4 For the Road: Our Favorite Winter Destinations

Colorado welcomed 37.9 million overnight visitors in 2017, and we can't blame them! This wild, winter-loving state is packed with amazing adventures, luxurious retreats, and all the magic of the Rocky Mountains. We polled the Women of Denver for their absolute favorite winter escapes, and they certainly delivered. Check out these fab four and get your bags packed; sno joking around!

Strawberry Park Hot Springs Steamboat, Colorado www.strawberryhotsprings.com

Just outside of world-famous Steamboat Springs with its champagne powder, the Strawberry Park Hot Springs offer natural relaxation, Colorado-style. The spring's rich mineral water bubbles at a balmy 104 degrees perfect for a soothing soak after a day on the slopes.

The unique stone masonry and forested beauty of the park comes complete with rustic cabins and camping opportunities. For a real treat, indulge in water therapy or a private massage in a cozy hut right at the park. Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails are all located nearby in Routt National Forest, making for a great day-long outdoor excursion. And skiers and snowboarders rejoice Steamboat Springs and the Steamboat Ski Area are within a short shuttle trip or easy drive.

Why we love it: Pure natural beauty and 100% authentic Colorado, Strawberry Hot Springs is one of the most spectacular mineral springs in the world.

Before you go: The springs feature full changing and restroom amenities, but bring a picnic if you're hungry. For the safety and comfort of the park, smoking, alcohol, and glass containers are prohibited. And please, leave the pups at home!

Don't miss: Treat yourself with a Watsu (water-shiatsu) massage in the private pool at the springs. Calming, meditative, transformative, and one-of-a-kind.

10th Mountain Huts Aspen, Colorado www.huts.org

The 34 backcountry huts of the 10th Mountain Division stretch over 350 miles of Rocky Mountain trails, all arranged in somewhat of a triangle between Vail, Aspen, and Leadville the highest city in the continental United States.

Once used to teach soldiers critical skiing, shooting, and winter survival skills before setting off to brutal mountain country in Europe, the network averages routes of 6-7 miles. It climbs 1500-2500 feet in elevation from a trailhead at 8000 feet.

Why we love it: The huts and their trails hold a treasured place in Colorado history, and it's hard to imagine a more authentic escape to the Rockies. If you're seeking a genuine backcountry adventure, this is it.

Before you go: The U.S. Forest Service requires that someone in every group must have leadership, route finding, avalanche awareness, and first aid skill training. A detailed topographic map, a compass, and the ability to use them are absolute essentials.

Don't miss: Virgin backcountry snow; need we say more? Visitors to the 350-mile trail network linking the huts also enjoy fascinating bits of history by following these well-worn footsteps, and have been known to uncover quiet memories of military men that range from foxholes to ammunition boxes.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort Crested Butte, Colorado www.skicb.com

Anything that you can do on snow, you can do at Crested Butte. 15 lifts, 121 trails, and a feast of bowls, chutes, glades, and cliffs will thrill accomplished skiers and riders, and get this half of the terrain is well suited to beginners and intermediates, too! The sheer variety lends itself to countless activities beyond alpine turns. Get ready for cross-country skiing, backcountry snowcat-served adventures, sleigh and horseback rides, snowshoeing, ice skating, and so much more.

And did we mention that you can use your Epic Pass, too?

Why we love it: The beautiful, historic downtown is just 24 miles away from Aspen, and offers rustic authenticity you can only find in Colorado. World-class dining, fabulous lodges, and some of our favorite cocktails round out the snow-globe-style goodness.

Before you go: Definitely check the mountain's calendar and pass options before you get to town there are awesome deals to be had if you book tickets in advance, and you don't want to miss any fun seasonal events!

Don't miss: Handy shuttles (affectionately dubbed art galleries on wheels?) run between town and mountain every 15 minutes, offering maximum opportunities to explore and a taste of local culture to boot.

The Broadmoor Colorado Springs, Colorado www.broadmoor.com

The towering, 779-room Broadmoor boasts Italian Renaissance style and luxurious old world elegance and it's attentively served guests for 100 years. The Grand Dame of the Rockies was first built in 1918, and has hosted dignitaries, athletes, and celebrities of all sorts ever since.

Home to one of the first full-service spas in the United States, today the decadent destination offers a spa experience with over 100 services, 26 specialty shops, 20 distinct dining experiences, and its own stables for horseback riding.

Why we love it: The culture, the history, the mountain air, muah! But let's get Western here for a moment: at The Broadmoor, you can try your hand at mountain biking, horseback riding, archery, canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing, rock climbing, falconry, and full-on adventure and wilderness experiences all guided by experts.

Before you go: Check into the schedule of events, specials, and celebrations set around the Broadmoor's Centennial the venue is going all out for A Century to Remember with a new theme for every month of the year, in addition to the jam-packed regular schedule!

Don't miss: The Golden Bee Gastropub might just take you right back to 19th century England and for good reason. The pub was transferred panel-by-panel from the UK to Colorado Springs by founder Spencer Penrose.

Nicole Garman, Lifestyle Writer nicole.l.garman@gmail.com