Winter Shines Brighter in Colorado: How to Plan Your Dream Trip

Colorado Winters offer endless opportunities for wonder and excitement.

It’s one of the few places where you can ski world-class terrain in the morning, soak in natural hot springs by afternoon, and spend the evening wandering a historic downtown that feels lived-in.

From snow-dusted peaks and beautiful canyon drives to scenic railroads and great food scenes, Colorado pairs adventure with a kind of comfort that makes winter feel expansive rather than exhausting. 

Whether this is your first snowy escape or a trip you return to every year, here’s how to plan a Colorado winter getaway that maximizes your time, experience, and miles and points.

Pick Your Home Base

Colorado rewards focused planning. Instead of trying to see everything in one trip, choosing a single region lets you slow down, settle in, and still leave plenty to come back for.

Each corner of the state offers a slightly different version of winter, and here are three standout regions worth building a trip around.

The Rocky Mountains: Classic Ski Town

The central Rockies are what most people picture when they think of a Colorado winter. Towns like Breckenridge and Winter Park offer easy access from Denver, with lively après scenes, walkable main streets, and generous snowfall, all ideal if you’re looking for both convenience and atmosphere.

Steamboat Springs leans more storybook. Known for its famously light Champagne Powder and night skiing, Steamboat pairs full days on the mountain with cozy evenings at Strawberry Park or Old Town Hot Springs.

Southwest Colorado: Scenic Adventure

Winter in Southwest Colorado feels a little quieter, in the best way. Snow-covered highways connect towns like Durango, Ouray, and Pagosa Springs, where you’ll find historic railways, geothermal hot springs, and towering peaks.

One of the region’s standout experiences is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The winter train follows the icy blue waters of the Animas River as it ascends through a snow-blanketed forest to Cascade Canyon for views of snowcapped peaks before returning to town.

With cozy, heated coaches, it’s an exceptional way to experience the San Juan Mountains in winter. 

Nearby, Ouray’s open-air hot springs sit in a natural amphitheater of peaks, earning the area its “Switzerland of America” nickname.

The Front Range: Cities and Mountains

Ski like a local and venture to smaller ski areas that are easily accessible from the Front Range. Smaller areas like Eldora Mountain, just outside Boulder, offer more approachable terrain and easy day-trip access from Denver.

Loveland Ski Area, located higher on the Continental Divide, offers plentiful snow and 94 trails, with a variety of terrain for all skill levels. 

Where to Fly and Stay (Using Points)

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the most common entry point and a great one if you’re using transferable points through Chase Travel℠ or Capital One Travel.

If you’re heading straight to the mountains and want to skip winter driving altogether, regional airports can save time. 

Aspen (ASE) and Vail/Eagle (EGE) are well-known options, while Montrose (MTJ) is an underrated gateway for Southwest Colorado, serving Telluride, Ouray, and Ridgway.

Colorado is also an easy place to turn points into memorable stays. 

Hyatt’s properties range from the Thompson Denver to ski-adjacent options like Hyatt Place Keystone. Marriott Bonvoy members can aim higher with properties like W Aspen or The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort in Vail, where you’ll get both modern mountain design and easy town access, making your nights just as enjoyable as days on the slopes.

Winter Experiences Beyond Skiing

Soak in Natural Hot Springs

Hot springs are one of Colorado’s defining winter experiences and something few ski destinations can match at this scale.

• Glenwood Hot Springs Resort: One of the largest hot springs pools in the world, perfect for a classic soak-and-stay experience.

• Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Steamboat): Rustic pools tucked into a hillside make for a relaxing and scenic retreat.

• Ouray Hot Springs: Open-air soaking with panoramic mountain views.

• The Springs Resort: Home to one of the deepest known geothermal aquifers, feeding dozens of soaking pools along the river.

• Dunton Hot Springs: Offers an all-inclusive luxury experience in a restored ghost town, combining soaking, dining, and lodging into one unforgettable stay.

Ride a Winter Train Through the Mountains

Colorado’s winter railways offer views you simply can’t access by car.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through a snow-covered canyon, while the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad delivers wide-open views of the San Juan Mountains. Departing from Denver’s Union Station, the Winter Park Express provides a convenient, car-free option that whisks you straight to the base of the slopes.

Rail tickets typically code as travel purchases, meaning you’ll earn bonus points with cards like the Citi Strata Premier® Card or American Express® Green Card, which is just the cherry on top.

Plan Around a Winter Festival

Winter festivals are part of the Colorado experience, and planning around one can add a fun, different element to your trip. A few options include:

• Breckenridge Ullr Fest: A Norse-inspired celebration with parades and costumes.
  Steamboat Winter Carnival: Ski jumping, street events, and fireworks.

• Pagosa Springs WinterFest: Sled races, hot-air balloons, and a polar plunge

Lots of ski towns also host live music weekends and on-mountain events throughout winter, so it’s worth checking resort calendars before locking in your dates.

Earning and Redeeming Points in Winter

High-demand winter towns are where the right credit cards can make a world of difference. Dining, lodging, and transportation often earn bonus points, and using travel credits or free night certificates could help you extend your trip. 

In Steamboat Springs, for example, mountain lodges like Gravity Haus can be covered using miles from your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or annual travel credits, while cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® earn bonus points on dining and eligible travel purchases across ski towns like Aspen and Vail.

Smart Winter Travel Tips

Colorado’s “Do Colorado Right” guidelines help you travel smarter by maximizing your time, safety, and experience. A little planning goes a long way, like booking your stay early to secure your preferred location and packing layers so you're prepared for fast-changing conditions.

Or consider taking trains, shuttles, or ski buses so you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about winter roads. 

Bottom Line 

Winter brings out Colorado’s natural beauty with high peaks and warm pools, quiet railways and lively mountain towns. Whether your ideal day includes skiing, soaking, riding a historic train, or strolling a snow-covered main street, there’s a version of winter here that fits.

Choose one region, let miles and points open the doors, and plan a winter getaway that takes your breath away.