This middle-of-America state is a gem for adventurers
By Bryn Dippold
Whether in the summer, fall, winter or spring, Colorado is a hotspot for travelers looking for an adventure. Winter especially is an ideal time to visit Colorado, with the array of winter sports, sightseeing and picturesque snowy towns. While there are not many places in Colorado unworthy of a visit, these three destinations are perfect for a winter getaway.
Vail
When you think of winter in Colorado, Vail might be the first place that comes to mind. The picturesque mountain town of only about 4,500 people welcomes around 2.8 million visitors a year. It is known partly for its snow, unrivaled snowboarding and skiing, and its dining and hotels.
Next year, Vail has some exciting new developments. Vail Mountain and Avanti Food & Beverage will open the third Avanti in Colorado. Coming in 2025, Avanti, a collective space with multiple culinary offerings, is a joint $4 million investment in the Golden Peak base area. Vail will also be the home of the 2025 Annual Summit for the National Brotherhood of Snowsports from Feb. 22 to March 1.
If outdoor sports aren’t your thing, Vail has extensive dining options, with many of the restaurants located halfway up a mountain. While there are some high-end dining options—Vail is home to two Michelin-recognized restaurants, Sweet Basil and Osaki’s—those looking for a casual experience can visit Bully Ranch or The Blü Cow.
Boulder
Just north of Denver, Boulder is a go-to destination for urban and outdoor activities. Locals enjoy drinks on Corrida’s patio, which is a Spanish restaurant, with views of the Flatirons; “hipster” coffees at Boxcar Coffee Roasters, OZO Coffee Company or Baleza Coffee Bar; smoothies and juice at Wonder Press; and pizza and Aperol spritzes at the newly renovated Pizzeria Alberico. Concerts at The Colorado Chautauqua venue are a can’t-miss experience, as are hikes in Chautauqua Park. Walks around Wonderland Lake and on the trails at Boulder Valley Ranch give visitors the outdoor experience they came to Colorado for. Boulder also has a thriving arts scene, and The New Local art gallery features art from local artists and workshops for adults and kids.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, between Vail and Aspen, is a hotspot—literally. Home to three hot springs attractions—Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves—the town is an idyllic destination to relax and sweat it out. Yampah recently launched mineral baths in May 2024, adding a new swimming area with five additional pools with varying water temperatures. The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has also announced a planned renovation of all 107 guest rooms and a new boutique hotel, Hotel 1888. Iron Mountain Hot Springs will break ground on its WorldSprings expansion, adding a large cold plunge pool, sauna, private cabanas and riverside pools.
