Colorado, a state known for its breathtaking natural beauty, offers a wide range of exciting experiences for visitors in December. From snow-capped mountains to festive holiday markets, the state has something for everyone. As the weather starts to cool down, Colorado transforms into a winter wonderland, making it an ideal destination for those who love skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. In this article, we will explore the best places to visit in Colorado in December, highlighting the top attractions, events, and activities that make this state a must-visit during the holiday season.
Winter Sports and Activities
Colorado is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, and December is an excellent time to hit the slopes. The state has numerous ski resorts, each offering a unique experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Ski Resorts in Colorado
Some of the top ski resorts in Colorado include:
- Breckenridge Ski Resort: Known for its lively atmosphere and diverse terrain, Breckenridge is a favorite among skiers and snowboarders.
- Aspen Snowmass: This resort offers four separate mountains, each with its own unique character and challenges.
- Vail Ski Resort: With over 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the US.
- Keystone Resort: Located in the Rocky Mountains, Keystone offers a range of slopes for all levels, from beginner to expert.
- Crested Butte Mountain Resort: This resort is known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Colorado offers a range of other winter activities, including:
- Snowshoeing: A great way to explore the state’s beautiful winter landscapes.
- Ice Skating: Many towns and cities in Colorado offer outdoor ice skating rinks during the winter months.
- Sledding and Tubing: A fun and exciting way to experience the thrill of sliding down a snowy hill.
- Winter Hiking: For those who prefer to explore on foot, Colorado’s winter landscapes offer a range of hiking trails for all levels.
Winter Festivals and Events
Colorado hosts a range of winter festivals and events throughout December, including:
- Breckenridge Winter Festival: A month-long celebration of winter sports, music, and culture.
- Aspen Winter X Games: A world-class extreme sports competition that attracts top athletes from around the globe.
- Vail Winter Festival: A festive celebration of winter sports, music, and food.
- Keystone Winter Festival: A fun and family-friendly event featuring live music, ice skating, and snow tubing.
Holiday Markets and Shopping
Colorado’s holiday markets and shopping districts offer a range of unique and festive experiences, perfect for finding gifts and souvenirs.
Holiday Markets
Some of the top holiday markets in Colorado include: (See Also: Where to Visit in Little Rock Arkansas? Top Attractions)
- Boulder Holiday Market: A festive market featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors.
- Denver Christkindl Market: A traditional German-style market offering handmade crafts, food, and drink.
- Aspen Saturday Market: A weekly market featuring local produce, crafts, and live music.
- Fort Collins Holiday Market: A festive market offering handmade crafts, food, and drink.
Shopping Districts
Shopping Districts
Some of the top shopping districts in Colorado include:
- 16th Street Mall in Denver: A pedestrian shopping and dining district featuring over 300 stores and restaurants.
- LoDo in Denver: A historic shopping and dining district offering a range of unique boutiques and eateries.
- Aspen’s Galena Street: A charming shopping district featuring high-end boutiques and art galleries.
- Fort Collins’ Old Town: A historic shopping district offering a range of unique boutiques and eateries.
Winter Wildlife and Scenic Drives
Colorado’s winter landscapes offer a range of opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic driving.
Winter Wildlife Viewing
Some of the top spots for winter wildlife viewing in Colorado include:
- Rocky Mountain National Park: A world-class destination for wildlife viewing, including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park: A unique park featuring towering sand dunes and a range of wildlife, including deer and coyotes.
- Boulder County Open Space: A network of parks and open spaces offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer and rabbits.
Scenic Drives
Some of the top scenic drives in Colorado include:
- Trail Ridge Road: A scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Maroon Bells Scenic Drive: A scenic drive through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- San Juan Skyway: A scenic drive through the San Juan Mountains offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Winter Accommodations
Colorado offers a range of accommodations for visitors, from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts. (See Also: Where to Visit in London for Free? Top Picks)
Luxury Resorts
Some of the top luxury resorts in Colorado include:
- The Little Nell in Aspen: A five-star resort offering luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.
- The Sebastian – Vail: A luxury resort offering luxurious accommodations and access to world-class skiing.
- The St. Regis Aspen Resort: A luxury resort offering luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.
Bed and Breakfasts
Some of the top bed and breakfasts in Colorado include:
- The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in Denver: A historic hotel offering luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.
- The Oxford Hotel in Denver: A boutique hotel offering luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.
- The Sebastian – Vail: A luxury resort offering luxurious accommodations and access to world-class skiing.
Recap
In conclusion, Colorado is a fantastic destination for visitors in December, offering a range of exciting experiences, including winter sports, holiday markets, and scenic drives. From the world-class ski resorts to the charming shopping districts, there’s something for everyone in Colorado. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a festive atmosphere, Colorado has it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best skiing in Colorado?
The best skiing in Colorado can be found at resorts such as Breckenridge, Aspen Snowmass, Vail, Keystone, and Crested Butte. Each resort offers a unique experience and a range of slopes for all levels.
What are the top holiday markets in Colorado?
The top holiday markets in Colorado include the Boulder Holiday Market, Denver Christkindl Market, Aspen Saturday Market, and Fort Collins Holiday Market. Each market offers a unique and festive experience, featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors. (See Also: Where to Visit in South Padre Island? Ultimate Guide)
What are the best scenic drives in Colorado?
The best scenic drives in Colorado include Trail Ridge Road, Maroon Bells Scenic Drive, and San Juan Skyway. Each drive offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
What are the top luxury resorts in Colorado?
The top luxury resorts in Colorado include The Little Nell in Aspen, The Sebastian – Vail, and The St. Regis Aspen Resort. Each resort offers luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.
What are the top bed and breakfasts in Colorado?
The top bed and breakfasts in Colorado include The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in Denver, The Oxford Hotel in Denver, and The Sebastian – Vail. Each B&B offers luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.