Flying Solo
Lodging
Gift yourself a week of downtown decadence with Victorian-styled accommodations at The Oxford Hotel. This sumptuous urban escape has welcomed classy Denver visitors since 1891.
Must-Dos
You won’t need to walk far (it’s just downstairs!) for The Oxford Club & Spa’s deep-tissue massage and soothing HydraFacial Deluxe. Also right there are the hotel’s on-site steakhouse and landmark bar. Indulge with perfectly marbled Colorado beef at the Urban Farmer. Then amble across the hall for a nightcap at The Cruise Room, a Prohibition-era lounge beloved for its Art Deco glamour.
Whether you’re a budding historian or daredevil at heart, reserve a custom Colorado adventure with A Private Guide. Then sip the city’s best whiskeys with an exclusive Denver Local Tours outing.
Save That Feels Like a Splurge
Meander among Denver Art Museum’s 70,000-plus works of art — from European portraiture to ancient Americas finds — for a culture fix. General admission is just under $20. Check denverartmuseum.org for upcoming exhibitions (ticketed separately).
Going With the Fam
Lodging
You won’t find spartan one-room cabins here. C Lazy U Ranch near Granby delivers family-style accommodations filled with luxury touches, from supple leather armchairs to crackling wood-burning fireplaces and private porches with panoramic views.
Must-Dos
Put yourself to the test on zippy snowmobiles or pile together on a horse-drawn sleigh: Either way, you’re making memories as a group. Or let the concierge work their wintry magic for you: They’ll plan a worry-free ski trip — complete with equipment rentals, lift tickets and lessons — to Ski Granby Ranch or Winter Park Resort.
The chef’s daily creations will dazzle you, too, as will the ranch sommelier’s vast fine-wine cellar. Multicourse adults-only dinners are savored for Western delicacies like the tenderest of beef short ribs, honey-butter-slathered blue cornbread and freshly caught trout. Kids dine together and play games under the watchful eye of counselors.
Save That Feels Like a Splurge
Book dates in early winter or right after the holidays for reduced rates for the same all-inclusive stay.
Friends Getaway
Lodging
Assemble your crew for a ski reunion in Viceroy Snowmass’ posh three-bedroom penthouse. You’ll be rewarded with mountain views, cushy furnishings and, of course, coveted ski-in, ski-out access.
Must-Dos
Soar down Snowmass Mountain’s cruisy greens and treelined blues like Norway, Monkshood and Wineskin. Or head higher for extreme terrain off The Cirque. When your thighs feel like jelly, retire slopeside to NEST Bar & Grill for Cocoa Calientes (Vida Mezcal and hot chocolate). Then enjoy sweet-corn empanadas at TORO Kitchen & Lounge. Make use of the handy ski valet so you don’t have to lug your gear.
Spend your recovery day at the hotel's 7,000-square-foot spa for a wellness experience that'll leave your ski-weary muscles ready for another day. Try a 90-minute Healer Massage followed by the 120-minute Ultimate Renewal facial for personalized care your whole body will appreciate.
Save That Feels Like a Splurge
Buy an Ikon Pass, and you’ll have seven days to ski at Snowmass automatically, so you can spend more on après-ski cocktails and Colorado-made gear.
Couples Retreat
Lodging
Up the romance factor with a lavish stay at Telluride’s Lumière with Inspirato. This boutique Mountain Village hotel boasts perks like gourmet chef kitchens and five-star amenities at the base of Lift 4.
Must-Dos
Book your spot with Helitrax for a couples backcountry-ski day you can only reach by helicopter. Back at Lumière, in-room après-ski massages will ease sore muscles followed by an invigorating splash outside in the hotel’s steamy hot tub, icy cold tub and warm-plunge pool.
Ready for dinner? From the top of the gondola, ride a toasty snowcoach to Alpino Vino. This Telluride Ski Resort Euro-styled ski hut is touted for its gourmet Italian comfort food and astonishing Wilson Range views. Or sip celebrated wines from Buckel Family Wine in Gunnison and Sutcliffe Vineyards in Cortez at the New Sheridan Chophouse right in town.
Save That Feels Like a Splurge
Ride the free gondola between Mountain Village and downtown Telluride for swoon-worthy nitro cold-brew and buttermilk-glazed carrot cake at The Butcher & The Baker.
Want More Ideas?
Ideas for multigenerational winter vacations
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