9 BEST Places to Visit in Colorado in the Winter (2026/27)

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Looking for a true winter wonderland? Add Colorado to your list! With snowcapped peaks, fresh powder, and stunning Rocky Mountain beauty, Colorado is packed with unforgettable winter destinations As someone who’s explored Colorado’s winter magic firsthand, I’m here to share the best spots, from well-loved locales to hidden gems. Whether you’re after the thrill of world-class ski slopes, a cozy cabin getaway, or a quiet mountain town draped in snow, Colorado delivers.

Here’s my ultimate guide to Colorado’s winter wonderland, crafted from years of travel experience across this breathtaking state. From the iconic, powder-filled mountains of Aspen to the charming streets of Estes Park, these destinations showcase the best of Colorado in winter. Here are the 9 best winter destinations in Colorado!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver. They show you the coolest sightseeing spots in the park, including places where you can see moose, elk, deer, and eagles. You’ll get to enjoy lunch in Estes Park as well! This tour is an absolute must-do on a Colorado itinerary in my opinion.

_{By Jill Toth and Jon Miksis}

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What’s New for Colorado Winter 2026-2027

A few timely things worth knowing before you book this season:

• Colorado is turning 150. 2026 is the state’s sesquicentennial, overlapping with America’s 250th anniversary, meaning festivals, drone shows (“Stories in the Sky”), and special exhibits in mountain towns all winter long. The “38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State” exhibit at the History Colorado Center in Denver runs through September 2026 if you’re routing through the capital.
• Loveland Ski Area upgrades. A new beginner-friendly triple chairlift (replacing old Lift 7) is in service this season, and a new Loveland Valley parking lot opens for the 2026-27 season, less time circling, more time skiing.
• Monarch Mountain expansion. The long-planned No Name Basin terrain expansion on the western side of the Continental Divide is the biggest news at any independent Colorado resort this season.
• Snowmass dining glow-up. The replacement Ullrhof mid-mountain lodge reopens for the 2026-27 season, and the Cirque T-bar has doubled uphill capacity at the upper elevations.
• Frozen Dead Guy Days in Estes Park (not Nederland, they moved in 2023). March 27-29, 2026, with a first-ever drone show Saturday night as part of the Colorado 150 celebration.

1. Vail, CO

• ⛷️ Lift Tickets (2026-27): Walk-up $189-$249/day (peak holidays up to $300+). Buy online early for the best rates.
• 🎿 Season Passes: Epic Pass $1,119 ($809 for Epic Local). Ages 13-30 get 20% off. Epic Day Pass starts at 65% off if purchased before the season.
• 🏔️ Terrain: 5,290+ acres, including the famous Back Bowls. Also covers Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone on the same pass.
• 🗓️ 2026-27 Events: Après with Live Music every Wednesday (Dec 16, 2026 – Mar 10, 2027); Guided Snowshoe & Nature Tours daily Jan-Apr 2027

I’ve skied a lot of Colorado, and Vail is the place I always come back to. There’s over 5,290 acres of terrain, wide front-side groomers for cruising, and the Back Bowls when you want something wilder. The village is walkable, Alpine-charming, and packed with restaurants and boutiques that make the après as good as the skiing.

Speaking of après, Shakedown Bar on Bridge Street is the move. It’s an underground den with live rock sets starting the moment the lifts close, and it’s the heart of Vail’s ski culture nightlife. If you want something more polished, Chasing Rabbits is a speakeasy hidden behind a secret panel inside Vail Village with craft cocktails and a winter-cabin-meets-nightclub feel. Here are 12 unreal things to do in Vail at night for the full playbook!

If skiing isn’t your thing, try snowshoeing with Walking Mountains Science Center (daily guided tours from January through April), ice skating in the village, or a snowmobile tour through the surrounding forest. Your Epic Pass also gets you into Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone, all within an hour’s drive. Vail is a must-see when you fly to Colorado!

