A jaunt to the mountains is a favorite way to spend Presidents’ Weekend in Colorado. With most schools and businesses enjoying a long weekend, it’s an ideal time to venture west to enjoy the snow-capped peaks by skiing, snowboarding, or relaxing in resort communities. Enjoy these recommendations for delightful destinations in the high country.
The beautiful Roaring Fork Valley is home to Aspen, known for its history as a silver mining town, world-renowned skiing and festive nightlife. Aspen boasts four different mountains for skiing and snowboarding: Ajax with a prime location just above town, Buttermilk which is ideal for families and beginners, Highlands with its iconic hiking-accessible bowl skiing, and Snowmass’s expansive terrain.
For après-ski cocktails and bites, stop by Ajax Tavern at the Little Nell. Their sunny patio is a favorite locale to nosh on their famous truffle fries, swap stories, and relax with views of the mountain.
Another option is to drive downvalley to soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. With its riverside location offering 16 mineral pools, a large freshwater pool, and delicious snacks and beverages from Sopris Café, it’s the ideal spot to spend an afternoon.
Located in northern Colorado with a rich history of ranching and Western culture, Steamboat Springs is a great option for a weekend of skiing and relaxation. This season, Mahogany Ridge provides 600 new acres of terrain to explore. The Wild Blue Gondola is another new addition, whisking passengers from Steamboat Square to Sunshine Peak in thirteen minutes – the fastest gondola in North America!
After a fun-filled day on the mountain, kick back at the aptly-names Après Burger Bistro just steps from the ski slopes. With its historic bar that was built for the World’s Fair in 1904, this locals’ favorite is known for their filling burgers such as the Maui Wowie and Mighty Mushroom along with a Bacon Bloody Mary or a craft beer.
Just 7 miles outside Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Hot Springs is an enchanting place to visit, surrounded by the serenity of the forest. It offers three thermal pools of varying temperatures for soaking and relaxing. There are treatment spaces for massages as well as rustic cabins for overnight stays. Note that from November 1st to May 1st a four-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires is required on the road to Strawberry Hot Springs.
Located in Grand County, Winter Park offers world-class skiing just a short drive from the Front Range. It offers over 3,000 acres of terrain, 23 lifts and a variety of runs including off-piste options.
Mountain-top après is an ideal way to finish up a day in Winter Park. Live music, snacks, and beverages are complemented by phenomenal vistas of Parry Peak from the Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge. Gondola rides are complementary each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between 4pm and 7pm, so even if you’re not skiing or riding, you can savor the alpenglow views.
The whole family can enjoy snow-tubing at the Coca-Cola Tube Hill. Ride the conveyor belt to the top and choose from fast lanes or slower options to slide down to the base near the Vintage Hotel. The Tube Hill is open daily through April 14th and advance tickets can be purchased online.
Whether you spend your holiday weekend on the slopes, partaking in local apres-ski traditions, or simply recharging in the mountains, enjoy time in Colorado’s beautiful resort destinations.
