Ski opportunities in Colorado

22 May 2023

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.

Aspen

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.

Vail

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.

Glenwood Springs

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.

Colorado Springs

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.

Experience the magic of the Mediterranean with Fred. Olsen

22 July 2024

Step aboard a journey that promises to captivate your soul and awaken your adventurous spirit. Fred. Olsen’s fly-cruises in the Mediterranean invite you to embark on smaller, more intimate ships designed to navigate the hidden gems of this enchanting region. Picture yourself exploring the sun-kissed islands of Dalmatia, where history and natural beauty intertwine, or marvelling at the vibrant, colour-drenched clifftop towns that adorn the Amalfi Coast.

Try something new this year with these destination dupes

15 July 2024

Tired of the usual tourist traps? Looking for a unique adventure that not everyone will have been to? You're in the right place. Welcome to our second guide on destination dupes—unexpected places that offer the same allure as popular spots but without the huge crowds. Perfect for adventure travellers and luxury seekers alike, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences in beautiful, less-talked-about locales.

Discover the cultural highlights of Europe with Riviera Travel

15 July 2024

Imagine stepping back in time to an era of grand voyages, where the joy of travel was found in the act of exploring, learning, and immersing yourself in the wonders of the world. Riviera Travel's European Grand Tours offer you the chance to relive that golden age of travel on luxurious 9 to 13-day adventures. If you're a lover of art, culture, and history, these tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll cherish forever.