Not many winter vacation destinations can beat Colorado. With more than 25 ski resorts, 300 days of sun each year and 300 average inches of annual snowfall, the state is a winter sports enthusiast’s paradise. However, Colorado has more to offer than just sports. Whether your interests lie in world-class skiing and snowboarding, luxury lodging, gourmet dining or a family-friendly trip, a winter vacation in Colorado can deliver.
Every serious skier – and snowboarder – “needs to ski Vail at least once,” according to Frommers. Vail offers 350 inches of annual snowfall, a 3,450-foot vertical drop, 31 chair lifts, a high-speed gondola and 193 groomed trails. Snowboarders will enjoy three terrain parks, a halfpipe and a superpipe. More than half of Vail’s trails are classified as "expert" or "advanced."
In addition, Vail can deliver a luxury vacation. Reserve the Lodge at Vail’s Game Creek Chalet. This one-of-a-kind lodge rests 10,500 feet up Vail Mountain. Amenities include three bedrooms, an entertainment room, five bathrooms, fireplaces and a hot tub, and the Game Creek Chalet also provides daily housekeeping, a private chef and a personal ski guide for instruction. Ski right to your front door – lift tickets are included. The Game Creek Chalet topped the Forbes 2005 list of "World’s Most Expensive Ski Resorts."
If your Colorado vacation includes the whole family, head for Aspen Snowmass. This resort offers four mountains with downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country trails for all abilities. Buttermilk Mountain even offers extra-wide runs and interactive trails for younger skiers, and kids under 6 ski free. The Camp Aspen ski school teaches children from ages five to 12, and younger children can spend the day at the Treehouse Kids Club.
When in Aspen, stay at the Sky Hotel. The hotel’s Kimpton Kids program offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, such as in-room safety kits with electrical outlet covers and toilet latches; kid-size robes for rent; highchairs and booster seats in the hotel restaurant; and free crib or play yard rentals. The Sky Hotel concierge can provide a list of local accredited babysitters, rental car companies that offer car seats and local family-friendly events and attractions.
Foodies will enjoy a winter vacation in Boulder. “Bon Appetit” magazine named this mountain town America's "Foodiest Town" in 2010. Boulder is known for its many farmers' markets, restaurant quality and variety and artisanal food products. Dine at Frasca Food and Wine, recipient of awards and accolades from sources such as “Food and Wine,” “Conde Nast” and “Gourmet” magazines, Gayot reviews and the Wall Street Journal. Frasca Food and Wine serves a seasonal menu that emphasizes locally sourced produce, and the restaurant adheres to the slow-food philosophy. Frasca’s wine list includes more than 200 offerings.
Stay in the heart of downtown at the Hotel Boulderado. This historic hotel is one of the first established in Boulder and is within walking distance of downtown’s shopping, dining and nightlife. The hotel is home to Q Restaurant, a Mobil three-star award winner that serves organic and seasonal cuisine. Adding to Boulder's appeal, the Eldora Mountain Resort, just 17 miles from town, offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
