Wondering where you should vacation the next time you’re looking to hit the slopes in Colorado? We’ve rounded up the 10 best ski towns!

1. Breckenridge

Breckenridge is beautiful to visit any time of year, and there’s plenty to do even when you’re not skiing. The town has a solid goldrush history dating back to the 1800s, and as a result you get a historic district with the Edwin Carter museum (perfect for nature lovers). There’s also plenty of family-fun activities at the Breckenridge ski resort, including zip lines, hikes and mountain-biking trails.

2. Vail

This trendy town is definitely expensive, but it’s well worth the cost for the avid skier; the massive Vail Ski Resort draws thousands of tourists every year. Vail also attracts internationally acclaimed artists with the town’s annual film, classical music and dance festivals. If you’re looking for something less busy than Vail Ski Resort, be sure to check out others in the area such as Lionshead Place or Blue Sky Basin.

3. Aspen

Aspen, as it is so duly named, is home to gorgeous aspen trees that tourists and locals alike flock to during the fall to see the leaves change. Everything turns such a beautiful yellow that it’s something everyone has to experience at least once in their life. The Aspen Snowmass resort is perfect for any skier, regardless of their level, as it ranges from the easy Buttermilk slopes to the expert Aspen Highlands.

4. Steamboat Springs

My personal favorite, Steamboat Springs is home to natural hot springs that can be used winter or summer at Old Town Hot Springs. The Springs are equipped with swimming and soaking pools, plus water slides. There are also plenty of trails to go hiking on, including the Summit Lake trailhead, which has an access point to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

5. Telluride

Telluride is a popular ski and golf town that, like many other ski towns, is a historic mining town. Check out landmarks such the Sheridan Opera House, a performing-arts venue, and the Telluride Historical Museum. Camping at Town Park also includes Nordic skiing and ice skating in the winter, or visit the Telluride Ski Resort to get year-round activities such as links-style golfing, ropes courses and mountain-biking trails.

6. Keystone

Keystone is definitely one of the smaller ski towns on this list, but don’t let that deter you from hitting the slopes here. The Keystone Resort ski area occupies 3 separate mountains: Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback, as well as snowcat skiing in Independence Bowl, Bergman Bowl, Erickson Bowl, in addition to the existing North Bowl and South Bowl on Wapiti Peak.

7. Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek resort is home to skiing, terrain park, and cross-country routes. During the summer, Beaver Creek mountain has plenty of hiking routes, or stop by the Vilar Performing Arts Center, which presents theater, concerts, and comedy shows throughout the year.

8. Winter Park

Winter Park is tiny, but the tourists that come in during ski season nearly triple! The Winter Park Ski Resort is easily accessible with the Winter Park Express ski train, and once there you can compete in cross-country skiing at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, mountain biking, concerts, hiking, and fishing. Fun fact–as of 2006, Winter Park is the highest incorporated town in the United States at over 9,000 feet above sea level!

9. Crested Butte

Downhill ski and bike trails run across the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Crested Butte is also known for its beautiful scenery, including the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway takes in wilderness areas like Kebler Pass, or the changing aspen leaves in the fall.

10. Eldora

Eldora is located within the Roosevelt National Forest and is dotted with ski runs and hiking trails throughout this largely forested town. Located just outside of Boulder, Must-see visits include Eldora Mountain Resort, Eldora Historic District, and Indian Peaks Wilderness.

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