Colorado

Colorado is one of the best luxury travel destinations in America, in both winter and summer. Aspen and Snowmass Village anchor the Roaring Fork Valley, where we live, with Vail, Telluride, and Crested Butte rounding out the state's great mountain towns. Denver makes a worthwhile gateway. Ski season runs late November through April, with the best snow in February and March. Summer, late June through September, is ideal for hiking and alfresco dining. Late September brings golden aspen season, arguably the most beautiful time of all.

We cover Colorado differently than most travel sites. We live in Snowmass Village, we ski and hike these mountains year-round, and we pay for every stay ourselves. No comps, no sponsorships, no paid placements. When we say a hotel is worth $1,500 a night, it's because we spent it.

Our coverage centers on the Roaring Fork Valley, with deep guides to Vail, Telluride, Crested Butte, and Denver. If you're planning a ski trip, start with our best ski-in ski-out hotels in Colorado, the definitive guide to slope-side luxury across the state.

Aspen

One of America's great mountain towns, and one of the few that genuinely delivers on luxury in both seasons. In winter, Aspen Mountain and its three sister mountains offer world-class skiing for every ability level. Start with our guide to the best hotels in Aspen, where rates at the top properties run $1,500 to $3,000+ a night in peak season.

In summer, the town becomes one of the best hiking, dining, and outdoor music destinations in the country. See our Aspen summer travel guide, Aspen's best restaurants, best patios in Aspen, and best hikes in and around Aspen.

Traveling as a family? We do it constantly. Read Aspen with kids for the complete family guide, and our winter activities for kids in Aspen for skiing, sledding, and everything in between.

Wondering how Aspen stacks up against the competition? Our Telluride vs. Aspen comparison settles it honestly, from a local's perspective.

Snowmass Village

Ten minutes from Aspen and in many ways better for families. Snowmass is a self-contained mountain village with one of the best ski mountains in Colorado for beginners and intermediates, and it's where we live. It's quieter than Aspen, more relaxed, and often better value.

Start with our Snowmass Village travel guide for the full picture, then our local's guide to the best hotels in Snowmass Village. Families should read Snowmass Village with kids. For food and trails, see the best restaurants in Snowmass Village and best hikes in Snowmass Village.

Vail

The biggest single ski resort in Colorado, and the one most visitors compare against Aspen. Vail's Back Bowls are legendary, the village is polished, and the hotel scene is deep. Our guide to where to stay in Vail covers the best hotels for the 2026–27 season, from true ski-in ski-out properties to better-value picks a short walk from the gondola.

Telluride

The most beautiful ski town in Colorado, full stop. A box canyon, a free gondola, and a historic main street that hasn't been overbuilt. Our guide to Telluride covers where to stay, eat, drink, and hike. If you're torn between the two marquee names, read Telluride vs. Aspen before you book.

Crested Butte

Colorado's last great ski town, and still refreshingly unpolished. Wildflower capital in summer, serious terrain in winter, and a fraction of the crowds. Our Crested Butte travel guide covers it all. Strong hikers can even connect it to Aspen on foot: the Aspen to Crested Butte hike is an 11-mile crossing of the Elk Mountains and one of the most rewarding day hikes in the state.

Keystone

Keystone finally has a luxury hotel. Sort of. We stayed at Kindred Resort shortly after opening and came away with mixed feelings. Read our honest Kindred Resort review before you book.

Denver

Colorado's capital is a worthwhile destination in its own right, and the natural gateway for a ski trip. Our guide to the best hotels in Denver covers where to stay in the Mile High City, including Halcyon in Cherry Creek, which we reviewed after a self-funded stay. The RiNo neighborhood is where the city's best food, art, and nightlife concentrate. See our RiNo neighborhood guide and best restaurants in Denver.

Hikes, Hot Springs, and Colorado Icons

Some of Colorado's best experiences aren't tied to a single town. The Maroon Bells are the most photographed mountains in North America, and our guide covers permits, timing, and how to beat the crowds. Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon is one of the most beautiful short hikes in the state, with a reservation system worth understanding before you go.

After a day on the trail or the slopes, soak. Our guide to the best hot springs in Colorado covers everything from luxury resort pools to wild backcountry springs.

Planning a summer trip with the family? Our best summer family vacation spots in Colorado rounds up our five favorites, from Dunton River Camp to Boulder.

Best Time to Visit Colorado

Ski season runs roughly late November through April, with February and March offering the best snow. Summer, late June through September, is warm, dry, and ideal for hiking and outdoor dining. Late September brings aspen leaf season, when the hillsides turn gold. It's arguably the most beautiful time of year in the Roaring Fork Valley, and hotel rates drop meaningfully from summer peaks.

Colorado FAQ

What is the most luxurious ski town in Colorado? Aspen, without much debate. It has the deepest luxury hotel scene, the best restaurants, and the most polished shopping of any Colorado mountain town. Vail and Telluride follow closely. See our guides to the best hotels in Aspen and where to stay in Vail.

Where should I stay in Colorado for a ski trip? It depends on your group. Aspen for luxury and dining, Snowmass for families, Vail for the biggest single mountain, Telluride for scenery, and Crested Butte for fewer crowds. If skiing straight from your door matters most, start with our best ski-in ski-out hotels in Colorado.

When is the best time to ski in Colorado? February and March offer the most reliable snow. Early December and April can be excellent value, though conditions are less predictable.

Is Aspen or Vail better? Aspen has the better town, restaurants, and luxury hotels. Vail has more interconnected terrain and easier access from Denver. We prefer Aspen, but we live there, so read both our Aspen hotel guide and our Vail hotel guide and decide for yourself.

Is Colorado worth visiting in summer? Absolutely, and it's underrated. Warm days, cool nights, world-class hiking, and hotel rates well below winter peaks. Our Aspen summer travel guide is the place to start.

How far is Aspen from Denver? About four hours by car, or a 45-minute flight into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Vail is roughly two hours from Denver, which is part of its appeal for shorter trips.