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While the idea of sun, sand, and surf in winter is very appealing, sometimes it’s kind of nice to embrace the true meaning of the season.
That means sitting in a cozy house 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 itself, and luckily the United States has some of the best places on earth to make this fantasy come true.
Perhaps the most popular, and with very good reasonis the state of Colorado.
Whether it’s skiing, fine dining, luxurious wellness spas or just hanging out in funky mountain towns, this winter wonderland has so much to offer…
Winter sports paradise
Colorado is known to be home to some of the best skiing in the world, with towns like Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge among the favorites.
There are more than 1,500 miles of ski trails in the state, served by 28 ski areas and more than 300 ski lifts – so even when it’s busy, you can always find somewhere to go.
Not only are the downhill winter sports unparalleled here; you can also take part in snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at one of Colorado’s many Nordic Centers, or try dog sledding, snow tubing or even snowmobiling.
Despite the cold, Colorado has many sunny days in winter and very dry snow, so it doesn’t feel like a chore to be outside all day.
Looking forward to après
After a bit of winter sports you are ready to eat.
But one of the great things about Colorado is that it’s quickly becoming a recognized foodie destination, so you could go just now for dinner if skiing isn’t your thing.
Boulder, Aspen, and Vail are all home to some incredible restaurants, with brewhouse-style food being one of the main things they excel at.
In fact, the state has a growing number of them Restaurants with Michelin stars for those looking for luxury dining.
Landscape like nowhere else
About half of Colorado is mountainous, making it a place where breathtaking scenery is just an essential part of staying 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 breathtaking views 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 see is the Colorado National Monument, which you can view from several vantage points around Monument Canyon.
Make sure you are prepared for winter driving conditions and keep an eye on snowfall in the weather forecast if you take a road trip.
Mountain towns are an atmosphere
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 set is Colorado Springs, which is expected to be one of the trending travel destinations in 2024, according to a recent Airbnb survey.
Then there’s the state’s largest city, Denver, which is known for its great music scene, fun bars and a host 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 fantastic hot springs.
There are nearly 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 its luxury, while Glenwood Hot Springs offers water slides for the whole family.
Almost every one of these hot springs has fantastic views of Colorado’s breathtaking landscape – a combination that makes me feel relaxed writing about them.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
