Colorado’s Powder Towns

Colorado's

GREAT SKI TOWNS

BY: STEVE DRAKE

Breckenridge is located in Colorado's Rocky Mountains and offers first rate ski slopes as well as on-mountain activities including sledding, snow tubing, and more. This ski town is also home to many shops, bars, restaurants, spas, nightlife spots and stores.

If you are planning to visit Breckenridge, find accommodations within walking distance of everything because parking can be quite the hassle - especially during ski season! I recommend The Grand Lodge, The Victorian Inn, and Holiday Ski Lodge. There are also a number of cool cabin rentals in the area. A quick search on Airbnb or VRBO will bring up many options.

Breckenridge is an ideal winter destination for all ages. It is charming and eclectic with the pink trimmed buildings and ethereal scenery. For a weekend or a week, there is plenty to do including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, horseback riding and indoor/ outdoor dining.

Vail was founded by Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton in 1962. Vail is known for many ski slopes including Vail Ski Resort which has hosted many international skiing events.

Vail Village, the main area of the town, features charming streets lined with luxury boutiques and art galleries as well as world class bars and restaurants from casual fare to five star dining.

The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch is a favorite hotel in the destination and plays hosts to socialites and celebrities each season. The Sebastian Hotel is known for exceptional service and gourmet cuisine at its on-site restaurant called Torroco.

Unlike other ski resorts, Vail is a year round destination. Set within White River National Forest, summer sees this region teeming with visitors who love to golf, hike and fish. Gore Creek runs right through Vail Village, and is a popular spot for the other sport here - fly fishing.

The historic town of Aspen has long been a retirement area for the well-to-do, even as far back as the 1800s. It is now also popular among hipsters who are drawn to its artsy vibe and upscale shops offering unique and eccentric artisan wares.

Slopes are within walking distance of downtown, but there's plenty more to see and do here besides skiing or snowboarding here.

Stay close to the mountains if you can. In addition to the Aspen Mountain Ski Resort, I also recommend The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome and St. Regis Aspen Resort.

Aspen was named one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” by Forbes Traveler, and for good reason. Although it has been known as one of the premier destinations for winter sports enthusiasts, Aspen’s charming village life vibe is palpable and is equally lovely in winter and summer. No matter the time of day, everywhere you look is breathtaking.

Breathtaking views and top-notch skiing define Telluride, Colorado. The town also has an amazing wild west vibe that perfectly sets the scenery for novice or savvy skiers worldwide.

Despite limited and expensive accommodation, Telluride attracts more and more visitors every year. This ski resort town is a true gem for hikers, skiers, bikers and climbers alike.

There are many things to do in Telluride. The historic mining village offers numerous photo opportunities with its iconic red roofs contrasting against the green mountains. Hikes around the town give you great views of Mount Wahl and Bridal Veil Falls cascading down from above.

At night, there's also several options to choose from: The Sheridan Opera House hosts music festivals such as The Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Shakespeare Festival.

The rich history of the town is on display at the Telluride Historical Museum . For a more raw experience, visit Century Club which used to be an underground speakeasy while prohibition was still in place.

A visit to Steamboat Springs, Colorado is all about the outdoors. Skiing is the main attraction in this Rocky Mountain town.

Steamboat is a one-stop shop: the town and surrounding mountains boast 47 lifts and more than 400 trails. The locals brag that the place has some of the best snow on earth.

But you can also hike, or horseback ride during your stay. Lodging ranges from upscale hotels to affordable condos and plenty of B&B’s. Indulge in Steamboat's famous après ski scene as well.

Steamboat is known as Ski Town USA, having produced more winter Olympians, a record 95 and counting, than any other town in North America.