These Towns In Colorado Come Alive In Winter
Winter in the Rocky Mountains state of Colorado means world-class skiing. But even if snapping on a pair of skis is not your idea of wintertime fun, Colorado’s small towns have much more to offer during the holiday season and beyond. Uncover seven Colorado towns that come alive when the temperature dips and the snow falls, which offer a nice mix of ski destinations and charming small communities.
Aspen
Situated at about 8,000 feet and home to about 7,000 year-round residents, Aspen started out as a mining town but has become one of Colorado’s most famous skiing and year-round resort destinations. Winter visitors come from all over the world to experience renowned ski resorts like Snowmass and Aspen Mountain, not to mention Aspen’s many luxurious spas. But the town is also perfect for a winter evening stroll. In December, Aspen hosts a 12 Days of Christmas celebration, including sleigh rides, ice skating, holiday shops, and events at the historic Wheeler Opera House.
Breckenridge
Like Aspen, Breckinridge started out as a mining town and transformed into a resort destination with the opening of Breckenridge Ski Resort in the 1960s. The town’s year-round population of 5,000 surges in winter, but hitting the slopes is not Breckenridge’s only attraction. The town is well-known for its picturesque Main Street, which becomes even more beautiful when decked out for the holidays. Along with ample Christmas cheer, Breckenridge hosts a Nordic “Ullr Fest” in December and rings in the new year with a torchlight parade down the mountain and fireworks.
Durango
Durango is another gateway to great skiing, with Purgatory Ski Resort only 25 miles outside of town. But this community of 20,000 is equally well-known for its beautiful and historic downtown area. The downtown train depot services the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which offers breathtaking scenic tours of the snow-kissed San Juan Mountains. The railroad also runs holiday-themed trips, such as the Polar Express. In December, downtown Durango hosts an old-fashioned Christmas Bazaar and other heartwarming holiday activities. Then in late January, Durango hosts its popular annual Snowdown Festival.
Estes Park
The town of Estes Park sits at the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, which in winter is home to snowy trails, frozen waterfalls, herds of elk, and many other natural wonders to behold. Closer to this town of 6,000 residents, lovely Lake Estes shimmers and sparkles as the winter ice takes hold. The town itself is quaint and inviting, with some distinctive architectural highlights, including the opulent Stanley Hotel (inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s The Shining). Take a drive on Trail Ridge Road to get unparalleled mountain views.
Georgetown
A historic mining town located at an elevation of 8,500 feet, Georgetown has only 1,000 residents but makes a big impression on visitors. Fans of Victorian architecture simply must take a walking tour of Georgetown when the buildings are decked out for the holidays. The best way to experience the surrounding natural beauty is a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which offers unmatched vistas of the postcard-pretty Clear Creek Valley. And any tour is enhanced with a sampling of the Georgetown Valley Candy Company’s famous fudge and other sweet treats!
Ouray
Tiny Ouray, with under 1,000 residents, is lovingly called the “Switzerland of America” due to the Alpine feel of the town and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. The town’s annual Winterfest gets started right after Thanksgiving and carries all the way into early January, culminating in an Ice Festival. This is an appropriate celebration for a town that is known for the surrounding ice walls that are great for climbing in winter. Luckily, Ouray is also known for its hot springs, so you can warm up after a day of ice climbing!
Telluride
Nestled in a box canyon at an elevation of over 8,700 feet, Telluride is now best known for the Telluride Ski Resort, which is connected to the town by a gondola. Even if you do not plan to ski, a gondola ride is the best way to see the majestic San Juan Mountains. Back in town, modern spas and restaurants share space with classic structures dating back to Telluride’s mining heyday. Downtown Telluride lights up on a grand scale for the holidays and plays host to a great Holiday Arts Bazaar in December.
While downhill skiing is the state’s winter calling card, you can have an unforgettable winter vacation in Colorado without ever setting foot on a ski resort. Even Colorado’s famous skiing towns offer charming festivals and holiday events that help warm up the cold days of winter. And there are plenty of lesser-known towns tucked away in the mountains, just waiting for you to explore on a midwinter’s day. So, make your travel plans today!
