14 Best Places for a Colorado Winter Vacation Getaway

cable cars in the mountains

Colorado is the ultimate winter wonderland. It’s the perfect getaway for anyone looking for an action-packed, crowd-free vacation spot. Whether your idea of fun is skiing down the Rockies or going on a backcountry hut trip, there’s something for everyone. Here are the 14 best Colorado winter vacation spots to add to your bucket list.

Crested Butte

a couple on a terrace overlooking the mountains

Crested Butte is a quaint little mountain town that you must visit at least once. It is the perfect cabin getaway for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is nestled at the base of the Crested Butte Mountain Resort and is chock-full of fun things to do and interesting places to see.

You can go on an incredible, avalanche-safe winter hike nearby. If you’ve never tried snowshoeing, this is one of the best places to learn. Add snowboarding, biking, and skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The terrain is perfect for beginner, intermediate, and expert-level skiers, so there’s something for everyone.

After a day of adrenaline-filled winter activities, you can wind down and grab a bite at Secret Stash. They have the best pizza in Crested Butte. The wings are pretty amazing too. If you’re up to it, you can also squeeze in a rum-tasting tour at Montanya Distillers. They have some of the best smooth, barrel-aged rum around.

Recommended nearby stay in Gunnison: View listing

Estes Park

Another great Colorado winter vacation spot to visit is Estes Park. Located one-and-a-half hours away from Denver, Estes Park is the gateway to the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s no shortage of fun things to do at Estes Park.

For starters, you can go hiking in Rocky Mountain. Not just hiking, though – hiking in snowshoes. It is one of the best experiences you’ll ever have. Rocky Mountain National Park is famed for its incredible snowshoeing adventures. If you haven’t already, be sure to add it to your bucket list. You’ll thank us later.

While you’re at it, add a Dream Lake hike to your Estes Park vacation itinerary. The views are breathtaking.

Don’t miss the chance to go skiing down the slopes. Rocky Mountain offers some of the best skiing in Colorado for beginners and experienced skiers alike. The regional winter vacation packages are all-inclusive, so if you want to maximize your vacation, this would be your best bet.

After a day of fun-filled activities, head into town and sample some tantalizing cuisines and any of the many restaurants and bars. Bird & Jim bar and restaurant has some of the best meals in town.

Recommended nearby stay in Shadow Mountain: View listing

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is one of the best family-friendly winter vacation spots in Colorado. It hardly ever gets crowded, and the laid-back vibe makes it one of the best places to relax and unwind.

If you’re crazy about tree skiing, this is the place to do it. Steamboat Springs Ski Resort has acres upon acres of well-groomed skiing terrain. Cross country skiing is popular here, and the powder snow makes it much more fun to cruise down the mountain at spectacular speeds.

While at it, don’t miss the chance to go snowmobiling. Simply rent a sled at the resort and head into the snow-covered wilderness. The experience will stay with you forever.

After a day in the cold, you can head to the Strawberry Hot Springs and warm up in the mineral-rich waters. Afterward, you can head into town for some amazing food at O’Neil’s Tavern and Grill. The food and drinks menu at this Irish Pub is incredible.

Recommended nearby stay in Routt County: View listing

Aspen

Aspen is home to the best ski resorts in Colorado, and with good reason. For decades, this swanky mountain town has featured in Hollywood pop culture and movies and is known for its upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife, and hosts the world-famous Winter X Games.

Aspen has four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass Mountain, and Buttermilk. The skiing terrain on these slopes is amazing. They have the perfect mix of straight and complex runs, making them ideal for beginners and experienced skiers.

If you’re learning how to ski or want to introduce your kids to the wonderful world of skiing, Aspen Snowmass or Buttermilk is the place to do it. If you’re an intermediate or expert-level skier, the iconic Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands offer some of the best skiing in Colorado.

All four Colorado ski resorts also offer snowboarding and snowshoeing opportunities, so you can expect a packed itinerary while you’re here.

At the base of Aspen Snowmass is Snowmass Village, the most family-friendly resort town of all four mounts. After a day on the slopes, The Stew Pot is one of the best places to indulge in good, old-fashioned American comfort food. The menu is divine.

Recommended nearby stay in Snowmass Village: View listing

Beaver Creek

man skiing downhill

Beaver Creek Ski Resort boasts close to 1,900 acres of skiable area and is home to Beaver Creek Mountain, whose summit elevation is 11,440 feet. The resort is serviced by more than two dozen lifts and has close to 150 trails.

At the base of Beaver Creek Mountain is Beaver Creek, a rustic town home to four villages, each offering world-class shopping and dining. There’s always something exciting going on, so there’s no shortage of things to do while you’re here.

Beaver Creek Resort is the perfect Colorado Winter vacation destination for families. It offers convenient access to several snowboarding and ski schools. If you’re new to skiing or simply want to hone your skills on the slopes, Beaver Creek is the place to do it.

Other fun things you can do there include snowboarding, ice skating, and hiking.

Recommended nearby stay in Summit County: View listing

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is another must-visit winter holiday destination in Colorado. While the area doesn’t experience as much snowfall as other locales in higher altitudes, it offers plenty of unique experiences that will remain etched in your memory forever.

The town’s magnificent red rocks in Red Rock Canyon are one of its main attractions. These old, towering rock formations extend for miles on end. The landscape and scenery are stunning and make for a wonderful hiking adventure.

Don’t leave before hiking the Garden of the Gods and visiting the Cave of the Winds. The experience is surreal.

