6 Colorado Towns to Visit this Winter

Steamboat Springs

• Ski the infamous “champagne powder” at Steamboat Springs Resort.

• Soak in the naturescape that is Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

• Eat at Sun Pies (order a hurricane and cheesesteak), Taco Cabo, Yampa Valley Kitchen, Salt & Lime, Skull Creek Greek, The Corner Slice, Besame and Laundry.

• Stay at Bear Claw Condominiums (ski in/ski out), Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs (free shuttle to mountain) or Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas.

Salida & Buena Vista

• Located 30 minutes apart, these two towns pair together wonderfully. These towns are laid back and great for non-skiers due to a lower price point.

• Ski at the low-key locals mountain, Ski Monarch.

• If you’ve seen the movie Balto, dog sledding is on your bucket list - try it out with Monarch Dog Sled Rides.

• Soak in Mount Princeton hot springs (the Creekside springs are my favorite). If you’re in need of extra rejuvenation - scope out their spa menu beforehand.

• Eat at Gigi's Betchin' Chicken, The Blend, Buena Viking, The Lariat (often with live music), Bird & Mouse Bakery, Red Truck Pizza Co, High Side! and The Biker & The Baker.

• Stay at Outside Design Cabins, Surf Hotel (perched on the Arkansas river) or Amigo Motor Lodge.

Note: There are no 5-star properties in these towns, I'm telling ya - laid back.

Pagosa Springs

• Fly into Durango or drive from Denver or Albuquerque airports.

• Soak in the hot springs at The Springs Resort, The Overlook Hot Springs or Healing Waters Resort & Spa.

• Ski at Wolf Creek Resort, a local mountain that consistently gets the most snow of any Colorado ski resort. Note: there is no lodging at this ski resort.

• Enjoy cocktails and music at Neon Mallard in Pagosa Springs.

• Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train.

• Stay at Elkwood Manor B&B, The Springs Resort & Spa or Motel SOCO.

• Combine Pagosa Springs with a couple nights in Durango.

Telluride

• If you’re truly looking to reconnect with nature, stay and soak at Dunton Hot Springs - a bucket-list resort built into an old ghost mining town (best for couples).

• Ski at Telluride Ski Resort.

• Ride the valley floor on fat-tire bikes while taking in the views of the surrounding box canyon.

• If you’d rather not ski, you can still ride the gondola up to the top to check out the views and have lunch.

• If you’re feeling adventurous, try out ice climbing.

• Eat at Allred's Restaurant, Brown Dog Pizza, Caravan Middle Eastern Food, Counter Culture, Telluride Brewing Co, The Wok of Joy and The National.

• If you plan to ski or want to be right in town, stay at Madeline Hotel or The Hotel Telluride.

Fort Collins

• This small city is located an hour north of Denver and is most well-known for three things: Colorado State University, an absurd amount of craft beer breweries, and being the inspiration for Walt Disney’s “Main Street USA”.

• The city lights up the tree-lined, cobblestone streets in Old Town for the holidays, making it feel like a Hallmark movie.

• Shop at various local boutiques, some of my favorites are HeyDay, Pennymade, Sunday Supply Co, Kansas City Kitty, Wadoo Home & Gifts and Akinz.

• I have a LONG list of eating and drinking options, but a few favorites include: LIMA coffee The Social, Union Bar & Soda Fountain, Bistro Nautile, Kinn Thai Cuisine, Music City Hot Chicken, Yampa Sandwich Co, RARE Italian, The Reserve by Old Elk Distillery, Tasty Harmony and Explorado Market.

• Take the free tour of New Belgium, which includes free beer tastings. Other notable breweries include: Odell Brewing Company, Maxline Brewing, Tap & Handle, Scrumpy’s Hard Cider Bar, Funkwerks and Stodgy Brewing Co.

• Check the schedule and head to the Budweiser Events Center to visit the famous Clydesdale horses. They host this event several times per winter.

• Stay at The Elizabeth, located in Old Town.

Aspen

• Everyone knows Aspen, and for good reason. If you want a true luxe winter escape, this is the place for you.

• Ski at one of the four Aspen Resort mountains: Snowmass, Aspen, Aspen Highlands or Buttermilk.

• Spend a day shopping (or window shopping) high-end stores mixed with plenty of local boutiques.

• Plan your trip to align with the X Games, which is typically hosted in January.

• Eat/Drink at The Whole Empanada, Clark’s Oyster Bar, Element47, Grateful Deli, Madame Ushi, Unravel Coffee + Bar, The Red Onion and Meat & Cheese Restaurant.

• Stay at W Aspen, The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome and The St Regis Aspen Resort.