Colorado is known for its beautiful terrain, natural recreation attractions, and beautiful small towns. It is situated in the Rocky Mountains and part of the Great Plains. Neighboring states such as Wyoming and Utah make it ideally located for cross-country road trips in the western United States, where there are many national parks. Colorado has a rich culture including a history of Western films and rodeos, a growing wine and beer scene, recreational marijuana tourism and diverse cuisine. Major attractions in the state include skiing at Aspen, learning about ancient Native American cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, skating in the various skateparks around the state, and hiking in the Great Sand Dunes National Park. There are many great cities to stay in during your trip. Take a look at our recommended resort towns in Colorado, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Breckenridge (from USD 190)
Breckenridge is home to world-renowned ski slopes, and cultural activities all year round. It is a small Colorado vacation town but has plenty to offer in terms of restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Favorite activities during the warmer seasons include river rafting, hiking, and fishing. Learn about Breckenridge’s history by visiting local museums and historic sites such as the Cowboy Mine. Other fun annual events include Oktoberfest, the Film Fest, Snow Sculpture Championships and Ullr Fest. Some of the top accommodations include Beaver Run Resort, The Lodge at Breckenridge, Mountain Thunder Lodge and Residence Inn by Marriott.
Beaver Run Resort
Address: 620 Village Road
29.82 km (18.6 mi) from Vail Ski Resort
2. Vail (from USD 429)
Luxury pricing, but worth the splurge for exceptional service and amenities.
Sprawling facilities, including a spa, pool, and onsite restaurants.
Perfectly situated in the heart of Vail Village, with easy access to shops and restaurants.
Excellent dining options, with a standout breakfast buffet and delicious on-site restaurants.
Vail is a breathtakingly beautiful resort town in Colorado with over 5,289 acres (2140.38 hectares) of terrain that provide challenging runs for even the most advanced skiers. It is only 100 miles (161 km) west of Denver, located in the Rocky Mountains. The downtown part of town has car-free streets and world renown cuisine and entertainment options for the whole family. Outdoor fun includes skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sleigh rides, and in the summer months, there is hiking, mountain biking, golfing and even ziplining. Annual events to keep in mind when you are planning a trip include GoPro Mountain Games, Vail Jazz Festival, Taste of Vail and Burton U.S. Open. Accommodation options include some of the best Colorado summer resorts like Sonnenalp, Hotel Talisa, Arrabelle at Vail Square, Sitzmark Lodge and Four Seasons Resort.
Sonnenalp
Address: 20 Vail Road
4.42 km (2.8 mi) from Vail Ski Resort
3. Winter Park (from USD 149)
Reasonable pricing for a central location near Winter Park and RMNP.
Convenient amenities including hot tub, free breakfast, and pet-friendly policy.
Central location near town, highway, and ski resort with easy access to local attractions.
Delicious and varied breakfast options, though some areas for improvement in food service.
Winter Park is situated in the central Rockies and there’s hardly a winter activity you could imagine that isn’t available here. There are many slopes and trails to choose from for skiers, try checking out Ski Granby Ranch, Snow Mountain Ranch or Devil’s Thumb Ranch. There are plenty of local shops to explore and restaurants to keep you satisfied during your stay. And if you are coming from Denver, look into taking the “ski train” that provides direct service from Denver’s Union Station to Winter Park. In the summer, you can visit Rocky Mountain National Park and go hiking or tubing. There are also annual events such as the Winter Park Jazz Festival, Music Festival, and Beer Festival to keep in mind. This famous town in Colorado features popular accommodations include Best Western Alpenglo Lodge, Valley Hi Motel and Vasquez Creek Inn.
Best Western Alpenglo Lodge
Address: 78665 US Highway 40
59.99 km (37.3 mi) from Vail Ski Resort
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4. Keystone (from USD 135)
Reasonably priced car valet service, great value for a comfortable ski weekend, but food and room expenses were a bit high.
Spa amenities, massage, warm pool, hot tub, convenient parking, shuttle transport, dog-friendly, walking trails, and oxygen bar.
Fabulous views over the lake, easy access to park, shuttle transport to ski area, peaceful off-season, and central for hikes in Colorado.
Great breakfast, pizza place, deli, and nice cafe on the lake, but limited restaurant hours and options, expensive food, and limited menu.
