Colorado: Snow Holiday Happiness for the Whole Family

A multi-generational winter holiday is always rewarding but works best if everyone is well catered for in the fun department. Colorado is well-known for its twenty-eight different ski resorts, offering something for everyone.

Specifically, Colorado focuses on fun for all the family. This includes skiers and non-skiers, experts, learners, and kids of all ages. If the kids are having fun, the grown-ups will too.

We unpack some of the best experiences available for kids and tips for an unforgettable family holiday at Colorado’s top resorts next winter.

Denver

Acclimatising to altitude is crucial for families wanting to ski in Colorado. But having fun at the same time is even better. You can do both with a stopover that ticks everyone’s boxes in the Mile High City before you hit the slopes. If Denver International Airport is the hub, the Colorado ski resorts are the spokes, and the fast airport train will take you downtown into the re-imagined Denver Union Station smoothly and efficiently. Denver’s public transport system is second-to-none.

Shop for Western gear at the famous Rockmount Ranchwear. Get the kids kitted out for any outdoor activity you (or they) want to try at the REI flagship store. And Cherry Creek has the boutiques, the brands, the bargains. 

With street art, galleries and museums, Denver has the art scene covered, from the traditional to the avant-garde Meowwolf displays. The kids will love taking the creative street art tour in RiNo (River North District) on the trolley. The Children’s Museum of Denver for kids 0-8 years and the Museum of Natural History will have them learning while they play and keep parents fascinated. Dive into the History Colorado Centre to find a glimpse of the state’s intriguing past or enjoy interactive exhibits including animal-themed art and gallery games the kids will love at the Denver Art Museum.

Aquarium, zoo, skate-parks to ballparks, stadiums, and amphitheatres; the choice for children’s activities and entertainment is as diverse as it is appealing. And many activities are outdoors and free. The children will thank you and want to stay longer, but don’t forget you are here for a Colorado snow holiday so it is time to take them skiing.

Read more:

• denver.org
• 10 things to do in Denver: The ultimate snow stopover destination

Steamboat Ski Resort

Pioneering programs such as Kids Ski Free and Kids Rent Free, Steamboat (better known as Ski Town USA) sets the standard for comprehensive family value and fun experiences. Happy Camp, established for kids four and under, offers childcare and on-hill learning that will have you coming back year after year.

Coming soon, in a major redevelopment program; a re-imagined base area and Steamboat Square with improved amenities. On the slopes, a world-class learning facility, a new ten-person gondola, 650 acres of expert terrain and a lower on-slope terminal for the Steamboat Gondola.

© Steamboat Ski Resort

With a strong Olympian tradition, Steamboat’s Olympic jump training ground makes exciting viewing for the whole family when you need a break from the slopes. Regular festivals featuring a Steamboat favourite, skijoring (skiing towed by cowboys on galloping horses), are equally adrenaline-charged but do not try either of these pursuits at home!

Explore the town with its authentic western heritage, stores and flavour or take the whole crew to soak away ski aches and pains naturally in the nearby Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

More information: steamboat.com

Aspen Snowmass

The ‘fab four’ mountains of Aspen Snowmass come into their own as the ultimate winter playground for families. The bunny slopes of Buttermilk and wide-open groomers of Snowmass are perfect for learners and beginners, while there is enough challenge for the most experienced on Aspen Mountains and Highlands, all on the one pass.

Aspen Snowmass offers an award-winning snow sports school for children. The home bases at The Treehouse at Snowmass and The Hideout at Buttermilk have programs for 2–4-year-olds and kids 5-6, featuring an indoor interactive jungle gym, kid-friendly cafeteria, rentals, and ski school check-in. Along with similar programs, Treehouse in Snowmass provides licensed childcare for those kids not enrolled or too young to enter the ski school. But wait, there’s so much more…

Non-skiers and boarders of all ages can feel the wind in their faces as they zoom down a lane on the Snowmass tubing hill at Elk Camp. Or thrill-seekers can fill the need for speed on the two-person Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. Luckily, there is a handbrake to temper enthusiasm if needed.

Off piste, the adventures keep coming. Try a dogsled adventure through Snowmass backcountry, ice-skating at Snowmass Base Village and the regular Friday-night family-friendly ‘Ullr Nights’ events at Elk Camp with s’more’s bonfire, activities for the kids and live music, specialty drinks and farm-to-table meals to keep the adults happy.

More information: aspensnowmass.com 

Keep reading:

• The best Colorado ski resorts for kids
• 12 things to love about a snow trip to Telluride

Telluride

Families in the snow know wax lyrical about Telluride. This magical winter wonderland is the real deal for ensuring children, teens and adults have the time of their winter holiday lives. Balance relaxation and recreation with a multitude of family-friendly activities and events.

On the slopes you will always find a groomed easy run down the mountain from even the highest points in the resort, giving confidence to mixed expertise families who can all stay together, or split up to enjoy the mountain at their own pace. There are group children’s lessons available from the professional instructors at the Ski School with lunch included and Cubs Camp nursery to care for kids 1-4 (bookings essential).

The 13-minute iconic gondola ride from the historic town to the Mountain Village is a must and offers breathtaking scenic views the whole family will love. Try it at sunset for a photo-opp you will treasure.

A snowmobile trail ride to the historic Alta mining ghost-town is fast-paced, fun and a peek into the pristine nature of the backcountry for teens and adults. For a more sedate and relaxing outing, and some unique Telluride retail therapy and entertainment for the whole family, stroll down Main Street with stops at local boutiques, galleries, restaurants and the Telluride Historical Museum to happily satisfy those wanting a break from the slopes. The museum is doing an exhibition next year on the history of Telluride as a ski resort as it celebrates 50 years.

More information: telluride.com

This article was produced in partnership with Colorado Tourism and is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter here.

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