Including Vail Valley and a large portion of beautiful Summit County, Northwest Colorado is one of the largest regions in the state. The Rocky Mountain ranges in this area create a moisture gathering system, often making this part of Colorado a little cooler and wetter than other regions. Thanks to the climate and diverse topography, this area is a highly desirable location for year-round outdoor fun.
Winter Recreation in Northwest Colorado
Northwest Colorado is one of the most mountainous areas of Colorado and many of our vacation rentals are conveniently located within ski towns, perfect for the avid skier or laid-back snow bunny. With upwards of 16 resorts (both big and small) in the region, it's easy to find ski lodging in or near the resort town of your choice.
From the gentle slopes at Breckenridge to the backcountry terrain at Vail, all levels of skier/rider will find a slope to fit their level. The ski and snowboard schools at each resort offer guests a chance to hone their skills or pick up new ones. Each of the area's world-class resorts offers a varied terrain, including trick parks with SuperPipes, rails, and jumps. Guests who enjoy the thrills of the park will appreciate a visit to the terrain parks at Aspen Snowmass.
Ski Resort Amenities
Guests looking for family-friendly ski resorts won't be disappointed. In addition to a multitude of runs and fresh powder, many of the resorts include additional attractions that will make your vacation even more enjoyable. Copper Mountain and Beaver Creek Resort each offer a Kids Night Out option so that, while kids and teenagers enjoy games and activities catered to their age level, parents can sneak away for some much-needed adult time. Snowmass has Ullr Night, an after-closing event on Thursdays with activities like marshmallow roasting at a bonfire, exploring a snow-sculpted Ghost Ship, and snowshoe tours. Families with very small children may appreciate the slower pace at resorts like Granby Ranch, where the crowds are smaller and the trails are a little wider.
Almost all of the ski resorts in Northwest Colorado offer other snow and winter recreation options, including adaptive ski programs, snow bike lessons, tubing hills, and trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Summer Hiking in Northwest Colorado
When the snow melts and the sun begins to shine, a new world opens up here. From climbing peaks to exploring rivers, the warm months in Northwest Colorado are a time for exploration.
Discover the rich landscape in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, with over 100 miles of trails and nine passes climbing over 12,000 feet. The stunning Bells and their equally stunning reflection create one of the most frequently taken photographs in all of Colorado. With such a breathtaking background, even a novice photographer will look like a pro.
Over near the rustic mountain town of Winter Park and the Middle Park region is the Continental Divide and the Arapaho National Forest, offering hiking terrain, birding and wildlife viewing, and even more incredible views.
Biking and Water Sports in Northwest Colorado
Our Northwest Colorado homes offer access to a variety of bike trails, both paved and not. Whether you're a professional cyclist or just a joy rider, you'll find that the possibilities are endless when you're staying with us. Be sure to stop by Steamboat Springs, the proclaimed "Bike Town USA" of Colorado. Even if you aren't personally an avid cyclist, check out one of the many bike races throughout the Vail Valley and Summit County areas for an exciting experience.
Water sports enthusiasts will not miss out when they visit Northwest Colorado. Take your watercraft to the majestic Grand Lake, the largest natural body of water in Colorado, or to the man-made shores of Dillon Reservoir in Summit County. Fish the gold-medal waters of the Roaring Fork River in Old Snowmass or take float trips down the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon.
Things to Do in Northwest Colorado
While Northwest Colorado's highlights are largely outdoor in nature, it is not without its thriving city life. From the affluent town of Aspen and Vail to the smaller mountain towns of Frisco and Tabernash, our Northwest Colorado destinations offer shopping and dining that could compete with any big city.
Events like the X Games and Aspen Music Festival in Aspen Snowmass to Vail's Oktoberfest, Jazz Festival, and International Dance Festival offer guests sophistication and thrill. And those are just the big-name festivals - there are numerous free concert series, art festivals, farmers markets, and athletic events like bike and foot races to keep guests busy year-round.
There are plenty of ways to get an adrenaline rush during your stay or, if you're looking for something less adventurous, you can enjoy some simpler and more relaxing activities like reading a good novel in the shadow of the Rockies, snoozing in a patch of sunlight by a stream or in a meadow, or making memories with your little ones.
When you choose to stay in one of our beautiful Northwest Colorado vacation rentals, it's all up to you. Vacasa provides the canvas - now you bring the paint.
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