Are you headed to Colorado for a winter holiday and have no idea yet what to expect? Then you are in the right spot! Colorado is famous for being one of the coolest winter destinations in the US – and for good reasons. High-class ski resorts, stunning mountain views, and amazing hotels attract travellers every year in winter.
Of course, it can be hard to plan your vacation in Colorado when you don’t know what to expect! Luckily, I live close by and we head to Colorado all the time!
So, without further ado, here is my Colorado in winter travel guide!
Does It Snow in Colorado in Winter?
First of all, yes – Colorado does get snow in winter! Snow in Colorado typically begins in late October or early November. Higher elevations (like the Rocky Mountains) usually have heavy snowfall by November. Some areas are getting snow already in September.
Northern Colorado (Fort Collins and Boulder) also gets snow around the end of fall.
Denver does get snow, but it melts quickly. Southern Colorado (like Pueblo and Colorado Springs)gets little snow, too, and it doesn’t stick around for long. The eastern plains are also drier and rarely have snowstorms.
Here is a short overview of what you can expect snow-wise in Colorado:
Weather in Colorado in Winter
Winter in Colorado can be quite different, depending on where you are. In the mountains, you’ll experience snowstorms, heavy snowfall, and colder temperatures. Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge experience snowstorms from November through March.
Temperatures often drop below freezing, especially at night. Daytime temperatures range from 20°F to40°F (-6°C to 4°C). Usually, the wind chill can make it feel much colder. Cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs have milder winters. They do get snow, but it’s not as heavy as in the mountains.
Snowstorms in Colorado sometimes cause road closures and power outages, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
Best Ski Resorts in Colorado
Colorado is one of the most famous states for awesome skiing – and for good reason! The famous mountain ranges offer fantastic slopes and stunning views wherever you go.To help you pick an amazing place for your ski vacation in Colorado, I have compiled a small list of the most famous ski resorts in Colorado:
1. Aspen Snowmass – This resort has four amazing mountains, which are perfect for all skill levels, plus a fun, upscale vibe in Aspen.
2. Vail – Known for its vast terrain and European-inspired village, Vail is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the U.S.
3. Breckenridge – With a charming town and fantastic slopes, “Breck” is a favorite for its variety of runs and laid-back atmosphere.
4. Telluride – Tucked away in a box canyon, Telluride has stunning views, top-notch terrain, and a cozy, historic town vibe.
5. Keystone – This family-friendly resort offers night skiing and three mountains, making it great for long ski days and all ages
Best Colorado Winter Travel Destinations
Aspen
It can come as no surprise to you that Aspen is the number one travel destination in Colorado in my ranking. This glamorous mountain town is known for its world-class skiing across four mountains.
But it is so much more than that. Aspen has high-end shopping, art galleries, and top-notch dining. It’s also famous for its après-ski spots and its cozy winter atmosphere. You might even see one or the other celebrity there.
Don’t miss the scenic winter trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, or the fabulous spas to treat yourself.
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Telluride
Telluride is probably my personal favorite Colorado winter destination. It is nestled in a box canyon and is known for its stunning scenery and epic ski slopes.
The historic town has a cozy vibe with colorful storefronts and old-time saloons. Winter visitors love Telluride’s festivals, like the Fire Festival and the Nordic Ski Festival.
The views from the cozy Telluride Mountain Village alone make this a magical winter getaway. And don’t forget all the fancy hotels and spas that are waiting for you on every corner!
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Durango
Another awesome spot to visit in winter in Colorado is Durango.
This southwestern town is best known for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. It is one of the most beautiful train rides I have ever taken – and it even has a special winter train.
It’s also a short drive from Purgatory Resort, great for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Durango has a fun, Old West feel with breweries, shops, and local restaurants. You can also try ice climbing and check out the nearby hot springs (perfect after a day of skiing!).
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is such a cool and unique destination, especially in winter!
The town is known for its “Champagne Powder” snow. Plus, Steamboat has excellent skiing and snowboarding.
This town has a laid-back, ranch-town vibe that is perfect for some Instagram snapshots.
But the true highlight of the town is the famous natural hot springs, perfect for a winter soak. Snowshoeing and sleigh rides are also super popular, so make sure to try them out!
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Vail
Vail has some of the best skiing in Colorado. It is one of the most popular winter destinations for professional skiers.
The village of Vail itself is inspired by European alpine towns. It has cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and gourmet restaurants.
In winter, it’s all about skiing, ice skating, and relaxing by a fire. Vail also has fun winter festivals and a super cool après-ski scene.
Is Colorado Expensive in Winter?
Yes, Colorado can be expensive in winter, especially in popular ski towns like Aspen, Vail, andBreckenridge. Ski passes, lodging, and dining in these areas often come with a high price tag. Durango is a more affordable option, while Telluride is also pretty expensive.
Prices for hotels and rentals tend to go up during peak ski season, especially around holidays like Christmas and New Year’s.Of course, there are ways to keep costs down. Look for deals on lift tickets, consider staying in AirBnB, or try to snatch some last-minute deals.
Another option to save money is to plan your trip in early December or late March for better rates.
Conclusion:
Colorado in winter is simply fabulous. Of course, this is the most popular and expensive time to travel, because it is not exactly a secret. However, the amazing skiing, beautiful hot springs, and stunning views of picture-perfect villages make Colorado in winter worth visiting.
Famous ski towns like Aspen, Vail, and Telluride are a must on everyone’s Colorado bucket list. Most of these mountain towns experience a large amount of snow, so you’ll get into the winter feeling for sure!
I hope you enjoyed my travel guide to Colorado in the coldest (and most magical) season of the year!