2. Estes Park, Colorado

• ⛷️ Nearest Ski Resort: Eldora Mountain Resort (45-50 min south). Walk-up $120-$179/day, season pass $699. Ikon Pass accepted.
• 🏔️ Backcountry Option: Hidden Valley inside Rocky Mountain National Park (25 min). No lifts, skin up and ski down.
• 🗓️ 2026-27 Events: First Peoples Festival (Jan 14-17); Wine & Chocolate Festival (Feb 6, ~$47); Estes Park Skijor (Mar 12-14)

Yearning for a trip to one of Colorado’s prettiest destinations? This little gateway town high above the state’s capital is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway in the winter.

Just a 90-minute drive from Denver, the Estes Valley offers plentiful outdoor pursuits, fascinating history, and tasty libations at 7,522 ft. And plus, there are many gorgeous spa resorts nearby to experience the winter magic.

Go snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park is a gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park, the nation’s third most-visited national park. This park encompasses 415 square miles of awe-inspiring views and 355 miles of hiking trails.

During the winter, trails and vistas are blanketed in snow and offer different recreation pursuits. Consider snowshoeing! Rent a pair of snowshoes at a local shop downtown Estes and head into the park for endless adventure. Or, stay in a cozy cabin rental to experience all the snowy magic!

Visit The Stanley Hotel

Infamously known as the setting for Stephen King’s The Shining, the Stanley Hotel and surrounding property is filled with lavish history and charm. Take a Day Tour through the hotel and meet Mr. F.O. Stanley, his wife Flora, and all others who have made this hotel legendary.

For those looking to witness what goes bump in the night, consider taking the Night Tour and experience the folklore for yourself. Afterwards, grab a whiskey at the Cascades Whiskey Bar or catch the professional illusionist show in the hotel’s secret underground venue. For a completely different evening vibe, The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern has been serving comfort stews and hosting live bluegrass by the hearth since 1937.

Catch Frozen Dead Guy Days at The Stanley Hotel

Originally a Nederland tradition for over 20 years, Frozen Dead Guy Days relocated to Estes Park in 2023, and “Grandpa” Bredo Morstoel now presides over the festival from a cryonics museum inside The Stanley Hotel. The 2027 edition is expected around late March 2027, with dates to be confirmed by the Estes Park Events Complex. Check back closer to the season.

Saturday is the main event: the world-famous Coffin Races (six pallbearers, one “corpse,” one obstacle course), a polar plunge, the Cannibal Chase 8K, frostbite fashion shows, and multiple music stages. If you’ve ever wanted to coffin-race in costume on the same property where The Shining was filmed, this is your weekend.

Explore Estes’ craft breweries

Tall snow-capped mountains in the winter make for crisp snow melt runoff come spring. The locals have taken advantage of this and created several local breweries throughout town. If your taste buds favor hops be sure to check out the following brews at these local Estes Valley Breweries.

Estes Park Brewery: Long’s Peak Raspberry Wheat Ale (4.6% ABV)

Rock Cut Brewing Company: Galactic Portal Hazy IPA (5.7% ABV)

Avante Garde Ale Works: Farmhouse Saison (8.0% ABV)

Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company: Rancho Deluxe Western American Lager (5.0% ABV)

Winter 2026-27 events in Estes Park

The 2026-27 winter events calendar in Estes Park is jam-packed beyond Frozen Dead Guy Days. The First Peoples Festival (January 14-17, 2027) brings an Indigenous art market, traditional dances, and a competition Pow Wow. Estes Park Skijor (March 12-14, 2027) is where horses tow skiers at speed through jumps and obstacles. And for a mellower evening, the Wine & Chocolate Festival (February 6, 2027, ~$47) pairs regional chocolatiers with boutique wineries. With so much to see and do, Estes Park is definitely among the best places to visit in Colorado, especially in the winter.

