Best Colorado Ski Towns for Families: With Bonus Quiz

Colorado is famous for its world-class skiing, but you don’t have to be a skier to have an incredible winter adventure in this snowy state. From charming mountain towns to unique outdoor activities, Colorado offers countless ways to enjoy the cold months without strapping on a pair of skis. We’ve curated a list of Colorado destinations that are ideal for families or groups looking for both ski and non-ski activities, or those looking purely for non-ski activities in winter. Take our quiz to find out your Ideal Colorado Ski Destination! Here is our ultimate local’s guide to the best Colorado ski towns for families, that non-skiers will enjoy as well, offering tubing and sledding, hot springs, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, fat biking, and much more.

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Best Colorado Ski Towns Highlights

• Breckenridge: Ice Sculptures and Cozy Fireside Experiences
• Crested Butte: Fat Biking and Nordic Skiing in a Scenic Paradise
• Durango: Sleigh Rides, Train Rides, and Winter Wildlife
• Steamboat Springs: Soak in Hot Springs and Explore Winter Trails
• Telluride: Gondola Rides and Snowshoeing in a Quaint Alpine Town
• Vail: Luxury Spas and Ice-Skating
• Winter Park: Tubing and Scenic Snowcat Tours

Find Out Your Ideal Colorado Ski Town!

1. Breckenridge: Ice Sculptures and Cozy Fireside Experiences

Breckenridge has incredible skiing for beginners through experts. It is more than just a great Colorado ski destination though. It’s a bustling mountain community with tons of activities for non-skiers. Some of the top Breckenridge winter activities for families include:

• Ice skating and curling at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena;
• Ice skating is also available at the Peak 8 Ice Rink;
• Sledding at Carter Park next to Breckenridge Elementary School;
• Tubing at The Frisco Adventure Park and Carter Park;
• Dog sledding with Good Times Adventures;
• Cross country skiing or snowshoeing at Breckenridge Nordic, Gold Run Nordic, Frisco Nordic, or along the recreation path. There are plenty of non-groomed trail options as well, such as the road up to Baker’s Tank;
• Snowbike and Snowmobile Tours with Elk Mountain Adventures.

After a long day of adventures, relax in one of the many spas in Breckenridge.

Breckenridge has plenty of winter festivals to enjoy too. A few of the top festivals include the Ullrfest in December, celebrating Vikings and all things Winter. In January, the International Snow Sculpture Championships bring talented artists from around the world to create stunning sculptures from massive blocks of snow. Whether you visit for a weekend or a week or more, enjoy the best unique places to stay in Breckenridge. Getting to Breckenridge from Denver is easy. It’s a 2 hour drive or bus ride.

2. Crested Butte: Fat Biking and Nordic Skiing in a Scenic Paradise

Known as the “Last Great Colorado Ski Town,” Crested Butte is known for its incredible downhill skiing. Whether exploring the extreme expert terrain or the beginner-friendly trails, Mt. Crested Butte has something for any level of skier and snowboarder. As an added bonus, it is often less crowded than the ski areas along the I-70 corridor. Crested Butte also has plenty of non-skiing activities both during the summer and winter months. A few of the top winter activities for families are:

• The Crested Butte Nordic Center also offers miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Alternatively, head a few miles west to Kebler Pass to explore on your snowshoes or skis;
• Fat biking on snowy trails is a unique way to explore the area, with bikes specifically designed to handle snow and icy conditions;
• Enjoy hours of fun while Sledding on one of Crested Butte’s many hills;
• The covered Big Mine Ice Arena in town is a perfect spot to learn how to ice skate or enjoy some skating;
• Take a Cosmic Cruiser Dog sled tour or a sleigh ride at Lazy F Bar Ranch for an alternative way to explore the countryside;
• Visit Gothic ghost town on a moderately challenging cross country ski, snowshoe, or fat bike ride.

The town’s lively arts scene, adorable downtown, and cozy coffee shops make it easy to enjoy a winter day without stepping foot on a ski slope. Crested Butte is full of unique places to stay, from the ski-on/ski-off Nordic Inn to the luxury Whiterock House. To reach Crested Butte, fly into Gunnison Airport, about 30 minutes south of Crested Butte. Or, drive the 4+ hours from Denver. Check out these car rental tips for your Colorado ski vacation before reserving your car.

