The incredible state of Colorado has much to offer in both the summer and the winter. While the activities during these seasons are completely different, the views are no less beautiful. In the winter, you’ll find snow capped mountains, world class skiing, snowmobiling and many other outdoor opportunities. To enjoy these activities, here are 6 wonderful winter places to visit in Colorado.

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1. Aspen

Everyone associates Aspen with the rich and famous, however, it offers so much more than that. This small town has fantastic skiing, amazing winter hiking, snowmobiling, and endless snowy views, along with many other things. Here’s a brief guide on what to do in the area.

Nearby Attractions

• Ski at Aspen/Snowmass. This ski area has 4 different mountains, all with varying runs for any level of skier. Additionally, if you are an expert skier/snowboarder, be sure to hike to the legendary Highland Bowl. This famous backcountry “in-bounds” area has some of the best terrain in Colorado.

• Take a snowshoe tour. These gorgeous snowshoe nature tours leave daily from Aspen and Snowmass mountains. Enjoy beautiful views while learning about the local environment.

• Go snowmobiling at T-Lazy-7 Ranch. This company offers highly rated snowmobile rides in several places around Aspen. The most scenic tour goes to the famous Maroon Bells, which is a must see attraction in Colorado!

• Hike along the Rio Grande Trail. You’ll find this winter wonderland trail right in the downtown area of Aspen. This trail actually goes the entire length of the Roaring Fork Valley, however, you only have to walk as far as you want. Make sure to have microspikes or snowshoes.

• Drink the best hot chocolate in Colorado. The Little Nell hotel is known for being one of Aspen’s best hotels, as well as having “America’s best hot cocoa”. Enjoy warming up with this delectable drink after a cold day out in the snow!

2. Crested Butte

Hailed as “Colorado’s last great ski town”, this tiny town is truly a magical winter wonderland. With a population of only 1,600 residents, it has retained its small town charm over the years, even with the ski area’s acquisition by Vail Resorts. It’s also more difficult to reach than other similar mountain towns, so it doesn’t see the same crowds.

Nearby Attractions

• Ski at Mt. Crested Butte. This ski area has a great variety of terrain for beginners and experts. It’s also a steeper mountain, which is great for powder days. You can either stay here in a slopeside lodge or down in Crested Butte town.

• Explore the nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This is the least visited National Park in Colorado, however, it might be the most unique. Although most of it is closed in winter, you can still drive to a few fantastic lookout points.

• Go ice skating at the Nordic Center. Besides ice skating, the Nordic Center offers cross country skiing, snowshoe tours, and cozy yurt dining.

• Eat the best pizza in Colorado at Secret Stash. Located in the charming and historical downtown area of CB, this cozy restaurant is the best in town. Be sure to try the delicious “crack fries” as well!

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

This iconic National Park is one of the most visited in the country, and once you’ve been here, you’ll understand why. While the summer is a beautiful time to visit, the winter is equally as incredible with hiking, snowshoeing and frozen waterfalls.

Nearby Attractions

• Go on a winter hike. Popular trails include the easy 2 mile Dream Lake trail and the more difficult 8.6 mile Sky Pond trail. Both hikes require microspikes or snowshoes and adequate winter clothing.

• Take a ranger led snowshoe walk. These park sponsored free tours are offered nearly every week during the winter. Tours require a reservation and also snowshoes, which you can rent in nearby Estes Park.

• Explore the downtown area of Estes Park. There’s a great visitor center, the famous Stanley Hotel is here and there are also large herds of elk that roam around.

• Drive south from Rocky Mountain NP along the Peak to Peak Highway. This scenic drive is one of the most unique in Colorado, passing through charming towns and stunning scenery.

Keep reading for the remainder of the 6 wonderful winter places to visit in Colorado.

4. Dillon Reservoir Area

This lovely lake that forms the center of the Summit County area is an amazing place to visit. The reservoir completely freezes over during the winter, which allows for activities like ice fishing and cross country skiing. Additionally, the Dillon Reservoir is surrounded by several charming towns, which include Dillon, Silverthorne, Breckenridge and Frisco.

Nearby Attractions

• Visit the Dillon Amphitheater, Marina Park and picturesque lakeside trail. This area has great views of the frozen reservoir and surrounding mountains.

• Explore the charming downtown Frisco area and the Frisco Adventure Park. This outdoor activity area offers snow tubing, nordic skiing, and also sleigh rides.

• Watch the sunset at Sapphire Point Overlook. Without a doubt, this lookout point has some of the best views in Colorado. There’s also a short 0.6 mile loop trail around it.

• Ski at nearby resorts like Copper Mountain, Breckenridge or Keystone. Each of these are within 20 minutes of the Dillon Reservoir area.

5. Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is located along I-70 in the central part of the state. It is close enough to Vail and Aspen to enjoy the benefits of those areas, as well as offering many activities itself. Additionally, it makes for a great weekend getaway from Denver, as it’s only 3 hours away.

Nearby Attractions

• Visit the relaxing Iron Mountain Hot Springs. There are 32 different thermal pools here, all with varying mineral content and temperature. It is a great place to enjoy a sunset soak after a day of exploring.

• Secondly, hike to the iconic Hanging Lake area. This trail is one of the most popular in Colorado. It is especially wonderful in the winter, as the trail is snow covered with frozen waterfalls along the way. Since this hike is extremely popular, you must make reservations before visiting. Also, be sure to bring microspikes, as the trail is steep at points.

• If you are looking to ski/snowboard, but for a much cheaper price than most of the resorts in Colorado, try Sunlight Mountain Resort. This hidden gem of a ski area offers day passes for as low as $80 and has some fun terrain.

• Lastly, try the best donuts in Colorado at Sweet Coloradough. This heavenly spot has some seriously delicious treats, such as the blueberry cronut and apple fritters.

6. Loveland Pass

While this spot is more of a drive than a destination, it doesn’t make it any less wonderful. Loveland Pass is an easy day trip from Denver, as it is only about an hour away. During the winter, people drive through here to go skiing (or even ski from the mountains on the top of the pass!)

You can combine driving over this pass this with visiting other places listed in this guide, such as the Dillon Reservoir area. Be sure to get out at the top of the 11,990 foot high pass to admire the dramatic mountain views around you. Also, if it is a nice day and you are adequately prepared with winter clothing/gear, you can even hike several trails that leave from here.

Enjoy these 6 winter places in Colorado!

We hope you have enjoyed this guide to 6 wonderful winter places to visit in Colorado. There are many destinations to explore in Colorado, so visit to find new favorites for yourself!

Caroline & Jonathan