3. Nederland is a top winter destination in Colorado

• ⛷️ Lift Tickets (2026-27): Eldora Mountain Resort walk-up $109-$139/day. Season pass $699 adults, $539 juniors (13-22). Ikon Pass accepted.
• 🏔️ Terrain: 680 acres, 10,800 ft peak elevation. Excellent tree skiing, steep glades, and a dedicated Nordic center.
• 🗓️ 2026-27 Events: SKIMO Night Touring Series (Dec 8 – Mar 30, every Tue/Thu evening); Eldora Winter Alpine Camps (Dec 19 – Feb 27, weekend blocks)

Looking for one of the nicest places to stay in Colorado? Known as one of Colorado’s quirkiest towns, Nederland ups the ante in Boulder County. Located a mere 16 miles above the city of Boulder and nestled along the banks of the Barker Reservoir, this tiny mountain town draws thousands every winter through festivals, recreation, and its distinctive culture.

Ski at Eldora Mountain

If you want to hit the slopes and not break the bank, Eldora is your answer. This local favorite is just 5 miles from town, bypasses the brutal I-70 ski traffic entirely, and offers 680 acres of skiable terrain topping out at 10,800 ft. Walk-up tickets for 2026-27 cost $109-$139/day depending on peak dates, or grab a season pass for $699. Eldora is also on the Ikon Pass and the Colorado Gems Discount Card. Save time and money, support local, and ski Eldora this winter season.

If you’d rather skip the resort, the flat terrain around the frozen Barker Meadow Reservoir on the edge of town is perfect for a mellow snowshoe. And if you want to earn your turns, the SKIMO Night Touring Series at Eldora (every Tuesday and Thursday evening, December 8 through March 30) lets you skin up the mountain and ski down under the resort lights.

Experience the local culture

One of the most unique features of this Colorado mountain town is its culture. Originally founded as a trading post between Ute Indians and European settlers in the mid-1800s, Nederland was formally incorporated in 1874. Mining culture ran rampant throughout the town when precious metals were discovered, but died down when materials were stripped from the land. It wasn’t until the late 1900s that the new age of settlers arrived: hippies. Their laid-back lifestyles and vibrant music suited the surrounding lands and they decided to settle in for good. From them came a fantastic music scene and food network still intact today.

Where to eat and drink in Nederland

I’d start at Knotted Root Brewing Company, an award-winning artisan brewery mixing Belgian tradition with heavy American experimentation. The taproom feels like a warm winter refuge, famous for its unfiltered IPAs, smoothie-style sours, and live indoor jazz sets on Sundays.

For live music, The Caribou Room is a premium mountain concert hall with acoustic design built by professional sound engineers, a relaxed viewing balcony, and high-energy touring bands all winter.

4. Dillon, Colorado

This mountain city acts as a major hub for residents and visitors alike along the Ten Mile and Gore Mountains in Central Colorado. Nestled between the peaks and along I-70, Dillon gives you quick access to all things outdoors as well as arts and shopping.

Hit the slopes at one of the local ski resorts

Dillon is the base camp for Summit County skiing. Keystone is five minutes up the road with over 3,140 acres across three peaks, a massive terrain park, and some of the best night skiing in Colorado under stadium lights. Walk-up tickets run $179-$239/day depending on demand, but booking online in advance drops that closer to $140-$160. From here you’re also within easy reach of Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Copper Mountain, and Vail.

Most of these resorts are on the Epic Pass, meaning you can buy one pass and shred a different mountain every day. For cross-country skiing, I’d recommend the Breckenridge Nordic Center nearby, or the Raven Golf Club Trails in Silverthorne. Here, the fairways are groomed into free public cross-country and snowshoe loops all winter.

Marvel at the ice castles

Most states have their own beloved Ice Castle Festival every winter season, but nothing compares to the award-winning castles seen in Dillon, Colorado. 25 million pounds of ice are carefully sculpted into giant buildings and tunnels that visitors can walk through. Light displays illuminate the structures and create a winter wonderland unlike anything else you’ve ever seen.

Skate on the frozen reservoir

This is one of my favorite winter activities in Colorado. Every year from January through mid-March (ice thickness permitting), the town plows and maintains the Dillon Lake Loops on the frozen surface of the reservoir. You can ice skate, walk, or cross-country ski right on the lake with mountain views in every direction. Check the Town of Dillon Parks & Rec site for daily safety updates before heading out.