3. Durango: Sleigh Rides, Train Rides, and Winter Wildlife

Durango is a historic Colorado town that makes for a charming family-friendly winter getaway and ski destination. As with Crested Butte, Durango is typically less crowded due to its location in the southwest corner of the state. In addition to the incredible downhill skiing at Durango Mountain Resort (Purgatory Resort), don’t miss out on all of the other family-friendly things to do in this college town. A few highlights include:

• Hop aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a stunning ride through snow-blanketed canyons and alpine forests (around Christmas time, take Polar Express train rides);
• Winter sleigh rides and dog sled rides are a few other fun ways to enjoy the scenery;
• Visit the Durango Hot Springs for a dose of relaxation after a day of exploring;
• Cross country ski or snowshoe at either Durango Nordic Center (near the ski area) or Vallecito Nordic (dog friendly and along a beautiful mountain lake). La Plata Canyon is occasionally groomed during the winter as well;
• Take a day tour to nearby Mesa Verde National Park with a trained archaeologist to see ancient cliff dwellings in their quiet winter beauty.

Afterward, the cozy streets of downtown Durango are filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. For those looking for apartment style lodging while in Durango, the Club Wyndham Durango offers top rated lodging with kitchens. For a hotel with a western feel right next to the train station, try the General Palmer Hotel. To reach Durango, take the long 6-7 hour drive from Denver or the short flight into Durango-La Plata County Airport.

4. Steamboat Springs: Soak in Hot Springs and Explore Winter Trails

One of the best ski towns for families in Colorado, Steamboat Springs is known for its incredible skiing, family friendly vibes, and “Champagne Powder” snow. Beyond downhill skiing, enjoy the wide array of things to do in Steamboat Springs when you’re not skiing. A few of these include:

• Strawberry Park Hot Springs provides a blissful, rustic setting for soaking in thermal waters surrounded by snow-covered pines; If you prefer to stay in town, enjoy the Old Town Hot Springs;
• For outdoor enthusiasts, Fish Creek Falls offers snowshoeing and winter hiking with beautiful, frozen waterfalls as the reward;
• Book a dog sledding tour to experience the scenic Yampa Valley in a unique, adrenaline-fueled way;
• Take a hot air balloon ride to glide over the snowy countryside.
• Don’t miss the town’s local breweries for a cozy après-ski vibe whether you hit the slopes or not;
• Cross country ski, snowshoe, or fat bike at one of the many nordic centers in the area. These include Steamboat Ski Touring Center, Lake Catamount Ski Touring Center, and Howelson Hill Ski Area;
• While at Howelson Hill, enjoy watching ski jumping or visit the ice rink for some ice skating.

Steamboat’s premier winter event is its annual winter carnival, typically held in February. The carnival has a variety of events capturing the town’s western heritage. From budget friendly lodging like the Rabbit Ears Motel to luxury ski-on / ski-off lodging like the Torian Plum Plaza, you’ll find wonderful unique lodging options in Steamboat Springs for your vacation. To reach Steamboat, either fly in to Hayden Airport, which is just a short drive from town. Or, drive from Denver, which takes roughly 3-3.5 hours.

5. Telluride: Gondola Rides and Snowshoeing in a Quaint Alpine Town

Telluride’s ski slopes are legendary, but families with non-skiers will find plenty to do in this charming alpine town. Crowds tend to be smaller at Telluride due to its location well away from the I-70 corridor. Some ideas for non-skiers in winter are:

• Take a free ride on the Telluride Gondola to see incredible mountain views from above. The gondola runs from the town to mountain village;
• Join a guided snowmobiling tour to the Alta Ghost Town or to Dunton Hot Springs with Telluride Outfitters;
• Take a full or half-day guided snowshoe tour;
• Ice skating at Mountain Village or in Hanley Ice Rink;
• Head out on a 1/2 day ice climbing tour;
• Fat bike along the valley floor or up Bear Creek;
• Cross country ski at one of the 6 Nordic ski areas in the vicinity of Telluride;
• Visit neighboring Ouray to enjoy a day at the hot springs or to visit Ironton Ghost Town.

