COME TO LIFE Mesa / Grand Junction At Powderhorn Mountain Resort on the Grand Mesa, wide groomers and blue skies make for laid-back ski days. In nearby Grand Junction, you can pack in a “two-helmet day” — carve turns at Powderhorn in the morning, then gear up for an afternoon ride through the snow-dusted terrain of the Lunch Loops mountain-bike trail system . Wrap it all up with bold tacos and house-made salsas at Tacoparty , where the atmosphere is as bright as the flavors on your plate. Crested Butte Crested Butte Mountain Resort is known for gnarly terrain parks, expert runs and some of the steepest tree-cut trails in North America. On your rest day, explore the galleries, shops and colorful storefronts of downtown Crested Butte . Then head to Two Twelve for a seasonal menu — think braised buffalo, locally foraged mushrooms and creative vegetable-forward plates served in a warm, modern space. Crested Butte Mountain Resort Overcoming Fear as a Beginner TRENT BONA/CBM; TONY DREES Whether it’s your first time on the slopes or you’re trying your very first black diamond, fear is a natural part of visiting the mountain. Drees sees the process of overcoming that feeling as one of the most rewarding parts of the sport. In fact, he often compares the learning curve to everyday challenges — saying that conquering obstacles on the mountain can help you face life’s obstacles after you return from vacation. “You’re going to fall. You’re going to take a hit … that’s what life is full of. No one goes to après ski and talks about how many times you fall. What you talk about is how you were able to get back up and conquer that thing that you were initially scared of.” 56 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2026: Page 56
