Aspen and Vail, Colorado: World-Class Skiing and Spectacular Views
Colorado is home to several world-class ski resorts that cater to beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. A Colorado ski vacation also offers a variety of activities suitable for families, couples, and singles.
What's more, Colorado's rugged and dramatic mountain landscape makes it a desirable winter vacation destination for the non-skier, offering alternative activities to downhill skiing, such as snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.
Vail and Aspen: Winter Destinations of International Renown
As you plan your Colorado ski vacation, think about visiting Vail or Aspen, two of Colorado's most well-known ski resort towns. Vail is known for its long ski runs and chic village, a setting especially suited to those seeking a quiet, intimate winter vacation. Vail is also popular for its legendary back bowls, a six-mile stretch of giant pitted terrain that provides an endless source of skiing without having to ride a single ski lift.
Aspen, on the other hand, is a little bigger than Vail, offering more in terms of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Aspen also comprises five mountains - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - which collectively total nearly 5,000 acres of terrain. Aspen is also a popular winter vacation destination for snow boarders.
Both Vail and Aspen cater to advanced and beginner skiers and offer private or group ski lessons at all levels. Both also boast of incredible alpine views.
Planning your Holidays in Colorado: The Best Times to Go
You can plan a Colorado ski vacation any time from late November, when the season begins, through early April, at the season's close. Availability over the winter holidays tends to be limited, so make any holiday winter vacation bookings well in advance.
It's worth noting that some Colorado resorts offer ski vacation discounts during off-peak times, so be sure to ask your travel agent or hotel reservation specialist about promotions and vacation packages.
About the Author
Sally Clark is a freelance writer and consultant with several years of experience in the field of corporate social responsibility. Sally has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and Central America and has lived in Paris, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., where she is working on a master's in International Affairs at The George Washington University.
