Colorado is the ultimate winter playground, with more than half of the state covered in the Rocky Mountains. This has given way to more than 30 resorts that offer not only skiing, but also off-piste and après-ski activities, from cross-country tours to horse-drawn sleigh rides. Most are in close proximity to Denver, where a sprawling international airport and a characterful downtown provide the perfect entry point to your winter vacation. Spend a few days in the capital watching sports, shopping for cowboy togs and sampling local beers before hitting the slopes. From epic off-piste playgrounds to affordable all-arounds, here are six of the state’s hottest ski towns.

Best for Cowboy Heritage: The Steamboat

Famous for its trademark “Champagne Powder” snow and its roster of resident Winter Olympians, Steamboat offerings include night skiing, snow tubing, and the largest ski jumping complex in North America. A recent three-year redevelopment project welcomed a new core area to Steamboat Square that includes new social spaces, a concert stage and a food hall. From the square, visitors can now ride the Wild Blue Gondola (the longest in North America) to the top of Sunshine Peak.

However, what sets this historic farming community apart is its distinctive western charm. Restaurants range from farm favorite E3 Chophouse to the family-friendly Ore House at The Pine Grove, which serves hearty, seasonal dishes. Nearby, Western clothing stores such as FM Light & Sons and Steamboat Hatter sell handmade leather boots and custom cowboy hats. There’s also the Cowboy Downhill Ski Rodeo event held every January, where professional cowboys and cowgirls trade their saddles for skis and compete for prizes.

Best for off-piste adventures: Crested Butte

With 561 acres of double-black-diamond terrain, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the mountain’s total area, Crested Butte it is the destination of choice for experienced skiers and snowboarders. Its remote location means fewer crowds, and its terrain is rugged and varied, with steep gullies, open glades and sprawling bowls.

Mount Axtell has a number of trails, including the steep and narrow Pencil and Quill channels. For less experienced skiers, a variety of local operators, such as Irwin Guides, offer avalanche courses, private ski lessons, and off-piste lodge tours through the Elk Mountains.

Charming and laid-back, the town is home to plenty of winter activities in addition to skiing, such as dog sledding and fat biking. Visitors can also enjoy simply wandering through this picture-perfect town, which brims with glamor and mining history dating back to the 1800s. There are also a number of modest restaurants, including Kochevar’s Saloon, which dates back to 1886.

Best for peak views: Breckenridge

Breckenridge is one of the highest ski resorts in the US, consisting of five peaks that reach more than 12,000 meters, allowing for quality snow and long runs for skiers and snowboarders of different abilities. Those looking for a challenge should ski the extreme double-black-diamond Lake Chutes. Alternatively, hop aboard the Imperial Express SuperChair, the tallest chairlift in North America, to reach the top of Peak 8.

Back at the base of the slopes, the historic gold mining town – known as “Breck” by locals and regulars alike – is home to colorful storefronts and wrap-around saloons. Here, visitors can end a day of skiing by relaxing with a hot toddy while making the most of the award-winning offerings from the vibrant local distillery scene. The city also hosts International Snow Sculpture Championships every January, where teams spend five days creating an outdoor art gallery—without the use of power tools.

Best for family fun: Winter Park

Located just 66 miles from Denver – skiers can catch now Winter Park Express train from Denver Union Station — Winter Park is one of the most family-friendly resorts in the state. Beginners should head for gentle, spacious Gemini and Bill Wilson’s Path. There’s also snow tubing and ski biking for over 14s, as well as snowcat tours such as the Winter Park Resort guide team to Vasquez Ridge. With tree-lined slopes and open meadows, this spot atop Mount Mary Jane is perfect for families who want a break to enjoy s’mores while watching the sunset over the Fraser Valley.

There’s plenty to get involved with off the slopes too, particularly in the family-friendly scene. Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge is a particularly popular spot, with live music, hot chocolate and cookies for the kids, and a free gondola ride up and down.

Best all-rounder: Aspen

With four different mountains, Aspen it has gentle, rolling slopes at Buttermilk, double black diamond terrain at Highland Bowl, and world-class heli-skiing in the nearby San Juan Mountains. Then there’s Snowmass, which is bigger than the other three mountains combined.

Beyond the slopes, Aspen’s legendary apres scene has something for everyone, whether you prefer a cozy hot chocolate by the fire at Little NellAspen’s five-star, five-diamond hotel, or a cocktail in a rooftop hot tub on W Aspen’s WET Deck. Meanwhile, for families, the newly modernized Snowmass base village it has a community center complete with restaurants, ice rink, game room, yoga studio and five-story rock climbing wall.

Aspen also has a variety of winter festivals and events, including the annual three-day Wintersköl with live snow sculptures and a craft beer festival. There are also Aspen Gay Ski Weekheld in January, where the program includes guided mountain hikes, a downhill costume competition, après ski events and a Drag Queen Bingo Brunch.

This is paid content for the Colorado Bureau of Tourism. They do not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveler (UK) or their editors.

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