There’s a reason why millions flock to Colorado during ski season to visit the picturesque mountain towns. When I found out our family would be living in Colorado Springs for roughly three years, I didn’t hesitate to take advantage of the dreamy, snowy cities that were a couple hours away from our new home. When I was growing up my parents took my sister and I on ski vacations to Keystone and Crested Butte (on two separate trips). I fell in love with Colorado as a child and would daydream about the next chance I’d get to visit a snow-packed ski town.

With a jam-packed moving truck and at nearly 30 years old, I found myself moving to Colorado with my husband. After little research, I discovered the Epic Pass. The Epic Ski Pass gives you unlimited access to all Vail owned mountains in Colorado for the entire season. Furthermore, since my husband is Active Duty in the military, we were able to receive the Epic Military Pass for a severely discounted rate of $100 per person for the full ski season. It was too good to be true – this was an unbelievable rate for a ski pass that gives you unlimited access to over 5 mountains for the full season. And I didn’t admit the good fortune to myself until we were actually able to use the passes.

Not included on the Epic Pass, but a close trip from our home, is Monarch Mountain. Monarch Mountain is a small  mountain and great for beginners. The mountain does not have a resort area or even a town at it’s base. Monarch has become one of my favorites due to it’s lack of crowds and my inability to get lost on the slopes. Monarch has been an independent mountain for over 80 years now and the character and charm you’ll find here will not mimic anywhere else. If you’re looking for a more low-key and low-cost ski trip, go to Monarch and stay in the nearby town of Salida.

My favorite ski town is Crested Butte. This mountain is included in the Epic Pass (up to a certain amount of days). The mountain is small compared to others and off the beaten path of larger resorts making it a great escape from the crowds. A popular stop on the mountain is Uley’s Cabin. Follow your slope map to this beloved watering hole for a quick rest, order a Bloody Mary, and watch the skiers pass you by. The Crested Butte Mountain Resort lies directly at the base of the mountain, but a quick ten minute bus ride will place you in the quaint town of Crested Butte. Stay at the Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast and catch the free bus up to the mountain for skiing during the day. At night, you’ll find yourself within walking distance to the main street filled with restaurants and shops. Our favorite restaurants were Elk Avenue Prime (ask about the burger not listed on the menu) and The Secret Stash for delicious pizza and margaritas after a long day on the slopes.

Also included on the Epic Pass is Beaver Creek Mountain. Beaver Creek is a full resort with plenty of options to stay either in the resort or in the town of Avon at it’s base. We opted to stay in an Airbnb in Avon then drive into the resort, park, and ride a short shuttle up to the lifts. Although a cheaper option for accommodations, I was not impressed by the town of Avon and would recommend staying in the resort if skiing Beaver Creek. The mountain is my second favorite in Colorado. When we visited, the slopes were not crowded and I found it very easy to navigate this mountain and their runs.

Breckenridge is a great option to have the best of both worlds – a fantastic town and a vast mountain. Breckenridge’s resort is mixed in with the charming town. We decided to stay at the Grand Timber Lodge which offers a shuttle stop directly outside the front doors to the gondola. Another option is to drive and park in the large gondola lot in town which will take you straight up to the lifts. Breckenridge is the right choice for those who love skiing and also want plenty of shopping and restaurant choices. Breck (as the locals call it) is not my first choice and it is notoriously windier than other mountains, and the crowds can accumulate fast during peak times. Don’t miss the beloved Breckenridge Brewery on your trip here.

Vail Ski Resort is exactly that – a resort. Known as one of the more prestigious mountains, accommodation in the resort can add up quickly. We found a picturesque bed and breakfast in the town of Minturn only a fifteen minute drive to Vail. If you ever find yourself skiing Vail, stay at The Minturn Inn and book well in advance as this popular bed and breakfast fills up quickly during ski season. Take the “Minturn Mile” off the slopes and dine at the local hangout, Minturn Saloon, for après ski or dinner. The slopes are usually crowded here but the views cannot be beat on this mountain.

My least favorite mountain to ski in Colorado is Keystone due to the overwhelming crowds each time we visited. This popular resort has a nice camp at it’s base but don’t expect too much of a town outside of the resort. The best part – escaping the crowded slopes for a beer break at the top of the mountain. For dinner, try the Sweet Heat pizza from Pizza 101.

These are only a handful of the beautiful ski towns Colorado has to offer. We have yet to explore the Southwest region of Colorado including Telluride, Purgatory Resort, Silverton, and more. I’ve loved discovering the charming characteristics of each town we’ve visited, and cannot wait until ski season begins again.