Take to the Slopes: Colorado’s Coolest Ski Towns

Grab your gear and head off to the striking slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Each of the more than 30 ski areas and resorts in Colorado offers something a little different. While Steamboat trumpets its trademarked Champagne Powder, Breckenridge is well-known for its variety of terrain and family-friendly environment. Victorian-inspired Telluride is a great option for travelers seeking an exclusive resort with a small-town, Old West feel. Vail caters to skiers looking for luxury accommodations and upscale après ski options. No matter what slopes you choose to conquer, you’ll savor Colorado’s world-famous soft, dry powder, which can’t be skied anywhere else on the planet. Since the state averages 300 days of sunshine each year, you can enjoy a slew of bluebird days – that’s Coloradan slang for a beautiful day right after a snowstorm that’s just perfect for skiing.

Although Colorado’s ski areas are best known for their slopes, there’s so much more to do. The available activities depend on the season and town; snowshoeing, hot springs and horse-drawn sleigh rides are among the favorites. Hitch a ride on the Rocky Mountain Coaster in Copper Mountain, enjoy the winter scenery while fat tire biking in Breckenridge, ice climb in Ouray, and dine at Michelin-starred Bosq restaurant in Aspen.

Think winter is the only time to visit Colorado’s ski areas? Think again! These towns are enchanting in warmer weather too, offering visitors the chance to bicycle through mountain trails and evergreen forests, kayak across crystal-clear snowmelt waters and dine alfresco on sunny patios.

Throughout ski season, Colorado’s mountain towns host myriad festivals. In January, check out Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championships, Aspen’s January X Games and Ouray’s Ice Festival, drawing visitors from around the world. February boasts the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival. As the festivities wind down in March, Leadville’s Ski Joring and Crystal Carnival Weekend takes the stage to showcase a one-of-a-kind equestrian sport; don’t miss the chance to watch daring skiers compete in this unique fusion of rodeo arts and winter sports.

Colorado’s sweeping landscapes and epic mountains make for some of the USA’s most unforgettable ski experiences. You can help preserve this beauty for generations to come by staying only on posted trails, properly disposing of trash and observing wildlife from a safe distance. Be sure to check the weather before you set out on any excursions, as conditions can change quickly, and some ski areas can be difficult to reach in certain weather.

Colorado’s largest airport is Denver International Airport (DIA). From there, you can rent a car to drive to the state’s many ski towns (weather permitting) or hop aboard The Bustang bus service from downtown Denver to Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Glenwood Springs. Amtrak offers train service from Denver Union Station to Winter Park Resort every weekend from January to March aboard the Winter Park Express.

Many Colorado ski towns have their own regional airports, such as Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) and Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) just outside Steamboat, so you may be able to hop a connecting flight directly to your destination of choice.