Colorado vacation in december
There are couple of types of vacations. Colorado vacation in december leaving from the airports or from any other local place is one of them and certainly it is one of the most favourable ones. Most likely you have been to Colorado for sure but staying at a hotel room is not a very good option to take care of there. When you are traveling, that means it is an opportunity for you to make something new, something special from an ordinary chain. You only need to be brave enough to do what all you like and what your soul demands, just hit the road and make it happen.
Colorado, where the mountains meet the sky and the Rocky Mountains crest is located just to the east of Denver, and is surrounded by Colorado’s natural beauty. If you are planning a winter getaway this year, perhaps you should consider a Colorado holiday.
Colorado vacation in December
For a Colorado vacation in December, you can choose from a variety of activities. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, then consider visiting some of the state’s many ski resorts. You can also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and biking. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider visiting one of the many wildlife sanctuaries around the state.
Colorado is the perfect place to spend your winter vacation.
Enjoy a Colorado vacation in December and see the best of what the state has to offer. In addition to the stunning scenery, you’ll encounter plenty of opportunities for snow sports, cross-country skiing, hot drinks with friends, and more.
The average temperature in Colorado in December is 41°F (5°C). You’re likely to find snow on the ground during this time of year—and if not, it’s likely that it will appear just as soon as you arrive!
If this sounds good to you, then book your tickets now and start planning your Colorado vacation in December right away!
COLORADO WEATHER IN DECEMBER
The weather in Colorado in December brings some of the coldest temperatures for some areas. The average daily December highs are around 43°F (6°C) and the lows drop to 17°F (-8°C) in the evening. December is considered Denver’s coldest month, while temps are just starting to drop in other regions of the state.
December doesn’t bring much rain, rather there will be decent snowfall throughout the month, blanketing almost every inch of the state in fresh, dry powder. Despite Colorado’s arid weather, December tends to have higher humidity levels – though these levels will not compare to the Southeast United States. Rather, they will be slightly high for Colorado’s normal levels.
No matter the time of year, altitude will always be a factor when traveling to Colorado. Some towns like Alma have an elevation of 10,300′ and others like Wray have an elevation of over 3,000′. As a matter of fact, altitude sickness affects nearly 10% of all visitors. You can prepare your body by drinking plenty of water, eating healthy foods, sleeping well, resting frequently and avoiding too much alcohol.
COLORADO AFFORDABILITY & CROWDS IN DECEMBER
Colorado in December is surprisingly affordable, as it’s not an extremely busy month for the state. There will be more visitors than you’d see in November or October, but not nearly as many as you’ll see later in the ski season. This is a perfect time to vacation for the holidays, experience the start of ski season and score more favorable traveling rates for hotels.
Hotel rates will vary by city, with most ski towns offering a wide range of rates, small towns being the cheapest and the capitol city of Denver averaging around $150 – $250 per night for the best hotels during Christmas. Booking hotels, restaurant reservations, excursions and tours shouldn’t be a challenge this month, but it’s best to plan ahead for holiday themed events and experiences.
COLORADO SNOW & SKIING IN DECEMBER
Colorado snowfall in December is very common, with regular flurries and some storms rolling over the entire state on a daily basis. Some areas will definitely see more snowfall than others, especially if they are located at higher altitudes. For example, ski towns like Steamboat will see snowfall levels of about 38″ this month, while the capitol city of Denver will only receive about 8″ of snow.
Skiing conditions will steadily improve at almost every resort throughout December. Ski resorts across the state are now open and will have decent levels of snow each day to accommodate skiers of every ability. December is still early in the ski season, so this is a great time for beginners to get out on the slopes before they get too crowded.
BEST COLORADO SKI RESORTS IN DECEMBER
STEAMBOAT
Steamboat Resort is one of the best family-friendly vacation destinations in Colorado. There’s so much for parents with kids to enjoy, ski classes for beginners and lots of greens for novice skiers. It’s also got a great holiday season atmosphere for travelers to enjoy. The ski season has been open for several weeks drawing visitors of all ages and abilities to it’s nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Beginners will have fun on the open green runs at the top of the summit, with an elevation of 10,568′, which features smooth terrain and intermediate tree runs for more adventurous types. Expert level skiers will appreciate the bump runs with moguls and many blue-black slopes on the mountain. The resort is often referred to as “Ski Town, USA” as there are many Olympians that practice here during the ski season.
VAIL
Vail is considered one of the classiest, most upscale ski resorts in Colorado, drawing thousands from all over the world to it’s beautiful slopes. The December ski season in Vail during has been open for a few weeks and the snows have had time to build up on the over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Skiers will love the various terrain that accommodates all levels, as well as the 7 miles of back bowls to explore. Non-skiers will appreciate the two main base areas with heated walkways, excellent shopping and dining options, along with beautiful luxury resort accommodations.
BRECKENRIDGE
Breckenridge Ski Resort boasts one of Colorado’s biggest ski areas with 2,908 acres of skiable terrain, a summit elevation of 12,998′, and the longest run at 3.5 miles long (most resorts have 2 mile long runs). There are suitable runs for all levels of skiers, including a 3,398 vertical drop, a 22′ superpipe and 187 different trails to experience.