One of the best towns to stay in Colorado, Keystone was built for the sole purpose of giving tourists a place to enjoy the winter weather and the beauty of the region. At the center of town is a lake that, during winter, is a popular place to practice your ice skating. The usual winter recreation is available here, and in the summer ski lifts are still in operation to help you up the mountains on your hike when you’re feeling a bit lazy. If you are looking for a place to stay, try the Lakeside Village, Keystone Lodge, and Spa, or 3 Peaks Lodge.
The Keystone Lodge and Spa by Keystone Resort
Address: 22101 US Highway 6
32.96 km (20.5 mi) from Vail Ski Resort
Colorado Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Aspen (from USD 799)
If you are an avid skier, you have probably heard of Aspen. Located in a remote part of the Rocky Mountains, it is 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level. Originally a silver-mining town, it was developed into a resort town in the late 20th century, and many celebrities and wealthy people are known to flock to the slopes in winter. There is plenty of opportunity for skiing, snowshoeing, fly-fishing and even hot-air ballooning on the four ski mountains. After a long day, enjoy dinner at one of the world-class restaurants in town or catch a show at Belly Up. Accommodations range from campsites to bed and breakfasts, to five-star resorts.
St. Regis Aspen Resort
Address: 315 East Dean Street
61.5 km (38.3 mi) from Vail Ski Resort
6. Crested Butte (from USD 149)
Crested Butte has over 121 trails for anyone just learning to ski, or experts looking for a challenge. It is a great resort town for families with activities on the slopes like terrain parks, snowshoe loop, tubing, and an indoor kids zone. The low-key atmosphere allows you to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the area and fresh air. There are numerous dining options and local shops to explore, as well as outdoor parks. We recommend checking out some of the great accommodations available like Lodge and Mountaineer Square, Grand Lodge Crested Butte, The Elevation Hotel & Spa, The Plaza Condominiums and Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
Elevation Hotel & Spa
Address: 500 Gothic Road
94.64 km (58.9 mi) from Vail Ski Resort
7. Steamboat Springs (from USD 129)
Reasonably priced for downtown location, but some guests found it expensive for the amenities offered.
Clean rooms with comfortable beds, hot tub, pool, and pet-friendly options available. Some guests found the rooms simple, dated, or small.
Convenient downtown location within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Easy access to the Yampa River and Friday night rodeo.
Some guests appreciated the great coffee, while others were disappointed by the lack of breakfast or in-room coffee makers.
Steamboat Springs is located in northwest Colorado and is home to fantastic natural hot springs. Popular activities include hiking to Fish Creek Falls, mountain biking or going to the local rodeo. Annual events like the Strings Music Festival and Hot Air Balloon Rodeo are fun for the whole family. Of course, there is also plentiful skiing opportunities at Steamboat Ski Resort and Howelsen Hill, which have hosted many Winter Olympians. Again, there is a range of accommodations to choose from including budget campsites and luxury resorts. Some of the top options include Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas, The Steamboat Grand and Nordic Lodge of Steamboat Springs.
Nordic Lodge
Address: 1036 Lincoln Avenue
106.31 km (66.1 mi) from Vail Ski Resort
8. Telluride (from USD 170)
While nowadays Telluride may be a ski resort, it has a significant role in the history of the American West and has been designated a National Historic Landmark District. You will feel transported back in time when you walk down Main Street and see the brightly painted Victorian-era houses, Western-style storefronts, and red brick buildings. Just above Telluride is Mountain Village, home to modern dining and entertainment venues and skiing resorts. It is connected to downtown by a free 13-minute ride gondola, which provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valley. Telluride is often less crowded than more well-known ski resorts in Colorado, but still offers plenty of quality natural recreation. Popular accommodations include Residence Inn by Marriott, The Village Hotel, Trails End Condominiums and DoubleTree by Hilton.
Trails End Condominiums
Address: 411 Village Road
29.9 km (18.6 mi) from Vail Ski Resort
Winter wonderland
The opportunities are endless in Colorado and you’ll definitely have a hard time choosing which of these fantastic resort towns to visit. Luckily for you, you won’t be disappointed by any of them. There are plenty of activities and accommodations for everyone, no matter your budget. Besides, the natural beauty of the region is so stunning that you’ll hardly be spending your time indoors anyways. Keep these recommendations in mind for your next vacation.
Frequently asked questions about resort towns in Colorado, USA
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