The sun shines 300 days a year in Colorado, yet come winter, snow is guaranteed. If that alone doesn’t convince you, take a look at lots more reasons for heading west this winter.
Immense views are Colorado’s calling card
Why skiing in Colorado is like nowhere else
Imagine skiing in a place with guaranteed snow, where the sun shines on average for 300 days a year, where the air is pure and the slopes are immaculately groomed. Then think about skiing in a place geared for families with world-class training facilities full of expertly trained and friendly instructors. This isn’t a dream. This is skiing in Colorado and there are many reasons why it’s one of the most popular North American destination for skiers of all levels.
Viceroy Snowmass resort, Aspen, Colorado
Part of the Rocky mountains and home to some of the world’s best ski resorts
As part of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is also home to some of the world’s best ski resorts – most of which are 100% dedicated to family skiing. However, Colorado has a cool factor too and that goes well beyond the slopes. As a matter of fact, it’s an area with an incredibly rich history, a toe in everything from mining to ranching and a heap of authentic mountain towns with more than a hint of the Wild West.
Take Telluride for example: the site of Butch Cassidy’s first ever bank robbery. Alternatively head to Steamboat where cowboy culture permeates so deeply you can buy cowboy hats and lassos on the main street. See, we told you kids would love it here!
Or simply choose a purpose-built resort, designed specifically with the skier in mind. The likes of Winter Park or Copper Mountain are built to perfection with every detail considered.
Book a family ski vacation in Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Millions of dollars have been invested in Colorado resorts, and it shows
Generally considered to be among world’s most luxurious ski destinations, places such as Winter Park, Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin have still recently invested millions of dollars in upgrading lifts and expanding ski terrain. Although that doesn’t put them out of the picture for families. In fact Colorado all round is great for kids who can not only learn to ski in an unpressurised, fun environment, but also spend downtime learning about everything from wildlife to local history.
At these resorts you can expect next level service. Think tissues ready to grab at the bottom of ski lifts, plus guest service areas on-mountain offering advice, sunscreen, snacks, warm (non-alcoholic) cider and water – all free of charge.
Book a family ski vacation in Telluride
Cross country ski trails, Steamboat Springs
From guided snow tours to double black diamond trails, it’s all going on here
Most resorts offer free guided tours, often daily. However, the slopes are easy to navigate and the snow is dry and powdery, so patches of ice are few and far between. Plus, if you’re an expert skier, there’s plenty to keep you busy too. Steep double-black diamond trails abound in these mountains, as well as mogul-skiing, tree-skiing, powder fields, steep bowls and other more extreme terrain. Generally all under clear blue skies too.
Book a family ski vacation in Winter Park
Some of the world’s best ski resorts are in Colorado
The highs and the lows: how to cope with the altitude
Altitude sickness is typically not a problem for visitors to Colorado, but there are sensible ways to ensure it doesn’t strike. If anyone is affected in your family, Colorado locals are well versed in spotting the signs, which include headache, nausea, tiredness and dizziness/light headedness, so treatment will be swift.
Denver, Colorado
Acclimatize in Denver: highest city in the US
- Adjust slowly. Stay a night or two in Denver not only to acclimate, but also to enjoy the city’s many attractions. Or stay in a valley town for a night or two, rather than in resort.
- Take it easy over the first few days – and get your mountain legs under you.
- Make sure the family drinks ample water. Staying hydrated is key!
- Remember that day three is the hardest for your body both on the slopes and at altitude. Don’t think you’re already out of the woods!
- A high-carb diet, featuring plenty of pasta, fruit, bread and potatoes, can help.
- Many hotels and apartments offer humidifiers – keep one running while you sleep, to help with hydration.
Book a family hotel in Denver this winter
Elk, Estes Park, Colorado
Colorado gives you lots of reason not to ski too
Off the mountain, Colorado resorts offer myriad ways to keep the family amused, from snow-tubing and dog-sledding, free concerts and horse-riding, to snowshoe trails, winter driving schools for the adults, ice-skating, museums and history tours (these are super fun: how can spotting bullets on the ceiling in the watering holes of Telluride ever be dull?).
Colorado ski areas also feature constant improvement. Millions of dollars have been invested to improve the dining experience and skiing and snowboarding. From new high-speed gondolas and bubble lifts, to new expanded terrain and new restaurants (think food truck – but on a snowcat), Colorado will prove a worthy destination.
Book a family ski vacation in Copper Mountain
There’s almost as much to do off-skis as on in Colorado
Dining is exceptional wherever you go. For instance, Aspen is famous for its health-conscious, world-class cuisine. On-mountain, you’ll find many choices most of which are perfect for sharing family style. And at most ski areas, there are family-owned bistro options alongside the large, swift, cafeteria-style restaurants that are all you need sometimes. What we can guarantee is your kids won’t ever go hungry.
How to get to Colorado
Denver is the main hub for flights from around the country.
Flights from Denver are available regional airports close to Steamboat, Aspen and Telluride.
Denver is also within a 4-hour drive of most major Colorado ski resorts.
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