Things to do in Colorado

Aspen · About 2 hours · $325 per snowmobile

The road to the Maroon Bells is closed to cars in winter, so this is the easiest way to stand at Maroon Lake with hot drinks and the peaks in front of you. Tours run Tuesday to Saturday, and weather can reroute you to a Pyramid Peak loop, so keep a backup day.

Aspen · About 2 hours · $90 per adult

A naturalist-led walk on top of Aspen Mountain that includes the gondola ride and snowshoes, so non-skiers get the summit views too. Tours run daily at 10am and 1pm from Dec 14, and you should allow 30 minutes to buy tickets and ride up.

Aspen · About 1.5 hours · from $48

A local guide walks you through Aspen's silver mining boom, its near collapse and how it became a ski town, and it makes the rest of your trip more interesting. Do it on your first afternoon, and wear comfortable shoes since there's a fair amount of walking at almost 8,000 feet.

Telluride · Half day, about 2 hours on snow · $310 per snowmobile

Groomed trails and open meadows with big San Juan views, and hotel pickup is included, which matters in a town with no Uber. Book the family-friendly tour unless you ride often; tours run late November to early April.

Telluride · About 4 hours · from $141

Old mining roads up toward Imogene or Ophir Pass, with ghost towns and waterfalls you can't reach in a rental car. It's a summer trip and the route depends on road conditions, so book early for July and August.

Telluride · About 2.5 hours · from $168

A half day of splashy whitewater on the San Miguel just outside town, and it's the easiest adventure to fit into a summer trip. Late May and June bring the biggest water from snowmelt, so book a morning trip then if you want more thrills.

Vail · About 2 hours · from $338

You ride through Camp Hale, the WWII 10th Mountain Division training ground that's now a national monument, with gear and a guide included. Add their round-trip transportation for $35 per person so you don't have to drive mountain roads in winter.

Vail · 5-day rental · from $283

Black Tie fits your skis and boots in your room, so you skip the rental shop line on your first morning, which is worth it with kids. Book it before you arrive and have everyone's height, weight and shoe size ready.

Vail · About 3.5 hours · from $95

A mellow half day on the Upper Colorado with a few fun rapids and big canyon views, and it's the best summer outing for mixed ages. The put-in is about an hour's drive from Vail, so book a morning trip and bring sunscreen and shoes that can get wet.