Top Ski Destinations for Non-Ski Enthusiasts

Who Needs Skis?

Obviously, the skiing is the star here.

However, many of Colorado’s 26 incredible ski resorts are worth a visit, even if you don’t want to strap into some skis. In fact, most of the state’s ski towns make significant efforts to cater to visitors on and off the slopes.

Ski Magazine readers ranked the top ski resorts for non-skiers, and a good number of Colorado destinations made the cut: Beaver Creek, Steamboat, Vail, Telluride, Aspen, Snowmass, and Buttermilk.

We agree; those ski resorts are all worth a nod. But we also have a few to add, and we offer some Colorado-native, insider tips on how non-skiers can get the most out of these destinations. Here are our favorite ski resorts for non-skiers.

Steamboat

Steamboat Ski Resort is our favorite ski resort getaway that you can fully enjoy without touching a ski pole. Year-round, highlights here are the outdoor Strawberry Park Hot Springs and the nearby Old Town Hot Springs.

While skiers get frosty toes from the snow, you can bask in the naturally warm, bubbling, mineral-loaded hot springs, melting away sore muscles and stress under the open sky. Go kayaking down the river, dine by the banks at our favorite restaurant, Aurum, take a gondola to the summit for stunning views, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride under starlight, and dine at Ragnar’s, a Scandinavian-inspired restaurant on the peak of the mountain.

Steamboat has been revitalizing its downtown area, which is great news for non-skiers. Yampa Street, which runs along the river, has been completely refurbished; the power lines replaced with white party lights, and increasingly more restaurants, shops, and breweries are emerging here.

For the best insider info on what to do in Steamboat, reach out to the locally-run luxury vacation operator, Moving Mountains. This reputable company can assist you in setting up your itinerary, connecting you with some of the city’s finest vacation property rentals, and making recommendations on dining, biking, hiking, playing, and shopping.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is so picturesque that it feels like a fairytale town. Stroll through the charming streets and enjoy excellent shopping, or dine at a high-end restaurant like the Osprey Lounge. Seafood at Hooked is among the best in the state. Catch a show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, mysteriously located beneath the ice-skating rink that marks the heart of downtown.

You can spend an entire weekend exploring the village’s businesses; moreover, Beaver Creek Village often hosts family-friendly festivals and fun events, including complimentary cookies every afternoon. If you want to get your heart rate up, hop on a snow tube or sign up for a twilight snowshoe tour. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, home of the area’s only cigar lounge and one of the best spas in Colorado. No ski pass necessary.

Vail

If Beaver Creek has good shopping, Vail has even more and better shopping. Vail encompasses two distinct regions, Vail Village and Lionshead, the latter giving the feel of walking through a Swiss Disney World.

Restaurants here are hard to beat (try lunch at Sweet Basil overlooking the river and dinner at La Tour, a French restaurant with an impressive wine cellar). In warmer months, marvel at the colorful flowers at the alpine garden and head to the top of the mountain for an amusement park (zip lines, roller coasters, summer tubing) and guided hikes.

Enjoy a hot chocolate or cocktail at the Remedy Bar at the Four Seasons; snag a seat by the bonfire with a mountain view. You can watch the skiers going down the hill while you warm your toes by the fire. The swimming pool and hot tubs below will excite your senses without requiring hand-warmers and wool socks.

Conclude your ski-free vacation with a rejuvenating treatment at the Rock Resort Spa at the luxurious Arrabelle.

Telluride

It’s a bit of a drive (or better yet, a flight) from Denver, but that means the crowds can be thinner. It’s certainly worth the trek, however. Catch a show at the Sheridan Opera House, browse the shops in downtown, and then take the free gondola to Mountain Village for even more shopping.

Foodies particularly love Telluride. Whether you enjoy farm-to-table or gourmet cuisine, you’ll leave Telluride with a satisfied palate. Another must-do in town is the famous Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Aspen

Hike around Aspen if you don’t want to ski it. Alternatively, grab a picnic and enjoy a lovely stroll through the stunning John Denver Sanctuary and memorial gardens, where you’ll find plenty of secluded spots for a romantic lunch. Bring a book and read it by the tranquil water, or ice in wintertime. These trails aren’t steep, thus they’re appropriate for a leisurely stroll all year long.

Downtown Aspen offers heavenly shopping and remarkable art galleries. Art enthusiasts: Don’t miss the Aspen Art Museum. For a day trip, take a short shuttle to Snowmass, a smaller, nearby ski area featuring fantastic restaurants.

For a luxurious experience, stay at the St. Regis in the fall and watch the snow fall from the pool. Enjoy in-room delivery of the Bloody Mary cart right to your room. Who needs uncomfortable ski boots?

Breckenridge

Breckenridge always seems to have some festival occurring. Take a guided tour of the local breweries and award-winning Breckenridge Distillery. The gondola views rival any in the state. Downtown is lined with fantastic shops and charming restaurants, too.

In warmer weather, the summer adventure park offers zip lines, roller coasters, and mountain slides, providing a unique way to enjoy the mountain.

Best of all, Breck is easy to navigate without a car. Utilize the free bus service all over Summit County, including nearby Frisco and Dillon, which comprise smaller towns with plenty of hidden gem shops and quieter (and more affordable) dining options.

Keystone

Another favorite ski town for non-skiers is Keystone. One of our favorite ways to spend a day off the slopes in Keystone begins with a spa day at the Serenity Spa. Then take the gondola to the mountain’s summit for a meal at Alpenglow Stube, one of the best dining experiences you’ll encounter in Colorado. Reservations are recommended as it can be difficult to secure a table.

Even if you can’t book a spot at the Stube, ensure that you ride the gondola to the top of the mountain at sunset for breathtaking views. Bring a camera or a journal and let nature inspire your reflections.

Keystone also features exciting festivals, including the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, where the entire downtown area wafts with the heavenly aroma of bacon. Sample diverse bacon varieties at booths and wash them down with beer while enjoying live music. This event is always popular, offering a delightful culinary experience for all bacon enthusiasts.