Shop at the Outlets of Silverthorne

Take a day off from exploring and get your shopping shoes on. The Outlets of Silverthorne are a short drive west from Dillon and offer incredible savings. Stores include Eddie Bauer, Columbia, and Levi’s, to name a few.

Where to eat and drink in Dillon

When you’ve had enough of the slopes, Dillon Dam Brewery is the largest brewpub in the Colorado Rockies. There’s a massive two-story mountain lodge feel, exposed timber beams, heavy pub comfort food, and award-winning microbrews like the Sweet George’s Brown Ale. For something quieter, Saved By the Wine is an intimate wine bar tucked away from the main strip. Enjoy gourmet fireside fondues, charcuterie boards, and boutique wines served from eco-friendly keg taps.

5. Colorado Springs

• ⛷️ Nearest Ski Resort: Monarch Mountain (2 hrs west). Walk-up $119-$159/day. 800 acres, 100% natural snow, no snowmaking. Also on the Continental Divide.
• ⛸️ In Town: Skate in the Park at Acacia Park (Nov 20 – Jan 31, $10 including rentals); Broadmoor outdoor ice rink
• 🗓️ 2026-27 Events: Broadmoor Winter Concert Series (Dec 18-27, 2026); Skate in the Park (Nov 20 – Jan 31)

Colorado Springs in winter is a hidden gem, offering a different kind of Colorado adventure. Away from the ski crowds, it’s a wonderland where the snow-capped Pikes Peak creates a stunning backdrop.

Here, winter hiking in the Garden of the Gods is surreal, with red rock formations dusted in snow. Don’t miss the chance to explore the caves at Cave of the Winds, transformed into an icy spectacle. For a unique twist, try ice climbing in the nearby canyons. This is easily one of the most fun things to do in CO.

The city itself, with its laid-back vibe, is perfect for those who prefer a quieter winter escape. From November 20, 2026, through January 31, 2027, Skate in the Park takes over downtown’s Acacia Park with a real-ice outdoor rink ($10 including skate rentals). There’s plenty going on in Colorado Springs at night, including a lively restaurant scene.

For après and nightlife, I’d head to three spots. The Golden Bee at The Broadmoor is a 19th-century pub with an entire wooden interior shipped from London, nightly ragtime piano sing-alongs, yard-long beers, and hearty pot pies. Upstairs, The Penrose Lounge has leather seating, a roaring fireplace, and panoramic views of snow-covered Cheyenne Mountain. And downtown, The Archives is an underground speakeasy hidden beneath the streets, with a low-lit brick cellar layout and premium craft cocktails.

6. Leadville, Colorado

• ⛷️ Lift Tickets (2026-27): Ski Cooper (10 miles north). $45 weekdays, $95 Fri/Sun, $110 Sat and peak holidays. Season pass $399 including 3 free days at partner resorts.
• 🏔️ Terrain: 470 acres of old-school natural alpine skiing. Family-friendly front side, gladed tree skiing on the Tennessee Pass backside. Tennessee Pass Nordic Center across the road with 27km of groomed cross-country trails.
• 🗓️ 2026-27 Events: Leadville Railroad Winter Express (select weekends Nov-Mar); Leadville Loppet cross-country race (late Feb); Leadville Ski Joring (Mar 6-7, free spectator admission)

Visit the small city with a big history. Surrounded by towering peaks and thousands of miles of national forests, it’s no wonder that Leadville’s natives are avid outdoor enthusiasts and down to earth.

But don’t be fooled! While these people greet everyone with a smile, they have a type of grit reminiscent of their mining forefathers.

Ride the Continental Divide on a snowmobile

A different way to experience Colorado’s winters is via snowmobile. With thousands of miles of open land, Leadville offers a unique backcountry experience for powder hounds. From flat terrain perfect for beginners to deep powder made for experts, riders can experience the San Isabel National Forest to the fullest. And the best part? You can even snowmobile on top of Colorado’s most beautiful lakes while they’re frozen in the winter time!

