How to Enjoy a Colorado Staycation
The best mountain towns for the perfect Colorado staycation.
~
Just whisper the word Aspen, and those around you will feel as though they’re in an inner circle of affluence and glamour. It also just sounds good to whisper, doesn’t it? Go on, try it: Aspen. We believe they call it ASMR (when whispering becomes almost arousing). Anyway, what’s even more impressive than the mountain cities of Colorado are the Plum Guide homes dotted around them. Across Telluride, Vail and Breckenridge, you’ll find some of our best luxury homes alongside the snow-capped peaks and wooden cabins of these elite hubs. You’ll walk down the main avenues and browse the items for sale in the upscale shops, before taking to the slopes and soaking up the après-ski ambiance. In summer, the mountains are bedecked with nature trails, taking you out into the great outdoors (remember them?). So, get ready: here's how to spend the perfect Colorado staycation.
Aspen
We’ve been going on about it, so we may as well start our Colorado staycation here. Spend a few days rushing down the slopes of the famous Aspen Snowmass ski resort. You can also try the Buttermilk Ski Resort and the Aspen Mountain Ski Resort draping these rugged mountains. Rub shoulders with the rich and famous, although try to keep some distance on the slopes – we don’t want any high-profile accidents that postpone or cancel Hollywood movies in production down the road in Los Angeles. In summer, you’ll find Aspen a breath of fresh air with fewer crowds, and the wide-open valleys and mountains much to yourselves. Stroll alongside the lake in the Maroon Bells park, with views of the peaks and sweeping troughs. Feel as though you’re in the Sound of Music (without the Nazis) among the colourful flowers of the Independence Pass.
Snowy mountains and fir trees in Aspen, Colorado, US
Vacation Station, Plum Guide home in Aspen
Telluride
We’ve got a ticket to (Tellu)ride, do you? So, the great thing about Telluride is that it has a bit of something for everyone. So, after a few days in the exclusive hub of Aspen, head down to Telluride for its array of slopes, restaurants and shopping options. Try somewhere super posh for dinner, like the Cosmopolitan, which is known for its sushi and American food. Other fancy establishments include the Chop House Restaurant, the 221 South Oak and the Allred’s Restaurant. If you want something a little simpler with the kids, go to the Brown Dog Pizza, or try the doughnuts at the Baked in Telluride. Take to the slopes of the Telluride Ski Resort, which has a great range of pistes for skiers of all levels. In summer, embark on a trek through the valleys and arrive at the scenic Bridal Veil Falls. Get going on the Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail and look back on the picture-perfect sight of the town.
Snow-covered cabins at the bottom of a tall snowy mountain at a Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado, USA
Almond Shell, Plum Guide home in Telluride, Colorado
Vail
We’re going to ignore the temptation to make all sorts of Vailed puns about this town's name, as we look into what to do there on your Colorado staycation. Come between spring and autumn to admire the lush greenery, exploring the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the Booth Falls Trail and the Vail Valley. Get to grips with your vertigo aboard the Vail Scenic Gondola. Ski down the slopes and compare the snow and the pistes to those of Aspen and Telluride. Find out about the winter sports heritage of the area in the exhibits of the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame. One day, it’ll be models and photos of you smiling back down at the visitors, commemorating you for your extraordinary sporting feats. Disclaimer: probably not. Right, it’s time for a bit of culture: stroll through the Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show and chat to the various entertainers and vendors. Who are these strange people who live in this staycation area full time?
Number Theory, Plum Guide home in Colorado
Breckenridge
We’re sorry to Brecken your heart, but we’re onto the final part of your Colorado staycation. You’ll get over it quickly, by zooming down the white slopes of Breckenridge Ski Resort. Head down the South Main Street, stopping in at some of the charming boutiques and restaurants. Then take the BreckConnect Gondola up to the mountain peaks for views of the area. Bring your little ones to the Breckenridge Recreation Center, and let them whoosh down the tracks of the Epic Discovery at Breckenridge. You may have noticed that the city likes to put its name in most of its activities, just so you don’t get too lost.
Breckenridge Ski Resort, USA
Silver Queen Villa, Plum Guide home in Breckenridge
