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ContentsColorado’s Winter Charmer: Enjoy a characterful main street and rustic lodgesWho said you have to put up with the cold in winter?You’ll be shocked how many cities have flights here

Let’s face it: Colorado can be fickle this time of year. Most travelers don’t pack sunglasses for the blazing hot sun, as you would on a beach vacation in Florida.

No, they’re packing shades for the blinding slopes that lure thousands of adventurers willing to brave the cold.

But skiing isn’t the only draw for Colorado’s underrated mountain towns. Of course, there’s Aspen, which exudes luxury as a bougie resort hideaway, along with others that follow suit, like Vail.

There’s one unsung haven with its own airport and plentiful connections to cut travel time and home to a plethora of attractions, even for those who’d rather risk their friends and family running into pine trees at full speed…

One of our favorites here at Travel Off Path is Steamboat Springs, a dreamy town almost 7,000 feet high in the Rockies, with much more than just its famous slopes—and no need to double-check your insurance policy for any accidental dropouts.

Colorado’s Winter Charmer: Enjoy a characterful main street and rustic lodges

If there’s one complaint about Aspen besides the sky-high prices, it’s that the company tries too hard to please visitors with a “Hey! Look at me!” approximation.

The gems of other Rockies don’t have to try so hard and present themselves as they are in their birthday suits.

Steamboat Springs looks amazing if you ask us. Offering visitors a picturesque downtown with snow-covered storefronts, simple cafes for delicious cups of Jo, and homely, rustic accommodations, you’ll quickly realize why everyone in Aspen is spending too much money.

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Although it is one of Colorado’s snowiest cities, the center is quaint enough to be walkable without being uncomfortable.

Visit an art gallery, a local boutique, the spacious Mom ‘n Pop dining options, or just cozy up by the fire and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Come dinner time, when the mountain views are no longer visible, be sure to visit one of Steamboat’s most beloved restaurants Ore House in Pine Grovelocated in a renovated barn.

Who said you have to put up with the cold in winter?

No offense to Utah, but Colorado can hang with the best of them too. In this case close Strawberry park is the place to be – with the right planning…

Roads are rough. Youcan’tDrive to this park without a 4WD, so most tourists opt for an easy shuttle pick-up from downtown hotels.

They are open every day so you can enjoy the warmth and many health benefits of the geothermal springs. Just know that they only accept cash, there is a 2 hour limit and it is ‘clothing optional’ after sunset.

The most convenient option (and less risky for your eyes to see more than they expected) is Hot springs in the old towna stone’s throw from the center.

This more family-friendly site offers8 swimming poolsfed by natural springs, with average temperatures around 100F in winter. Better yet, there’s no time limit or advanced reservation required.

Plus, they open at 5:30 am on weekdays, so you can start your day with some quiet time away from the ski crowds.

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You’ll be shocked how many cities have flights here

Steamboat Springs may not be a household name like Aspen, but it’s surprisingly easy to travel here.

If you live near a major airport, that’s even truealmostIt’s safe to say you can take a direct flight.

As a fast-growing ski resort, Steamboat also offers other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing, making it popular with all types of travelers, whether for family vacations, romantic couples needing time away from the kids, or full-timeJohnny Tsunamiadrenaline junkies.

As such, travelers from the following cities can fly directly here, Yampa Regional Valley Airport officials said website:

• Austin (AUS)
• Atlanta (ATL)
• Boston (BOS)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Dallas Love (DAL)
• Denver (DEN)
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• Houston (IAH)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Minneapolis (MSP)
• Nashville (BNA)
• Newark (EWR)
• San Diego (SAN)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Seattle (SEA)
• Washington (IAD)

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.

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