mountain Hot Springs. The two are especially dreamy when they turn into a snowy winter wonderland.

Glenwood is a great place to relax and unwind away from the bustling ski towns.

Getting Here & Where To Stay

Aspen/ Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is the nearest airport, 38 miles away. The closest major airport is 182 miles away, Denver International (DIA).

Glenwood Springs is one of the larger mountain towns and offers a variety of historic hotels, my favorite is Hotel Colorado, which is walking distance to some of the best hot springs.

Rocky Mountain National Park 

A winter visit offers a unique opportunity to experience the quieter side of Rocky Mountain National Park, not to mention, outstanding snow-covered mountain landscapes.

Enjoy a peaceful day in Rocky Mountain National Park snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, or sledding. And keep an eye out for deer and elk, who winter in the park’s lower elevations.

For lots more information, check out Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park During Winter.

Getting Here & Where To Stay 

The closest airport is Denver International Airport (DIA), which is 77 miles to Estes Park.

Estes Park is less than 5 miles from the park entrance and has tons of small hotels and inns worth staying in. For more ideas, check out The Best Estes Park Cabins On The River.

Colorado Springs, Colorado 

Colorado Springs is the second largest city in the state and is surrounded by breathtaking beauty.

The city’s most notable resident is Pikes Peak, a 14,000 foot behemoth staring down at the city. And yes, you can visit the summit, via Pikes Peak Cog Railway, even in winter.

Spend your winter in Colorado Springs exploring Garden of the Gods, having a cocktail at the immaculately decorated Broadmoor Hotel, or take a day trip to the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Looking for something a little quieter? Check out neighboring Manitou Springs instead.

For more ideas, head on over to The Best Things To Do In Colorado Springs During Winter.

Where To Stay In Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs (COS) has an airport serviced by most major airlines, just 12 miles from downtown. Otherwise, Denver International Airport (DIA) is 84 miles away.

Colorado Springs has some really beautiful resorts, my favorites are The Broadmoor, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, and Garden of the Gods Resort & Club. 

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is one of the most remote ski towns in the state, but it’s worth the effort to get here.

In addition to the town’s top notch ski resort, which offers short lines and an excellent variety of runs, the town of Telluride itself is one of the biggest draws.

This charming settlement has a way of making you feel like a local even during a short stay. Shop, dine, and drink at one of the town’s many small businesses this winter season. 

For more things to do, check out my Telluride, Colorado Guides.

Getting Here & Where To Stay 

To access Telluride you have three airports to choose from: Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) (6 miles away), Montrose Airport (MTJ) (70 miles away), or Denver International Airport (DIA) (354 miles away).

Stay in the town of Telluride or Mountain Village, both are connected by a free gondola, making it easy to navigate between the two. My favorite place to stay are the Madeline Hotel & Residences in Mountain Village or Hotel Telluride in the town of Telluride.  

Durango, Colorado 

Southwest Colorado gets some incredible snow, making it a wonderful place to ski and snowboard.

When you’re not on the slopes, consider snowmobiling, visiting Mesa Verde National Park, or taking a scenic train ride through the San Juans via the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Then wrap up your day soaking in the mineral waters of Durango Hot Springs. 

You will not regret a winter vacation to this quiet corner of the Rocky Mountains.

For lots more information, check out my Durango, Colorado Guides.

Getting Here & Where To Stay

The Durango – La Plata County Airport (DRO) is serviced by many major airlines, and is just 15 miles from downtown.

Otherwise, Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and Denver International Airport (DIA) are the closest international airports at 218 and 361 miles away, respectively.

Durango is one of the state’s larger mountain towns so you’ll find plenty of accommodation options here. For ideas of where to stay, check out Top Hotels In Durango, Colorado.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park surrounds a deep, nearly-vertical gorge that’s been carved out over the past 2 million years by the Gunnison River.

This gorge is so deep and steep that portions of the canyon floor see less than an hour of sunlight per day, a fact which attributed to the canyon’s name.

The rocky, vertigo-inducing cliffs make for stunning views, especially when covered in snow during the winter months.

Winter visitors will be able to snowshoe the canyon rim or take in the viewpoints.

For more ideas, check out Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park South Rim: Top Things To Do.

Getting Here & Where To Stay

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is closest to the park, just 15 miles away, and Denver International Airport (DIA) is 274 miles away.

Montrose is the nearest town to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and offers a variety of lodging options, but mostly chain hotels.

Check out Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites or Hampton Inn Montrose.

Otherwise, The Lodge at Needle Rock in Crawford on the park’s northern edge.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado  

Steamboat Springs is located in northwestern Colorado and is known for fantastic downhill skiing, snowmobiling, stunning natural hot springs, and lots of western wear.

Spend your day trying out winter sports followed by après, shopping, and relaxing in Strawberry Hot Springs. 

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

Getting Here & Where To Stay In Steamboat Springs During Winter

For flights, check out Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN), 24 miles away, or DIA, which is 181 miles away.

Steamboat Springs is a large mountain town offering a wide variety of accommodation options. Check out mountainside mansion rentals or Steamboat Grand Hotel. 

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is Vail’s neighboring town with equally impressive skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Hit the slopes, spend the day at a luxury spa, stroll the charming village, or have a gourmet meal amid breathtaking mountain views.

You’re sure to love a winter visit to Beaver Creek in Colorado.

Getting Here & Where To Stay

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is the closest airport at 27 miles away and DIA is 129 miles away.

Beaver Creek is small but offers an impressive selection of luxury resorts. Some of my favorite options for a winter visit are Park Hyatt Beaver Creek and The Pines Lodge.

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is a favorite Colorado destination, no matter the time of year.

The gorgeous town sits at the base of the picture-perfect Flatirons and Rocky Mountains.

Boulder offers tons of great outdoor recreation, go snowshoeing in Chautauqua Park or bike the Boulder Creek Path. Then wrap up your day browsing shops on Pearl Street Mall and dining out at a delicious restaurant.

If you wish to ski, Eldora Mountain Ski Resort is just 20 miles from town and conveniently connected by public transit.

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

Getting Here & Where To Stay

Boulder is only 27 miles from downtown Denver and 39 miles from DIA. You can get to Boulder via bus from either destination.

This beautiful town has some excellent hotels to choose from, among my favorites are the St. Julien and Hotel Boulderado.

As you can see, Colorado has so many magical places worth visiting in winter. I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your Colorado getaway and have the best time!

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

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Denver and Colorado guides.

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