Snow Days + Cozy Nights: The Best Winter Vacations in Colorado

Let’s get real, there’s winter, and then there’s Colorado winter.

We’re talking fires crackling, snow falling like powdered sugar, and hot tub nights so clear you swear the stars are showing off. If that sounds like something your soul needs this year, this guide’s for you.

Whether you’re carving turns in Crested Butte, sipping coffee in Alma without a soul in sight, or finding city magic in a decked-out Denver, we’re breaking down exactly how to make this your most unforgettable winter yet.

Crested Butte: The Winter Wonderland You’ll Fall in Love With

Crested Butte isn’t just another ski town, it’s a postcard-perfect mountain village that feels untouched by time. Known for its world-class skiing, colorful historic downtown, and local charm, it’s where adventure meets authenticity. 

Top Winter Experiences in Crested Butte: 

Ski or snowboard at Crested Butte Mountain Resort – with terrain for every level. 

Snowshoe or Nordic ski through the Slate River Valley—it’s as peaceful as it gets. 

Après-ski in town with a glass of wine at The Dogwood or dinner at Secret Stash Pizza. 

Stay at Oh Be Joyful House, Crested Butte, your luxury mountain home base complete with a hot tub, full kitchen, and cozy gathering spaces for family or friends. 

Local Tip: Don’t miss a morning coffee from Camp 4 Coffee, it’s legendary for a reason.

Alma: Cozy Mountain Magic Near Breckenridge

Just 20 minutes from Breckenridge, Alma is where peace and play meet. This tiny mountain town (the highest incorporated town in North America!) offers big adventure vibes without the crowds. 

Top Winter Experiences in Alma: 

• Warm up in the hot tub or unwind with a yoga flow on the wraparound deck at Cutie Cabin, your modern mountain retreat designed for connection and rest. 

• Stargaze from the firepit or soak in the quiet, you’ll swear the stars are closer here. 

• Sip coffee by the big windows and watch snow fall like confetti. 

• Explore Hoosier Pass or Kite Lake Trailhead for breathtaking snowshoeing or hiking.

Local Tip: Grab the best coffee in town at The Black Kettle Coffee Shop and grab a pastry from Bristlecone Bakery before heading into Breckenridge for shopping or an afternoon of skiing. 

Denver: Winter Fun Meets City Comfort

Colorado’s capital is far from sleepy in the winter. Denver is buzzing with events, rooftop igloos, cozy cocktail bars, and nearby day-trip adventures. 

Top Winter Experiences in Denver: 

Ice skate at Skyline Park or stroll the twinkling lights at the Denver Botanic Gardens. 

Book a dinner at Tavernetta or Rioja for cozy upscale dining. 

Stay at Encore House Denver, your home base for family gatherings or weekend adventures, featuring a hot tub, sauna, gym, and theater room (aka the perfect après-ski movie night spot). 

Catch a concert at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre or explore the holiday markets downtown. 

The best Colorado winters aren’t about checking boxes, they’re about how you feel when it’s all said and done.

Maybe it’s finally unwinding with your crew after a long ski day. Or watching your kids lose their minds over falling snow. Or just staring at the mountains with a warm drink in your hand, thinking, “Yep, this is exactly what I needed.”

At Enjoyful Stays, we build spaces for those moments. Real connection. Real rest. And a whole lot of JOY.

Don’t just go somewhere this winter. Go somewhere that actually fills your tank.

Be sure to check out our homes in Crested Butte, Alma, and Denver, and book the kind of trip that leaves you better than it found you.

Skiing at Breckenridge