Recommended nearby stay in Florissant: View listing

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is a magical place to be in the winter. This historic mountain town has no shortage of fun activities and interesting places to visit. Snowboarding and skiing are the two most popular things to do in Glenwood. If you enjoy Nordic skiing, this is the place to do it.

That’s not all, though. You can ride on a gondola to see the scenic Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. You can also go snowshoeing, snowmobiling, fat biking, and ice skating.

The town has a sprawling entertainment scene and offers top-notch shopping and dining. The Slope & Hatch serves the best tacos and hot dogs in town. Don’t leave before you sample the delicious local cuisine.

Recommended nearby stay in Weisshorn: View listing

Grand Junction

Grand Junction is the most underrated of all the winter vacation spots in Colorado. It is often overlooked in favor of the flashy mega-resorts – not that there’s anything wrong with that. However, Grand Junction is a great option if you’re looking for an authentic Colorado winter experience without breaking the bank.

The vacation rentals in the area are super affordable, and there’s no shortage of interesting things to do and places to see. You can go snowboarding and skiing at the nearby Powderhorn Resort. If cross country skiing is more your speed, you will love the powder runs at Grand Mesa.

Grand Junction is also known for its man-made reservoirs and natural lakes. They offer some amazing fishing opportunities. After a full day of activities, you can drive to the Orvis hot springs and soak in the mineral-rich hot spring waters to relax and unwind.

Recommended nearby stay in Weisshorn: View listing

Idaho Springs

people snowboarding downhill

Idaho Springs is a short 30-mile drive from Colorado’s capital, Denver. If you’re looking for a quick winter getaway to recharge and escape the hustle and bustle of city life, it is one of the best places to do it. There’s something about it that’s reminiscent of Copper Mountain.

Idaho Springs is chock-full of fun outdoorsy things to do, catering to all kinds of holidaymakers. You can go snowshoeing at the nearby St. Mary Glacier or snow-tubing at Echo Mountain. If you’re up for skiing, Loveland has great powder runs, perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers.

In the evening, you can unwind in the warm spring waters of the Indian Hot Springs inside the historic geothermal caves. The resort has some great all-inclusive vacation packages with a ton of winter activities included in the itinerary. Be sure to check them out.

Recommended nearby stay in Dillon: View listing

Monarch Mountain

If your winter vacation itinerary includes skiing, there’s no better place to do it than Monarch Mountain. Located a few miles north of the Continental Divide, Monarch Mountain has a summit elevation of 11,952 feet and a base elevation of 10,790 feet, making it one of the highest skiing areas in North America.

One of the great things about Monarch Mountain is that it’s a solid place to learn how to ski. The terrain has several beginner zones, including small bunny hills and other early-stage green runs for novice skiers. It also has blue runs for intermediate skiers, although some aren’t groomed.

While there’s no onsite accommodation, there are several nearby affordable vacation rentals where you can stay. The nearby city of Salida is pretty lively, especially on the weekends. It has amazing bars, eateries, and shopping outlets if you want to do some retail therapy.

Recommended nearby stay in Gunnison: View listing

Pagosa Springs

Another excellent Colorado winter vacation spot is Pagosa Springs. It is perfect for individuals and couples looking for a quiet, serene place to get away for some RnR. Depending on the available winter vacation packages, you can go on a snowmobiling escapade to get your blood pumping or simply spend a day/evening relaxing at any of the numerous Pagosa Springs mineral-rich pools.

The Overlook Mineral Springs Spa, the Healing Waters Resort and Spa, and the Springs Resort and Spa are three popular hot springs to soak at.

Recommended nearby stay in Sunbeam Estates: View listing

Vail

Located at the base of Vail Mountain is the charming little town of Vail. No matter how often you visit, it is one of those places you can’t seem to get enough of. While it is stunning all year round, it is especially gorgeous in the winter.

Vail is also home to the Vail Ski Resort, which boasts over 5,000 acres of skiable area. If you love winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, biking, and ice skating, you’ll be right at home here. There’s something for everyone.

After a day of fun outdoor activities, you can head into Vail Village and experience everything the town has to offer. There are numerous art galleries and stores that offer world-class shopping. Explore the rich European-style architecture and enjoy live entertainment as you sample the local cuisine.

Recommended nearby stay in Summit County: View listing

Western Slope

person on a snowboard

Western Slope, Colorado, is another must-visit destination for your winter vacation. It is home to picturesque farmland and plush vineyards, all waiting to be explored. You can spot the Colorado National Monument from here as you explore the world’s largest flat-topped mountain—the Grand Mesa.

Western Slope offers excellent skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. When you’re not on the mountain slopes, you can head to the nearby towns of Mesa, Grand Junction, Delta, and Cedaredge and explore the eateries and retail outlets. There’s so much to do and see here.

Recommended nearby stay in Gunnison: View listing

Winter Park Resort

Located in Grand County is the stunning Winter Park ski resort, home to one of the best Colorado winter vacations you’ll ever have. You can go skiing, snowmobiling, snow-tubing, and snowshoeing while you’re here. The fun never stops at Winter Park.

In the evening, you can go on a Snowcat and S’mores mountain tour and watch the magnificent sunset over the Fraser Valley and stargaze as you ride to Vasquez Ridge. You can also go on a twilight snowshoe tour after dark. Winter Park is an experience you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.

Recommended nearby stay in Summit County: View listing

In the meantime, check out these top ski resorts in Denver.