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Colorado Winter Road Trip
5 Days, 5 Destinations
Copper Mountain, Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Eldora
The Centennial State’s Rocky Mountains are a must — home to five of the most-sought-after Ikon Pass destinations. Here’s an inside look at Colorado’s iconic alpine adventures, including tips on finding the legendary runs, best powder, and top après options.
Stop 1
Copper Mountain
- Closest Airport: DEN
- Drive from Airport: 102m
Morning
Kick-off the day at Copper like an Olympian and carve down Andy’s Encore, Oh No, and Rosi’s Run—all professional-grade terrain that’s part of the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center. Plus, it’s the world’s only full-length downhill course that’s open in November and December. Practically the entire U.S team starts their winter season here.
Afternoon
Refuel with a burger and beer at T-Rex Grill. Located at the base of Timberline lift, the patio gets loads of afternoon sun, the perfect setting on a warm ski day. If the flakes are falling, hop on Copper’s free snowcat for the quickest ticket to powder town, aka Tucker Mountain. And if you really want the goods, make the 10-minute trek to the Fremont Glades, where powder stays for days after a storm.
Evening
Take an early-evening spin on the Rocky Mountain Coaster; stretching 5,800 feet and descending 430 vertical feet, it’s one of the longest mountain coasters in North America. Then cheers to an iconic day on the mountain with a glass of Copper’s very own #Coppered craft beer.
Stop 2
Aspen Snowmass
- Distance from stop 1: 92m
Morning
Treat yourself to Aspen Highland’s crown jewel—Highland Bowl. Get there the easy way on the free snowcat at the top of Loge Peak chairlift, which cuts the 45-minute hike by a third. If you’re at Aspen Mountain on a powder day, take some turns on Walsh’s, Bell Mountain, and the—appropriately named—Dumps run.
Afternoon
Après like you mean it with legendary truffle fries at Ajax Tavern at the base of Aspen Mountain. Or sip some bubbly on Aspen Highlands at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, known for its boisterous ski scene. Afterward, try the new Breathtaker alpine coaster, or snap a snowy selfie with the iconic Maroon Bells.
Evening
First and foremost a ski town, Aspen is also renowned for its hip retail scene. Pick up some Aspen-leaf logowear at Aspen Shop and sift through the latest fashions at Maison Ullens and Distractions before they close for the day, then peruse the colorful artwork at Peter Lik Gallery and Royal Street Fine Art (open late).
Stop 3
Steamboat
- Distance from stop 2: 153m
Morning
Scout out some famous Champagne Powder® on Steamboat’s snowiest runs, Ted’s Ridge, Buddy’s Run, and hike-to terrain on top of Mt. Werner. Or cut through corduroy on smooth, never-ending groomers like Longhorn and Vagabond.
Afternoon
Head over to Heavenly Daze at 1 PM to ski with Olympic legend Billy Kidd, the first American male to win an Olympic medal in alpine skiing and Steamboat’s director of skiing. (Billy doesn’t ski every day, so be sure to check the sign at the top of the gondola to see if he’ll be on the mountain.) Treat yourself with complimentary Champagne Powder® donuts and hot chocolate, served at the base at 3 PM daily.
Evening
After a long day, treat your taste buds to a well-deserved Bloody Mary—each bar has its own special concoction. Before hitting the pillow, ease those tired muscles in the hot, soothing pools at Steamboat’s natural Strawberry Park Hot Springs, roughly seven miles outside of town.
Stop 4
Winter Park Resort
- Distance from stop 3: 98m
Morning
Hit Colorado’s Top Adventure Town for iconic runs and extreme terrain, such as Topher’s Trees and Topher’s Treehouse—two of Winter Park Resort’s best-kept secrets. And when the sky starts dumping, there’s no better run than Belle Fourche to satisfy your powder cravings.
Afternoon
Scout out Winter Park’s new Alpine & Ales pop-up craft beer lounge, or head up to Lunch Rock on top of Parsenn Bowl Territory to snap a surreal selfie. If you’re sticking to the slopes, head over to Mary Jane territory to tackle her first-rate bumps and tree skiing or simply chill on her laidback blues.
Evening
Après anyone? Take the gondola to Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge for live music or try Winter Park’s namesake craft beer—Mary Jane Ale. On your stroll back, grab a little red wagon to make toting gear even simpler.
Stop 5
Eldora
- Distance from stop 4: 68m
Morning
With its sweeping views, the thrilling leg-burner Muleshoe is a true Eldora icon. Hit up the glades for deep tracks in a hushed subalpine forest—from east to west, try Jolly Jug Glades, Gully Glades, Brian’s Glades, Salto Glades, and Moose Glades.
Afternoon
Sip a signature Eldora Bacon Bloody Mary at Timbers Tap House. Then scoot over to Rustic Taco to nosh on smoked chicken, pulled pork and grilled bison brisket street tacos.
Evening
Just a half-hour west of Boulder, Eldora is the Front Range’s most convenient mountain for quick access to Denver International Airport for your flight back home.