December is the optimal time to go before the crowds pour in, since Breckenridge is one of the most visited ski resorts in the state. With 11 on-mountain restaurants to choose from, the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster and over 150 boutiques in the shopping area, there’s plenty of entertainment to fuel your vacation. It’s also a fantastic Christmas destination for families.
P.S. – If you happen on the fence between Breckenridge and Vail, we created a comprehensive comparison of these two popular resorts!
WOLF CREEK
Wolf Creek Ski Resort is located between Pagosa Springs and South Fork, CO. It’s got some of the highest snowfall stats in the state on an annual basis, reaching about 480 inches every year. It comes with 1,600 acres of skiable terrain and a summit elevation of 11,904′. Wolf Creek has multiple runs with varying terrain, including steep and rocky glades, and a limited access set of runs for experts only.
Pagosa Springs is the best base for visitors coming to Wolf Creek in December. The town has a variety of Christmas season specialties for skiers to take part in. The Pagosa Hot Springs is a great place to relax after a busy day on the slopes, plus there are Majestic Sleigh Rides and local craft breweries to indulge in.
BEAVER CREEK
Beaver Creek, right down the road from its sister resort Vail, is one of the world’s most luxurious, upscale ski resorts. It’s built for vacationers who love to ski but enjoy loads of entertainment, dining experiences and other excursions throughout their trip. In December, Beaver Creek has been open for at least a week. This month is great not only for good snow conditions, but also for lower crowds and subsequently lower rates.
It’s got 1,815 skiable acres with a summit elevation of 11,440′. There are also plenty of ski-in/ski-out homes and base camp hotels to choose from. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is equipped with four different village areas with their own lodging, restaurants and shopping districts, giving visitors lots of options for a stellar ski vacation.
ASPEN
Aspen is a great destination for families looking to spend time skiing for the holidays in a place with great accommodations and amenities for non-skiers. It boasts 5,300 acres of skiable terrain with an elevation of 12,510′. The skiing acres span between several mountains, including Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands, giving all abilities many slope choices.
Aspen Mountain is perfect for experts, offering black diamond runs just above the resort, while Snowmass will be best for families. Throughout December, visitors can experience the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Little Nell, get free hot chocolate and refreshments, and celebrate 12 Days of Aspen Christmas.
KEYSTONE RESORT
Keystone is located in the high country of Colorado and is often one of the first resorts to open each ski season, usually in late October. The resort comes with six different areas for expert jumps, moguls and rails with a summit of 11,980′. Skiers of all levels will find a sweet spot inside the 3,180 acres of terrain at this resort.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN COLORADO IN DECEMBER
Below are some of the best places to visit in the month of December. In addition to these places, other winter activities available this time of year include cross-country skiing, dogsledding, horseback riding, ice climbing, ice fishing, ice skating, sledding, sleigh rides, sight-seeing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, spa retreats and tubing.
DECEMBER HOLIDAY TOWNS
Georgetown is the quintessential holiday town in Colorado, best known for it’s Christmas railroad experience. The Georgetown Loop Railroad is one of many historic trains built in the Gold Rush days of early Colorado civilization and gets transformed for the holiday season. The two tours available each year include Santa’s Lighted Forest and Santa’s North Pole Adventure. Lovers of the movie North Pole Express will love this thrilling experience.
Georgetown is very European in nature, with Victorian-era storefronts and homes lining the main thoroughfare. This charming little town is located very near to Arapaho National Forest, making it a great base for avid skiers looking for excellent backcountry skiing on their trip. Families will also love the Georgetown Christmas Market this month.
Breckenridge is one of the most popular ski destinations in Colorado, and while the skiing is good and the slopes are less crowded in December, there’s so much more to enjoy. There are various activities throughout the season including Victorian-era Christmas decoration viewing, special holiday treats to enjoy and carriage rides around town.
Breck opens December up with a bang, featuring the Lighting of the Christmas Tree and the Running of the Santas for everyone to enjoy. One of the most intriguing parts of Breckenridge in December is their Ullr Fest. The event lasts 10 days and pays tribute to the Norse god Ullr, who controls the snow. Residents invite visitors to participate in dressing for the occasion in order to please the snow god, resulting in a great ski season of fresh powder.
Steamboat has lots to offer guests during the month of December. It’s ski slopes are open and the town is filled with festivities. This is the ultimate time for relaxation in Steamboat Springs, while the crowds are low and the winter chill is blowing in, taking advantage of the hot springs.
The Christmas festivities are kicked off with Santa himself riding down the ski slopes in a horse-drawn carriage for the Steamboat Holiday Festival. Night skiing is a popular activity in December and experts show off on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve in the annual Torchlight Parade, lighting up the slopes for the occasion.
Telluride is considered one of the most beautiful ski towns in the United States, complete with Victorian-era storefronts beautifully decorated for Christmas, fresh powder blanketing the town and great slopes for all to enjoy. The annual Holiday Prelude is Telluride’s best start to the holidays. Visitors can see the North Pole, taking in the holiday decorations and lights while visiting with Santa and his elves on a free train ride.
Telluride hosts it’s own Torchlight Parades on both Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve with a crowd gathered at the base of Coonskin run at Telluride Ski Resort for this magical display. Skiers and snowboarders will carry torches in a line as they zigzag down the mountain, illuminating the run from the top to the bottom. The parade concludes with fireworks set off at the top for all to see.