Colorado is one of our top recommendations for those who love winter sports, with some of the world’s very best downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding. But there’s more outdoorsy fun in the snow to be done in this state than you can shake a ski pole at, including snowshoeing, sledding, moonlit sleigh-rides, ice-fishing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, and wildlife-spotting – there’s everything here from coyote, elk and bighorn sheep to the occasional mountain lion and bear. And the rest of the year, you won’t go missing either – Colorado is also a paradise of summer outdoors activities that are no less thrilling.
World-renowned, this is in our eyes one of those rare places that truly lives up to the hype. There are four ski mountains making up the terrain of the Aspen Snowmass resort, the first being Aspen Mountain (‘Ajax’), which rises directly from Downtown for a whole new definition of ski-in/ski-out. Then there’s the kids’ and beginners’ paradise of Buttermilk Mountain, home to the Aspen X Games; Aspen Highlands with the legendary Highland Bowl; and Snowmass, the largest and most diverse terrain. This is a gorgeous resort with lots of open space, making it popular for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fly-fishing and even hot-air ballooning, while its après-ski scene and dining scenes are famous in their own right.
In the Colorado Rockies about two hours west of Denver by road, Vail with its charming pedestrian villages created by and for skiers has expanded to offer an array of five-star accommodation, fantastic restaurants, shopping, spas and activities throughout the year. In summer this means waterfall hikes, rafting, adventure courses, zip wires, a mountain coaster, mountain biking, road cycling and golfing. In winter, in addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing and sleigh rides to make the most of this spellbinding spot in all its winter finery.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this is our top tip for those who want to experience some of Colorado’s hot springs, thanks to its combination of geo-thermal activities and outdoor adventures. The world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has two vast outdoor pools as well as the award-winning Spa of the Rockies. Just downstream of it along the Colorado River, there’s Iron Mountain Hot Springs with 16 smaller natural-springs pools of different shapes and temperatures. This is also home to the USA’s only mountaintop amusement park, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, with its cave tours and thrill rides with glorious Roaring Fork Valley views.
This city sits at the foot of one of the United States’ most famous landmarks, the 4,302m Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain (the summit of which inspired Katharine Lee Bates’ America the Beautiful). Among the many great activities to be done here are ascending Pikes Peak by cog railway, bicycle or car, or on foot. In summer you can also watch professional drivers gather race up the highway during The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Also unmissable are the Garden of the Gods, one of the best-loved parks in all America, with glorious red rock formations along with views of the snow-capped Pikes Peak. The area is also good for climbing, hiking, cycling and horse-riding.
To book your Colorado holiday with full financial protection, call your Travel Counsellor today.
Aruba beckons with its serene beauty, making it an irresistible choice for those seeking a luxurious tropical getaway. Aruba boasts award-winning, uncrowded, white-sand beaches that promise a slice of paradise where you can unwind to your heart's content. With guaranteed sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and stunning architecture, Aruba is a gem waiting to be discovered.
The personal experiences of our Travel Counsellors, together with their combined insider knowledge of hotels, resorts, and destinations, ensure that they can hand-pick the very best holidays for your needs.
Continuing the pioneering spirit of the innovative, award-winning Virgin Voyages cruises, Brilliant Lady is set to cross the United States in her highly anticipated 2025 debut season. Highlights among the once-in-a-lifetime five- to 16-night journeys will include a voyage through the Panama Canal and a trip through the glaciers and fjords of Alaska.