Ski at Ski Cooper

If the mega-resort price tags make you wince, Ski Cooper is the antidote. Weekday lift tickets are $45, which is almost unheard of in Colorado. It’s a 470-acre, old-school mountain with wide cruisers on the front side and pristine gladed tree skiing on the Tennessee Pass backside. Across the road, the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center has 27km of groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails winding through deep pine forests.

Experience the historic ghost towns

This city was once the mining capital of the world. Prospectors were beckoned by the call of silver and gold, making Leadville their home during the hunt. More people followed them to the mountains and eventually these mining camps became towns. When the silver and gold ran dry, the people ran too. Today, Colorado is home to more than 150 ghost towns, most of which are located near Leadville.

Tour the National Historic District

Leadville is one of Colorado’s most well-preserved towns. In its downtown district there are roughly 70 square blocks designated as a National Historic Landmark for Victorian Architecture. From Victorian homes with turrets to old saloons with bullet holes still in the walls, the late 1800s are alive and well in Leadville.

Go back in time and experience the silver mining boom days first hand on your very own walking tour. Pick up a map at the Visitor Center on Harrison Avenue in downtown Leadville.

Winter events in Leadville 2026-27

The Leadville Railroad Winter Express (select weekends, November through March) is a 2-hour train excursion departing from the historic 1893 depot, climbing through high-alpine railroad cuts with panoramic mountain views. In late February 2027, the Leadville Loppet is a cross-country ski race along the Mineral Belt Trail with 10K, 22K, and 44K options.

The big one is Leadville Ski Joring (March 6-7, 2027), a tradition running since 1949 where galloping horses pull skiers down the snow-packed main street over massive jumps. Spectator admission is free, and it’s one of the wildest winter events in the state.

7. Winter Park, CO – one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the winter

• ⛷️ Lift Tickets (2026-27): Winter Park Resort walk-up $199-$259/day, online advance from $130-$160. Ikon Pass accepted. Season pass ~$799-$849.
• 🏔️ Terrain: 3,081 acres across two connected mountains. Winter Park side for groomers and families, Mary Jane side for moguls and steep tree skiing.
• 🗓️ 2026-27 Events: Mary Jane Birthday Bash (Jan 29-31, 2027); Winter Park Skijoring (early Mar 2027)

Venture out to Colorado this winter and experience this small, family-friendly mountain town west of Denver. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, over 325 inches of fresh snow every season, and a base village filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment, you’ll want to make sure Winter Park is on your radar this winter season.

Read next: 12 Coolest Airbnbs in Colorado

Ski at Colorado’s oldest ski resort

Winter Park Resort will be celebrating their 87th season, with lifts typically spinning by late October. When the park opened back in 1940, lift tickets were only $1.00! Since then there have been many improvements and additions to the terrain and village. With over 3,000 ft of vertical rise among the seven territories and 166 designated trails, it’s no wonder this resort has been named North America’s #1 Ski Resort by USA Today.

For 2026-27, walk-up tickets run $199-$259/day depending on peak dates, but booking online in advance drops that to $130-$160. Winter Park is fully included on the Ikon Pass, or you can grab a standalone season pass for around $799-$849 if you buy before the rush. The resort spans two distinct mountains on one ticket: the Winter Park side is all long, perfectly groomed cruisers, while the Mary Jane side is legendary for world-class moguls and steep tree skiing.

Drink a Mary Jane Ale

Boulder’s Upslope Brewing Co. took over the production of Winter Park’s famed Mary Jane Ale in 2014. Since then, the Brewery has crafted a one-of-a-kind ale to match Mary Jane’s infamous terrain. Big bumps and phenomenal tree skiing make this territory better with each coming season. Locals thank “the Lady” for her raw terrain and cheers her for allowing them to experience such a wild ride. After a long day on the slopes, you’ll want to enjoy an ale as you reflect on this amazing winter vacation in Colorado.

