Colorado

An Epic Winter Trip to Colorado

Looking for a fantastic winter getaway? Explore one of the best winter destinations in the U.S., Colorado, with its famous ski resorts, pristine snowy slopes, and stunning mountain views is a winter wonderland.

Getting There

Day 1

Snowmobile & Zip Lining

Tubing at Copper Mountain

Getting There

We arrived at Denver International Airport and rented a car for the 2-hour drive to Keystone Resort. Initially, we were worried because there was no snow in the city, but as we got closer to the mountains, the landscape transformed into a winter wonderland. It's crucial to choose a vehicle that is suitable for driving on the icy roads and winter conditions of the Colorado Mountains. We decided to rent a Chevy Suburban for our large group, and it proved to be a comfortable choice. When we checked in at the River Run Townhomes in Keystone Resort, we were pleased to find that our accommodations were comfortable and well-suited for our needs. From the townhouse balcony, the views were breathtaking, with everything covered in a blanket of fresh, soft snow. It was like a scene from a movie!

Day 1

Hit the Slopes

Begin your day by skiing or snowboarding in the breathtaking mountains of Colorado. If you're new, consider taking a class, especially if you plan to visit more frequently.

Skiing and snowboarding offer distinct mountain experiences. Whether you prefer the precision of skis or the balance of a snowboard, the choice is yours for an unforgettable winter adventure.

Snow Biking

Feel the excitement of snow biking, a thrilling mix of skiing and downhill biking at high speeds. It's a great option for those looking for an adventurous alternative to traditional skiing and snowboarding, and it's beginner-friendly.

Ice Skate

Skate beneath the stars at Keystone Lake or Dercum Square. Keystone offers two skating options: a 5-acre frozen lake rink at Lakeside Village or a manmade ice rink at River Run Village, both with skate rentals and nearby restaurants.

Where to Dine?

Alpenglow Stube, Keystone Ranch, or Bighorn Bistro & Lounge.

Day 2

Snowmobile & Zip Lining

Begin your day with an hour's drive to Leadville for snowmobiling and zip-lining with White Mountain Snowmobile Tours. They offer various snowmobile tours suited to your skill level and pace. We opted for the 'Prospector Tour,' perfect for beginners and families. After checking at the Turquoise Lake Riding area and receiving helmets and goggles, we were comfortably transported to the snowmobile location. The stunning open valley and a visit to a frozen lake left us in awe of the breathtaking views.

Dog Sledding

Book an afternoon tour with Alpine Adventures Dogsledding during the winter season. Make early reservations as spots fill up fast. Enjoy driving the sled and spending time with the dogs on the tour.

Day 3

Vail

Vail, a world-renowned Colorado skiing town, is a must-visit for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Just an hour from Keystone Resort, Vail offers top-tier accommodations, dining, shopping, and year-round activities. Apart from skiing and snowboarding, you can explore the town in the morning or enjoy the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster for an exciting mountain descent.

SnowCat Tour

Visit Camp Hale Lodge, 15 miles south of Vail, for a snowcat tour. Book a 2-3 hour heated snow coach tour with Nova Guide to enjoy the winter Rockies' beauty in warmth. This is ideal for larger groups, as it accommodates up to 13 passengers. The snow coach will take you to the mountain peak for stunning 360-degree views of snowy mountains.

Important Tip: Due to the remote location of their base camp, the internet signal may be weak. Enter the hotel address in your car's GPS before leaving. If your car lacks this feature, explore other navigation options to ensure you can return to the hotel without a phone signal. Additionally, ensure your car has a full tank as gas stations are scarce in that area.

Day 4

Breckenridge

Another charming winter town just 30 minutes from Keystone Resort is Breckenridge. If you missed skiing or snowboarding in Vail, you have another opportunity here. Breckenridge boasts fantastic slopes with more budget-friendly ski/snowboard rentals. Depending on weather conditions, you can also enjoy a thrilling 2,500-foot descent down the mountain on the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster.

Sleigh Ride

Snuggle under a warm wool blanket with hot cocoa on a picturesque sleigh ride in snowy Breckenridge. Reserve your spot with Breckenridge Stables for tours lasting 35-45 minutes. They also offer a 'Dinner Sleigh Ride' option, featuring a buffet-style meal and live entertainment after the ride.

Day 5

Tubing at Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain boasts one of Colorado's finest tubing hills, a lively zone just 30 minutes from Keystone Resort. Hop on an electric escalator to reach the hill's peak, where a staff member will send you spinning down for a thrilling ride. You can slide solo or with friends, holding hands if you like; we had up to 10 people sliding down together!

Where to Dine?

Reserve at C.B. Grill, located right at Copper Mountain Center Village for a delicious Colorado-styled meat dinner.

Important Tips

Altitude Adjustment: Colorado's high-altitude ski towns may cause altitude sickness, with symptoms like shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and more. If coming from a low-altitude area, allow time for acclimatization by relaxing or staying in Denver before heading to the mountains.
Winter-Ready Vehicle: Choose a car suitable for icy mountain roads and winter conditions. Keep your gas tank full when traveling away from towns, as gas stations are scarce.
Daytime Travel: Aim to return to your resort by 6 p.m. before darkness falls. Nighttime driving can be challenging on complex, poorly lit mountain roads in unpredictable winter conditions.
Navigation Backup: Mountain areas may have unreliable phone signals, so ensure you have your hotel address in your car's GPS or an alternative navigation method.
Reservation Confirmation: Always book in advance and double-check your reservations, as unpredictable winter weather can lead to cancellations."

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