Colorado Mountain Towns Near Ski Resorts That Offer Appealing Lifestyles

Telluride | Image credit: Daniel Ribar

Colorado’s mountainous terrain is a significant reason why visitors flock to the state throughout the year. The mountains are blanketed in flowers and greenery in the summer, offering spectacular hiking and mountain biking areas. They are ideal for skiing and snowboarding in the winter since they house many of America’s most famous ski resorts.

Skiing is a huge part of everyday life for residents in and around Colorado’s ski destinations. These desirable mountain towns offer more than just excellent ski conditions. They also boast lifestyle attractions that make them incredible places to live and visit regardless of winter recreation preferences. Let’s look at some towns near Colorado ski resorts with unique lifestyle appeals.

Winter Park

Winter Park is known for its outdoor recreation options. Located about 70 miles from from Denver, this tiny mountain town is a gorgeous resort area with an unmatched skiing and snowboarding scene. Winter Park Resort has more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and 23 lifts. 

Beyond skiing, there’s much to enjoy here. Winter Park has a superb food scene and a variety of stores to shop. The downtown area is lively with events throughout the year, and the bars and nightlife are perfect to enjoy après ski. The real estate options in Winter Park are chic and appealing, with diverse living options from condominiums to large lodges.

Winter Park

Snowmass Village

Snowmass Village is a charming community along the Snowmass Ski Area within Aspen Snowmass. This is one of the largest, most popular ski resorts in the U.S., offering nearly 100 trails that stretch for more than 150 miles.

Snowmass Village’s allure is present year-round. It has gorgeous real estate options, including rustic and contemporary lodge-style homes. The dining options are incredible; Snowmass Village has everything from casual pizza joints to upscale steakhouses. It is a family-friendly town that hosts many popular events throughout the year and has bowling alleys, yoga studios, an arts center, and more. It may be a small mountain town, but its luxurious amenities make it a comfortable option for a permanent home or seasonal retreat.

Snowmass Village | Image credit: Shalabh Vyas

Telluride

Telluride is a stunning mountain town near Telluride Ski Resort, one of Colorado’s prettiest ski areas. This resort has excellent terrain parks, a huge ski school, and many trails that accommodate all experience levels. But skiing is only one part of Telluride’s substantial appeal. 

Telluride is a historic town with many preserved buildings in museums that maintains its Old West charm. It is a trendy small town with boutique shops, art galleries, and incredible international dining options. Telluride’s real estate market caters to luxury buyers due to its many high-end homes that provide 360-degree mountain views. This is a one-of-a-kind, picturesque mountain city. 

Telluride | Image credit: Cole Marshall

Salida

Salida, a city in central Colorado, is in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It is a quick drive from Monarch Mountain, a massive resort with 54 trails and three terrain parks. This contributes to its designation as a winter destination, and the added aspects of Salida ensure that all who visit will love what they find. 

Salida has a unique history and houses the largest National Historic District in the state. The downtown area is a cultural hotspot, comprising of galleries, breweries, bars, performance venues, and tasty restaurants. Salida also boasts the largest indoor hot springs in the country, which has been running since the 1930s. It is a charming city with a busy feel offering picturesque homes with magnificent Colorado mountain views.

Salida