Telluride’s historic downtown, a National Historic Landmark, is filled with charming shops and inviting restaurants. The Telluride Museum offers a deep dive into the town’s heritage. Additionally, Telluride hosts several winter festivals, including the Telluride Comedy Festival, the Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion Week, and the Telluride Gay Ski Week.

Telluride has an airport of its own with limited flights. Most people fly into the Montrose airport, which is a 1 hr 15 minute drive from Telluride. Lodging options range from the budget The Bivvi Hostel Telluride to the luxury The Auberge Residences at Element 52.

6. Vail: Luxury Spas and Ice-Skating

Skiers enjoy the broad range of trails on Vail Mountain and its back bowls. All levels of skiers will find enjoyable terrain, paired with an excellent ski school. For further variety, spend a day or more at Beaver Creek down the road. Vail is famous for luxury and relaxation, making it one of the best ski towns in Colorado for families. It’s also ideal for non-skiers or skiers who want to unwind in style. Some of the top things to do when not skiing in Vail:

• The town offers world-class spas, ideal for massages and treatments to keep you cozy;
• Ice skating is available at several spots in the village, including Alderhof Ice Rink at the Arrabelle in Vail Square and Solaris Plaza in Vail Village. For those who prefer skating indoors, Dobson Ice Arena is open year-round;
• Cross country skiing and Snowshoeing are available at the Vail Nordic Center, a great place for beginners and more experienced skiers. Another excellent option is at Beaver Creek’s McCoy Park, which is accessed by chair lift only (getting off the lift with nordic skis on takes some getting used to);
• Ice fishing is a peaceful way to enjoy the mountain environment, and can be done on Sylvan Lake, Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area;
• For a unique experience, book a horse-drawn sleigh ride for a magical journey through Vail’s snowy meadows, offered by  Bearcat Stables and 4 Eagle Ranch;
• Stroll the heated streets of Vail Village, where boutique shopping, fine dining, and art galleries await.

7. Winter Park: Tubing and Scenic Snowcat Tours

Known for its ski slopes on Winter Park and Mary Jane, Winter Park is ideal for a week-long ski vacation, for families of skiers and non-skiers alike. Mary Jane’s expert runs provide a challenge for even the most seasoned skiers, while Winter Park caters to all levels, even 1st time skiers. The many things to do beyond downhill skiing makes this one of the best ski towns for families in Colorado.

• Snowcat tours provide a unique way to experience the wilderness with breathtaking views of the Fraser Valley;
• Tubing at the Coca-Cola Tubing Hill is perfect for families, providing all the thrills of the snow without the need for skis. There are 2 additional tubing hills in neighboring Fraser, Fraser Tubing Hill and the Colorado Adventure Park. All offer tubing in the evenings after a day on the slopes;
• Rent a fat bike at the resort or in town and head out for a ride on the Fraser River Trail;
• Take a snowshoe tour at the resort or rent snowshoes to explore the Fraser Experimental Forest;
• Cross country ski at nearby Snow Mountain Ranch or Devil’s Thumb Resort. They offer lessons and rentals onsite;
• Enjoy the hot springs at Hot Sulphur Springs after a day of adventuring.

Winter Park and the Fraser Valley host a variety of events and festivals throughout the winter. One of the highlights is the annual Torchlight Parade and Santa ski down on Christmas Eve at Winter Park Resort. Staying for a night or longer? Take a look at the cozy Winter Park Chateau, with an ideal location in town and a short walk to the ski bus stop. Winter Park is a fairly short drive from Denver, though the roughly 2 hour drive goes over Berthoud Pass, a windy mountain pass. Alternatively, take the ski train, the Winter Park Express and avoid the hassle of snowy roads and dealing with traffic.

Best Colorado Ski Towns for Families Final Thoughts

Colorado may be a ski paradise with plenty of incredible ski towns for families, but it has a wide variety of equally magical destinations for non-skiers. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, hiking through snowy forests, or exploring charming mountain towns, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy Colorado’s winter wonderland. So, bundle up, embrace the season, and explore the best Colorado ski towns for families!

Still not sure which of these Colorado ski towns is the one for your family? Take our bonus quiz to determine the best Colorado ski destination for you!

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