Winter Getaways in the Colorado Rockies, Part Two
Have you been to these two famous Colorado spots?
In part one of Winter Getaways, I highlighted Winter Park and Leadville, two Colorado favorites. Today, I am writing about two more places that Coloradans love to brag about (and visit).
Photo by Bob Winsett
A charming town, Breckenridge has the distinct privilege of being the only town in my “Winter Getaways” round up where the ski resort is part of town. Yes, the Town of Breckenridge is ski/in, ski/out and that means that parties at the ski base are basically town parties.
Skiers will enjoy the sheer number of acres at Breckenridge Resort. There are nearly 3,000 acres to ski here, making it the type of resort that ski vacationers love. There’s never a dull moment and new runs are always beckoning.
Photo courtesy of Breckenridge Ski Resort
The town is easy to get around if visitors utilize the free shuttle system and their hotel shuttle. Most properties feature a shuttle and this means that in Breckenridge you can park your car and forget about it. Heading to one of Breckenridge’s many eateries? Call your shuttle.
This is an active town and it always seems that there’s something happening whether it’s a festival, theater or beer dinner. Winter is no exception and events like Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywine, for instance, is considered a world-class event and is held in Breckenridge each January.
By the way, after a long construction project, Peak 8 base area is now finished. There will be an escalator here, heated plaza, an ice rink and more. Plus, a wonderful lodging option is located here, Grand Colorado on Peak 8.
Photo by Scott Smith
There’s a reason there is a truck called Durango; this town is just plain cool. Durango is a quintessential Colorado town with a southwest twist. For instance, it is not hard to find the southwest favorite, pozole, here and everything comes smothered in green chile.
It’s a train town, a ski town, a foodie town and a historical town. It has everything you want as a winter getaway. If scenery is high on your list, the vistas from the runs at Purgatory Resort are awe-inspiring and so are the views from the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
If beer is what you crave, Ska Brewing is a must-stop, as is a burger and brew at Steamworks Brewing Company. Animas Brewing is right on the bike trail and makes the perfect stop on your cruise around town, a possibility during any season in Durango.
Strater Hotel. Photo courtesy of Visit Durango.
Purgatory Resort is about 30 minutes outside of town and the road to this ski area provides delightful southern Colorado views. During Snowdown, the town’s end-of-January winter party, the drive affords glimpses of hot air balloons during the festival’s annual rally.
Whether you visit in order to ski, ride the train or just to order a great bowl of pozole, Durango makes a memorable winter getaway in Colorado.