Visit YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch

Just a short drive north to Granby, CO, Snow Mountain Ranch is a basecamp for fun. This center offers ample activities and adventures for families at reasonable prices. Warm up inside at the craft shop and create something special, strap on some skates and take a lap around the skating rink, or bundle up and slide down the outdoor tubing hill.

Winter 2026-27 events in Winter Park

The Mary Jane Birthday Bash (January 29-31, 2027) is a weekend festival celebrating the historic Mary Jane territory with live outdoor bands, mogul competitions, and craft pop-up bars at the base. Winter Park Skijoring returns in early March 2027, where horses tow skiers at speed through an obstacle course of jumps and rings. For a mellower day off the mountain, the Fraser Valley Sports Complex (5 minutes away) has free cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking, and snowshoe trails through a flat alpine valley.

8. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

• ⛷️ Lift Tickets (2026-27): Steamboat Ski Resort walk-up $225-$279/day, online 7+ days ahead from $160-$190. Ikon Pass accepted (unlimited on full Ikon, 5 days on Base).
• 🏔️ Terrain: 3,741 acres of Champagne Powder, plus the new Wild Blue Gondola (longest single-section in North America). Howelsen Hill downtown for affordable night skiing since 1915.
• 🗓️ 2026-27 Events: MusicFest at Steamboat (Jan 5-10, 2027); 114th Winter Carnival (Feb 3-7, 2027)

Make the trek up to Steamboat Springs and you’ll see why it’s one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the winter. Also known as Ski Town, U.S.A., this town is known for being a winter wonderland. Experience all things winter and see for yourself why it’s home to more Olympic skiers than any other town in North America.

Embrace Steamboat’s Western Heritage

Kids on skis being pulled behind horses down the middle of a snow-covered street, people soaring through the air off of giant jumps, and a light show unlike any other you’ve ever seen. Yep, welcome to Steamboat’s Winter Carnival. The upcoming 114th Annual Winter Carnival runs February 3-7, 2027, with the famous Lighted Man skiing down the mountain in a glowing suit and horses pulling skiers down the snow-covered main street.

This beloved tradition dating back to 1914 began as a coping method for Colorado’s cold winters and has since turned into one of the most sought-after events of the year. Strap on your chaps and break out the ski boots.

If you’re here in early January, MusicFest at Steamboat (January 5-10, 2027) brings dozens of top Texas and Americana country artists to perform across multiple stages, luxury tents, and alpine lounges throughout the resort.

Ski the Champagne Powder

Experience the same nose-tickling sensation early ranchers did from their first dance in the snow. Known as the “lightest, driest, fluffiest snow on earth”, Steamboat’s powder averages 6% water content compared to the 15% seen at other resorts in the area. The resort spans 3,741 acres and now features the Wild Blue Gondola, the longest single-section gondola in North America. If skiing powder is on your list this season, make sure you get to Steamboat Ski Resort.

For something old-school, Howelsen Hill is right in downtown Steamboat and has been operating since 1915, making it the oldest ski area in Colorado. It’s a legendary training ground for Olympic ski jumpers and offers affordable night skiing without the resort crowds.

Soak at Strawberry Hot Springs

After endless days of skiing and surfing through powder, take some time to relax in the local hot springs. Just a short drive from town, Strawberry Park sits near Routt National Forest. These therapeutic, thermal springs sit around 101-105 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, and soaking in 104-degree mineral water while snow falls on the surrounding pines is the ultimate post-ski experience. Be sure to bring your own towels and swimsuits.

Where to drink in Steamboat

For après, I’d head straight to T-Bar at the base of the mountain. It started as a ski locker and turned into a legendary slope-side dive bar with a packed outdoor snow patio, local microbrews, and high-energy music the moment the lifts close. It’s the heart of Steamboat’s authentic ski culture.

