January 20, 2020

Winter is here and we believe that you haven't lived until you’ve seen the Colorado mountains covered in snow from the top of the slopes. It’s a fact, you have to do it at least once! That feeling when you get off the lift and take a moment to breathe in your surroundings is pure gold. Life seems to slow down the moment you smell that crisp, cold air and feel the fresh snow. Tie that feeling of peace in with the rush of adrenaline during a daring day skiing or snowboarding, and you’ll understand why Coloradoans choose to live here.


We're huge ski and snowboard fans ourselves and you’ll be able to catch quite a few of us taking a day or two to enjoy the mountains this season. While we enjoy the views and the challenge of our favorite ski slopes, we also love the after-hours of a mountain town. There’s a lot to see and do once the lifts stop turning, take it from us, it’s worth planning out your late afternoons and evenings - we even threw in a couple of breakfast spots you won’t want to miss!

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Here is our list of "can’t miss" places this season

Keystone

  • The Goat Soup and Whiskey Tavern - To really feel like a local you’ll want to check out this go-to spot for local music, drinks, and great food. We love Summit County’s free shuttle service that runs from Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, and Copper Mountain; so don’t sweat the drive and enjoy a few beers while you're on vacation!
  • Kickapoo Tavern - This tavern is just minutes away from the ski slopes in the River Run Village. They serve up made-from-scratch food and have a great beer selection. It’s an awesome place to meet back up with friends and family after a day on the slopes.
  • Ice Skating on Keystone Lake - Though we are pretty food-driven (everyone has to eat, right?) we also enjoy family-fun activities that truly bring a smile to everyone’s face. We love ice skating on Keystone Lake; catch a great sunset while holding the hands of a loved one, it will definitely be a great vacation memory.

Breckenridge

  • TBar - The TBar really is a classic Breckenridge hang out spot. With beautiful views and an expansive patio, it’s a great place to unwind and people watch. It’s just steps from the Breck Connect gondola so you don’t even have to leave the resort! Forbes Magazine even boldly claimed, "TBar ... has become one of the hottest après ski spots in the entire country." If you're skiing Breck, we recommend you experience what all the fuss is about!
  • Cecilia’s - If you feel like dancing, Cecilia’s is a must! While the Breckenridge Resort does have world-class terrain, Breck is also well known for its nightlife. There are many great places to start a night out, but Cecilia’s has been a late-night favorite for decades.
  • Mi Casa - Call us crazy, but sometimes you just need to toast with a margarita after a long day! If Mexican is your jam, we highly recommend Mi Casa for delicious Mexican food and drinks. It’s a great local spot and not too far away from the resort - just walk towards Main Street from Peak 9 Village.

Copper Mountain

  • Moonlight Dine and Ski - Looking for a truly unique experience? Ride up the American Eagle chairlift, to enjoy great views and a gourmet buffet. The evening includes live music, drinks, dinner, and dessert. After your meal, take back to the slopes and enjoy another run down to Center Village under the twinkle of the stars!

Dillon/Silverthorne

Whether you choose to stay in Dillon or Silverthorne or if you are just passing through, make sure to try these two restaurants for their great breakfast selection. They aren’t too far from I70, so stop by and grab a quick bite!

  • Blue Moon Bakery - This little hole in the wall bakery is the best spot for a quick breakfast. They have a small eating area and they usually have a line out the door, so we prefer to call ahead and order our food to go. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, plus you can pick out a sweet treat to have after your day on the slopes. They are open for breakfast and lunch.
  • Arapahoe Cafe and Pub - A-Cafe, as the locals call it, is a great sit-down spot located right next to Lake Dillon. We highly recommend the breakfast tamales and a Bloody Mary, it will have you feeling good and ready for another day on the mountains.
  • Dillon Ice Castles - If you are traveling with kids or if you are looking for fun activities everyone is sure to love - try the Dillon Ice Castles. It really is impressive what these local artists are able to accomplish, the largest castle is well over fifty feet! The castles are usually available starting at the end of December.

Vail

  • Vendetta's - If you know a thing or two about pizza, you are going to love Vendetta’s. Vendetta’s is the local’s spot - we highly recommend the Snow Pig (Canadian bacon, pepperoni, sausage). Grab a pint of beer and enjoy the afternoon!
  • Outdoor Pools - Okay bear with us here, though you have a handful of options, one of our favorite things about Vail is how many outdoor heated pools they have. There is nothing better after a long day on the mountains than to bask in the glory of your accomplishments (or soak those tired muscles…) while swimming in an outdoor pool. If it’s snowing, grab your robes and head to the hot tub - enjoy the view! There are only so many times in your life that you can enjoy a night so uniquely.