Colorado Vacations 
Family Travel Colorado
Vacation Planning Guide for Visiting Colorado with the Kids

Boys hike in Rocky Mountain National Park   
Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park lets kids enjoy a giant sandbox in a spectacular setting.   High peak near the ghost town of Sneffles, Colorado, off the Million Dollar Highway   The Christiania Lodge in Vail, Colorado   Skiing at Monarch Mountain ski area, Colorado
Skiing Aspen, Colorado with the Kids


 
Did You Know?

The town of Aspen, Colorado was first famous for its richly producing silver mines.




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Article: Colorado's Luxury Lodging

Photo Credit: The Little Nell
Photo: The Little Nell, in Aspen,
is one of two Five-Star hotels
in Colorado.




Winter Lodging Options for your Colorado  Ski Trip with the Kids

From rustic cabins to five star resorts, Colorado offers families a variety of choices for tucking the children in.

See our article about the
Best Hotels for a Colorado Christmas Vacation with the Kids.

Hotel Telluride
Photo: Hotel Telluride















It felt like we were floating in a bubble as our gondola rose smoothly above Victorian homes and grand ski lodges. The town shrank to the size of doll houses, and our attention was drawn by the ever-expanding view of the Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness and the Roaring Fork River Valley.

Before we knew it, the door to our bubble was sliding open, and an attendant was helping the kids jump the gap onto the platform at the top of Aspen Mountain.

As we stepped onto the sun deck, the soaring, jagged skyline of the Elk Mountain Range smacked us in the eyes.

Located about five hours driving time west and south of Denver, the village of Aspen, Colorado snuggles amidst 14,000-foot peaks. Four ski areas are associated with Aspen.


•    Aspen Mountain, itself, is known for its steep runs and difficult terrain, (it has no beginner runs). However families can find fine plenty of groomed intermediate skiing there when the kids (or mom and dad) are up to it.


•    Snowmass also has a high percentage of intermediate runs, plus a few beginner runs. A cluster of family-friendly condominium complexes cozies up to its base.



•    Meanwhile, skiers treat themselves to spectacular views of the Maroon Bells from the slopes of Aspen Highlands.


 

Beginner and intermediate runs grace the middle of the mountain, with plenty of harder terrain to graduate up to as skills improve.



•    Easy runs for little schuss-bombers flow down the mountainsides at Buttermilk ski area. This is the place for families who understand that when the kids have fun, everybody has fun.
Vistas from the deck of Buttermilk's Cliff House snack bar aren't too bad, either.


A Pretty Penny

The cost of vacationing in Aspen is legendary. And it is true that if you want, you can spend a bundle there. However, no other ski area has the same cachet as Aspen.

And if you are sick of pretentious neighbors and overdone architecture, then Aspen may be exactly the destination for you. At many establishments, we found the staff to be relaxed, genuine, and warm.

You get the feeling they just want to get you what you need and help you have a good time. In fact it is the locals who seem the least impressed by status – and more intent on enjoying the fun and beauty their town has to offer.

And with four mountains to choose from, families won’t find better skiing in the West.



Other Related Articles at FamilyTravelColorado.com:

The Town of Aspen, Colorado

Click on the following links to find out more.

Colorado Ski Area Roundup - List and Links 
Colorado Ski Area Mountain Statistics 


Kid Tested: Reviews of different ski areas in Colorado: 
Ski Vail, Colorado with the Kids 
Skiing Keystone with the Kids

 
Information on Tickets and Equipment:
What to Bring? Ski Gear List
Best Ways to Save Money on Lift Tickets

Check out our site map for a well-organized list of over 140 articles on great Colorado vacations for families.