Telluride, CO – East of Utah, and 330 miles west of Denver lies Telluride, Colorado. This quaint little ski town draws thousands of visitors each year for its’ breathtaking views, gorgeous mountains and challenging ski slopes. With over 1,700 acres of ski-able terrain, there are slopes for novices and experts alike. Telluride is about 7 miles from the ski town of Mountain Village, and there’s a free gondola that visitors take to get into town. There is arguable no better free commute in the United States than the gondola that runs from Telluride to Mountain Village, and certainly the only commute that offers views of 14,000 ft. peaks. Telluride is filled with boutiques, Victorian homes, art galleries and historic buildings and was named a National History Landmark District in 1964. Because of it’s secluded location, Telluride is more expensive than some other ski towns in Colorado, but it’s breathtaking views make it one of the best ski towns out west. If you’re looking into flights, most visitors fly into Denver and connect to Montrose.
Key West, FL – There’s not many places you can visit in December and still enjoy 70 degree sunsets. “Winter” visitors enjoy warm weather, fishing, boat rides, fantastic restaurants and more. Dry Tortugas National Park draws thousands of yearly visits and is always a local favorite, with guided tours that showcase jaw-dropping views of the ocean. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a local favorite and is filled with facts and stories of Hemingway’s home, with guided tours available. If you’re staying during the holiday’s, definitely look into one of the several boat tours offered. It’s a bit confusing at first being on a boat in the middle of December, but once reality sets in you’ll wonder how you ever survived a cold winter.
Lake Tahoe, CA – There may not be a prettier lake in the US than Lake Tahoe in California. Formed during the ice ages about 2 million years ago, Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. and the 6th largest after the 5 Great Lakes. The lake is known for its’ crystal clear waters and surrounding mountains and is the largest alpine lake in the United States. Tahoe draws visitors year round and almost all come for water or snow skiing. In December, the temperature averages in the 40’s which makes winter very tolerable, and although winter isn’t quite as popular as summer, December is always a popular month for visitors. For non-skiers, there’s plenty of activities, from ice-skating to dogsledding to sleigh rides and snow-shoeing.
Aspen, CO – Aspen is always ranked as one of the best ski destinations, and for good reason. The city and its’ famous slopes have hosted the X-games, and other skiing competitions throughout the last several years. Snowman Mountain and Aspen Mountain are the two most popular mountains, but there are activities for non-skivers too. Aspen also has snowshoeing, fly-fishing and even hot air-ballooning. The town is surrounded by the Elk Mountains, with the Williams Mountains and Swatch Range to the east. Because of Aspen’s popularity in recent years, it is home to the highest real-estate prices in the United States. You may not be able to buy a home there, but you should certainly visit at least once.
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