COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Colorado is the destination spot for many out-of-state tourists, but it can also be a cost-effective staycation for Colorado residents.
Both Winter Park and Crested Butte are popular ski areas, but these small, isolated towns offer something for the whole family.
Winter Park is situated just on the north side of Berthoud Pass, roughly two hours from Colorado Springs. The small town provides the basic winter activities of snowshoeing, cross country-skiing, and sightseeing. But a few companies offer visitors even more.
Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park offers a unique opportunity to take a dog sled tour of the Fraser valley on private property. The company does about 1,200 trips a year, and caters the experience for the whole family.
Snow Mountain Ranch is a YMCA that offers lodging on site. There are many acitivities including indoor swimming, a craft shop, and ice skating.
Grand Adventures offers snowmobiling tours. They have special snowmobiles that can be driven by nearly all ages of children. They offer beautiful trips around the area and up to the Continental Divide.
A list of lodging opportunities can be found through a Winter Park lodging website.
Another mountain town in Colorado that makes a great destination is Crested Butte. The town of around 1,000 is nestled near Mount Crested Butte in Gunnison county. Many historic buildings have been transformed into a wide range of lodging opportunities to help visitors enjoy the Gunnison valley.
The Ruby of Crested Butte offers many discounts and specials, especially through the early ski season.
The Old Town Inn offers visitors a down-home laid back experience.
Three-Rivers Resort offers an inexpensive place to stay away from Crested Butte, but closer to Gunnison.
Visit Crested Butte's website for more on what the town can offer.
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