9. Telluride, Colorado

• ⛷️ Lift Tickets (2026-27): Telluride Ski Resort walk-up $210-$260/day, 10-15% off online. Epic Pass (7 days), Mountain Collective (2 days). No Epic Local access.
• 🏔️ Terrain: 2,000+ acres with hike-to terrain like Palmyra Peak and Revelation Bowl. Free 13-minute gondola between historic Telluride and Mountain Village.
• 🗓️ 2026-27 Events: Telluride Fire Festival (Dec 4-6, 2026); Telluride Comedy Fest at the Sheridan Opera House (Feb 11-14, 2027)

Save travel time and fly direct to Telluride. This town sits among the San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado and prides itself on its lively western aesthetic.

Natural beauty and Victorian charm create a ski town unlike any other. With plenty of things to do during the winter, this mountain town is sure to keep the whole family entertained. It’s one of the top winter vacation destinations in Colorado, and for good reason.

Ski Telluride

If you’re sick of waiting in lift lines or skiing around crowds, Telluride Ski Resort is your answer. Over 2,000 acres of terrain with trails for every level, from gentle high-alpine cruisers to legendary hike-to lines like Palmyra Peak and the steep plunges of Revelation Bowl. Walk-up tickets for 2026-27 run $210-$260/day, with 10-15% savings if you book online in advance. Telluride is also included on the Epic Pass (7 days) and Mountain Collective (2 days).

The free pedestrian gondola connecting historic Telluride to Mountain Village is worth a ride even if you’re not skiing. It’s a 13-minute scenic trip in heated cabins with panoramic winter views, and it’s the only free public gondola in North America. From the slopes, you’ll have an epic view of Colorado’s most beautiful mountains.

Winter 2026-27 events in Telluride

The Telluride Fire Festival (December 4-6, 2026) kicks off the season with interactive fire art installations, flaming sculptures, and performance artists illuminating the snow-packed streets. In February, the Telluride Comedy Fest (February 11-14, 2027) takes over the intimate Sheridan Opera House with nationally touring comedians and improv troupes.

Go for a sleigh ride or horseback riding in the old west

Take a break from man-powered sports and let the horses run. “Dashing through the snow” is different here in Telluride. The snowy backdrop creates a unique experience among the jagged peaks of the San Juans. Stay warm under blankets on a sleigh ride with the family or get the blood pumping on horseback as you ride through Colorado’s old west.

Where to eat and drink in Telluride

Mid-mountain, Gorrono Ranch is a 19th-century sheep ranch with a massive outdoor deck, live music, smoking barbecue pits, and outdoor bars. It’s the ultimate spot to lounge in the winter sun between runs. I’d plan to stop here every ski day.

In town, The Tunnel is a hidden speakeasy where you need to find the secret door and provide a rotating password to get in. Inside, it’s an intimate, low-lit dining experience with custom winter cocktails and a premium multi-course menu. Book well ahead.

• Read Next: 12 Jaw-Dropping Mountain Towns in Colorado

Other notable places to spend a winter in Colorado

In the round-up above, we strived to include more off-the-beaten-path and lesser known winter destinations in CO. However, if you’re looking for something more mainstream, check out these other Colorado places to visit in winter:

• Ouray: Often referred to as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a haven for ice climbing, thanks to its world-famous Ice Park. The small town charm, coupled with the hot springs, makes it a perfect spot for a winter retreat.
• Denver: Colorado’s capital city transforms into a winter wonderland. With its festive lights, bustling holiday markets, and proximity to several ski resorts, Denver offers a vibrant urban experience alongside classic winter activities. Don’t miss out on Denver’s lively food scene as well!
• Breckenridge: A quintessential mountain town with a historic, charming Main Street. Breckenridge is not only famous for its ski resort but also for its lively town atmosphere, offering a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town coziness. Definitely stay here if you’re looking for alpine vibes.
• Aspen: Synonymous with luxury and world-class skiing, Aspen is a top destination for those seeking a glamorous winter experience. With four major ski areas, upscale dining, and high-end shopping, Aspen offers a ritzy take on the Colorado winter.

ABOUT THE ARTICLE: This blog post was originally published in November 2020 by Jill Toth and reviewed by Jon Miksis. In August 2026, this article was largely rewritten and expanded by Jon Miksis to reflect updated EEAT guidelines and enhanced blogging standards.