While Colorado is widely known as a world-famous hotspot for skiing, it also has plenty of other attractions for vacation-goers of all kinds.
Whether you’re looking forward to a conventional mountain holiday, or a completely off-the-beaten-path activity, “Colorful Colorado” has just what you need for an amazing winter vacation.
Here are some of the most popular and memorable winter vacation activities in Colorado for non-skiers:
Even if you don’t like skiing, there are plenty of other winter activities you could try, such as snow tubing and snowboarding. You could even rent an ATV or snowmobile and enjoy a self-guided adventure on your own terms.
Adventurous activities aren’t the only things you could do. You could always simply relax and enjoy the trappings of the ski resort experience.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Valdoro Mountain Lodge Breckenridge offers guests a wide selection of premium rooms and suites with top of the line amenities for a traditional mountain resort experience—complete with all the bells and whistles. Lounge in your luxury accommodations, take a dip in your own private outdoor hot tub, or share a romantic cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch combines the traditional mountain lodge aesthetic with the best in contemporary luxury. Even if you don’t ski, The Ritz-Carlton is home to some spectacular spa and wellness experiences, decadent dining and cuisine options, and tons of fun and exciting year-round activities. Try your hand at golfing the exclusive courses of Vail Valley, hiking or horseback riding along the scenic trails of White River National Forest, enjoy some family-friendly fun in Adventure Ridge, and so much more.
If the snow-capped mountains aren’t your thing, Colorado is also home to more than 90 natural and man-made hot springs that make for a truly memorable visit.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort contains the world's largest hot springs pool, which is vast enough for visitors to swim laps in. You can also enjoy a wellness treatment at Yampah Spa, The Hot Springs Vapor Caves, and luxuriate in a range of body treatments while soaking in the natural geothermal mineral baths—for a unique vacation experience you can’t find anywhere else on this continent.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs has some gorgeous, open-air pools for guests, as well as massage treatments and cabin lodging for visitors who want to immerse themselves in such a beautiful, soul-soothing environment.
If engaging with the rich, cultural, and historical attractions is more your jam, Colorado has plenty of unique and well-preserved sites worth exploring, year-round.
Survey incredible spots such as Bent’s Old Fort, a national historic site that used to serve as a fur trading post in the 1840s. Check out Central City/Black Hawk Historic District, a famous gold mining town formerly known as the “Richest Square Mile on Earth.” Take a biking tour along the picturesque Rim Rock Drive on the way to the amazingly preserved Colorado National Monument, with its towering red rock canyons, expansive plateaus, and unique wildlife.
Colorado is also home to many preserved fossil sites and ecosystems, including Dinosaur National Monument, Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry, and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Hike through some of these unforgettable remnants of distant times, and gaze at the last remains of ancient creatures for a fun and educational dive into the prehistory of the region.
Colorado boasts some truly phenomenal natural wonders that need to be seen to be believed.
Rocky Mountain National Park features more than 300 miles of amazingly scenic hiking trails with views of majestic mountains, glimmering lakes, and diverse regional wildlife. For some sensational winter activities, visit Snow Mountain Ranch and relish in a mountain sleigh ride, ice skating, snowshoe hiking, and fat biking. You could even go dog sledding and bask in the sense of adventure as a team of huskies lead you on a journey through snow-covered trails and past wondrous landscapes.
Gaze on the cascading waterfalls of Alberta Falls, Rifle Falls State Park, and Hanging Lake. Take a biking tour through the trails of Garden of the Gods, a unique natural phenomenon of three towering sandstone peaks that can be traced back more than 300 million years. Zipline across Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, and soar above gorgeous canyon scenery to catch a glimpse of the astounding mountain panorama.
There is no shortage of surprising and distinctive landscapes and features to marvel at.
If sightseeing is one of the main draws for your Colorado excursion, a winter train vacation is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get the most value and see the most of the “Centennial State.”
Colorado offers a number of railroad-based adventures and itinerary experiences for visitors to enjoy. Amtrak’s Winter Park Express transports passengers from Denver Union Station to Winter Park Resort for some fun winter activities and entertainment.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been operating for 140 years, and takes guests on an extraordinary journey through some of the charming and beautiful mountain and wilderness landscape of San Juan National Forest.
Savor an unforgettable meal while on Royal Gorge Route Railroad, an incredible rolling restaurant experience with jaw-dropping views of the Colorado Rockies, and world-class service and cuisine. The train even offers a selection of award-winning wines from across the globe.
No matter what activities or natural wonders you’re looking for, Colorado has something for everyone!
Working with our experienced team of InteleTravel Advisors is truly the best way to get the most value from your winter holiday. We take all the guesswork and stress out of your travel planning, so you can revel in the glory of a truly unforgettable Colorado vacation!