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While the idea of sun, sand, and surf is very appealing during the wintertime, sometimes it’s actually kind of nice to embrace the true meaning of the season.
That means getting hunkered down in a cozy cabin in front of a roaring fire while the snow falls on the mountains and pine trees outside.
It’s a dreamy winter travel vision in its own right, and luckily the United States has some of the best places on earth to live out this fantasy.
Perhaps the most popular, and with very good reason, is the state of Colorado.
Whether it’s skiing, fine dining, luxury wellness spas, or just hanging out in hipster mountain towns, this winter wonderland has so much to offer…
Winter Sports Paradise
It’s well-known that Colorado is home to some of the best skiing locations on the planet, with towns such as Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge among the favorites.
There are more than 1,500 miles of ski slopes in the state, served by 28 ski resorts and over 300 ski lifts – so even when it gets busy, you’ll always be able to find somewhere to go.
It’s not only downhill winter sports that are unrivaled here; you can also partake in snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at one of the many Nordic Centers in Colorado, as well as try your hand at dog sledding, snow tubing, or even snowmobiling.
Despite the cold, Colorado boasts many sunny days in winter and very dry snow, so being out in it all day doesn’t feel like a chore.
An Appetite For Après
After any amount of winter sports, you’re going to be ready to eat.
But one of the great things about Colorado is that it’s fast-becoming a recognized foodie destination, so you could go there just for the food if skiing isn’t your thing.
Boulder, Aspen, and Vail are all home to some incredible restaurants, with brewhouse-style grub being one of the main things they excel at.
The state even has a growing number of Michelin starred restaurants for those seeking luxury dining.
Scenery Like Nowhere Else
About half of Colorado is mountainous, making it a place where breathtaking scenery is just part and parcel of being there.
While some of the main hiking trails may be a little less accessible in winter, there are still plenty of places to catch a glimpse of a stunning vista at this time of year.
The valley town of Breckenridge is best viewed from Boreas Pass Road, while Pikes Peak Summit near Colorado Springs can still be viewed from Garden of the Gods in winter.
Another great sight to witness is the Colorado National Monument, which you can check out from several different lookout points around Monument Canyon.
Ensure that you are prepared for winter driving conditions and keep an eye on snowfall in the weather forecast if you’re on a sightseeing trip in a car.
Mountain Towns Are A Vibe
There’s just something about being in a mountain town that gets your inner party animal going.
One place where you can enjoy the nightlife long after the sun has gone down is Colorado Springs, which is predicted to be one of the trending travel destinations in 2024 according to a recent study by Airbnb.
Then there’s the state’s biggest city, Denver, which is known for its great music scene, welcoming bars, and a large number of independent breweries.
Warm Up The Cold Winter
The wellness scene in Colorado is excellent, and one of the best ways to experience it is by staying at one of the many amazing hot springs.
There are almost 30 different hot springs in the state covering everything from ultimate luxury to family-friendly resorts – all of which will leave you feeling recharged and cleansed thanks to their warm waters that are naturally rich in minerals.
Durango Hot Springs is one of the most popular for luxury, while Glenwood Hot Springs offers water slides for the family.
Pretty much every single one of these hot spring spas has amazing views of the stunning Colorado landscape – a combination that makes me feel relaxed just writing about it.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com