Aspen, Colorado is one of the premier ski destination resorts in the country. In addition to being a haven for skiing and other winter outdoor activities, Aspen also boasts a rich local culture that is sure to satisfy everyone’s needs for a fun-filled vacation. Here are the top ten reasons to visit Aspen, Colorado:

1: Skiing and Snowboarding

If you love to ski and snowboard, then Aspen will be your ideal destination. Here you have the opportunity to cross-country ski along miles of accessible trails. You can also participate in classic downhill skiing and snowboarding. The trails and slopes have accommodations for all abilities. Expert skiers and snowboarders will have the ability to challenge themselves to bump trails and steep runs. The novice can practice on gentle slopes with the guidance of ski and snowboard instructors.

2: Mountain Ranges

Aspen does not have just one mountainfor winter activities, but four! There’s the family friendly Snowmass to the challenging Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highland to the novice friendly Buttermilk Mountain. No matter which trails and slopes you choose to explore, one thing they all have in common is the exceptional amount of soft, fresh snow. There are also several restaurants on each mountain when you need to refuel from your activities.

3: Fishbowl Terain Park

If you like to ski under the stars, then visit The Fishbowl Terrain Park (chairlifts 2, 3, and 6) for night skiing. 

4: Winter carnival

Whitefish hosts their own Winter Carnival in February. There is a grand parade with floats, dancers, marching bands, and more along the picturesque Central Avenue. They will also have a fireworks display, ski joring, and children’s characters.

5: Mardi Gras

Of course, February wouldn’t be complete without a Mardi Gras celebration! There will be art and craft vendors, face painting, mask decorating, live music, bead tosses, and costume contests. The Base Lodge will be serving southern style food such as crab cakes and jambalaya.

6: Snowmobile Tours

Eexplore a lot of area in either half or full day tours. You’ll be able to view Glacier National Park, the Flathead Valley, the Swan Range, and the Canadian Rockies. Before your tour, you will be given a safety training session so you can have the best experience possible.

7: Ice Skating

Here, you have the option of outdoor skating on one of the many frozen lakes. Or you have the indoor rink option as well, such as Stumptown Ice Den. Stumptown Ice Den offers public skating, adult drop in hockey, figure skating, broomball, and refreshment stands.

8: Dog Sled Tours

Winter Woods Dog Sled Tours specializes in small group dog sledding tours. First, you will get to learn briefly about dog sledding, and then off you go on the trails. The tour will last about 50 minutes. You’ll have the opportunity to stand on the runners of the sled behind a seasoned musher too. After the tour, some tasty treats will be available, plus the opportunity to pet the dogs.

9: Bar W Guiest ranch

If you love sleigh rides, then visit the Bar W Guest Ranch on Spencer Lake. They present group rides in the morning, early afternoon, and evening/dinner hours. The dinner tour gives you the choice of a chili or steak meal. Tours last about 45 minutes, plenty of time to relax and enjoy the countryside.

10: Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is just a short distance from Whitefish Resort. Glacier Adventure Guides offer snowshoeing and backcountry skiing tours. This is available for all ages too.

So, if you’re looking for a resort area that has all the winter activities you love, plus the comforting feel of a small town, then Whitefish is definitely the place for you to visit.