Many locals have a saying that they came for the skiing and stayed for the summer. While winter might be the first season you think of when planning a vacation to a Colorado mountain resort, there’s something unique to be found in winter, spring, summer and fall. Here’s our guide to what weather to expect and what to do - one season at a time.
Click to jump to a season:
Winter
Ski season! When our mountain towns turn into winter wonderlands, the powder is deep and the fireplaces are burning brightly in our luxury vacation rental homes.
What better place to spend a snowglobe-worthy holiday season than a Colorado ski resort, where the sleigh bells jingle and charming villages sparkle with holiday lights.
The snow piles up and everyone settles into exhilarating days on the slopes and long winter nights cozied up by the fire.
The days are getting longer so getting up to be the first on the lift is a bit easier. Take advantage of the long President’s Day weekend to enjoy time on the slopes.
Avg. High: 29°F
Avg. Low: 6°F
Avg. Snowfall: 24-36”
Avg. High: 29°F
Avg. Low: 6°F
Avg. Snowfall: 28-47”
Avg. High: 34°F
Avg. Low: 8°F
Avg. Snowfall: 28-36”
Skiing of course! December has early-season snow conditions but with the resort’s extensive snowmaking, there are always plenty of trails open. Most non-skiing activities will be open by the holidays and the ski mountains ring in the New Year with torchlight parades and fireworks.
January is the snowiest month of the year, and the ski conditions are getting epic. All the winter outdoor activities are in full swing, including snowmobiling, sleigh ride dinners, snow tubing, dog sledding. And the winter festivals get underway.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, February is the perfect time to try Nordic skiing or fat tire biking, or perhaps some ice fishing or ice climbing. And indulge your Valentine at one or our mountain towns' many award-winning restaurants.
spring
Spring starts with some of the best skiing and ends with some of the best white-water rafting!
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A transition month when the ski areas start closing and the snowmelt begins.
Be prepared for everything from snow to rain to shorts and T-shirt conditions.
Avg. High: 43°F
Avg. Low: 18°F
Avg. Snowfall: 20-28”
Avg. High: 53°F
Avg. Low: 25°F
Avg. Snowfall: 13-28”
Avg. High: 63°F
Avg. Low: 32°F
Avg. Snowfall: 3-10”
Many would say that March is the best month to ski – great snow conditions and long, warm, sunny days. Toward the end of March, the winter activities start closing down. While there’s plenty of snow on the ski slopes, it has started melting at lower elevations.
In April, it’s one big party at the resort with end-of-ski season festivities – from pond skims to outdoor concerts at the base. Note, once the ski areas close so do some of the restaurants and other businesses.
In May, the road cyclists venture out, but it can be a bit too muddy still for all the mountain bike and hiking trails. But the action is on the rivers with some of the best white-water rafting if you’re looking for big rapids.
summer
Warm sunny days and cool evenings. You’ll want to live outside as much as you can. And that doesn’t necessarily mean camping. Moving Mountains homes have decks and hot tubs that make for luxurious mountain vacations.
While Memorial Day is the “unofficial” start to summer, in the higher elevations in the mountains, June is a slow transition into summer.
Prime time! Summer is in full splendor. Long days enjoying adventures on the trails, rivers and lakes; followed by leisurely evenings watching the sunsets from the deck or hot tub.
The summer crowds start to wane but the weather is glorious and all the summer activities are still open for business!
Avg. High: 73°F
Avg. Low: 38°F
Avg. Precipitation: 1.37”
Avg. High: 80°F
Avg. Low: 44°F
Avg. Precipitation: 2.08”
Avg. High: 80°F
Avg. Low: 44°F
Avg. Precipitation: 1.66”
In June, it's time to hit the trails! Some of the higher elevation trails may still be closed but there will be plenty of options lower down for hiking and biking. The rivers are prime for fly fishing and the gondolas start running again for scenic rides.
The 4th of July holiday kicks off summer in mountain towns when they turn into hiking and mountain biking playgrounds. The temperatures are perfect for paddleboarding and rafting. And the Farmer's Markets are overflowing with local produce.
In August...Anything outside! From biking and hiking, fly-fishing, paddleboarding and rafting, golfing, dining al fresco, and listening to open-air concerts. Just be prepared for the occasional afternoon thunderstorm.
fall
When the mountains explode with color from the aspens turning all shades of yellow and orange. Then there starts to be a chill in the air in early mornings and evenings, and a dusting of snow on highest peaks, signaling the approach of ski season.
Talk to a local and they’ll tell you this is the best month of the “summer.” The fall colors are starting to peak and summer vacations are over, so the towns are less crowded. But all the shops and restaurants are all still open.
The leaf-peeping is usually still good early in the month then the bikes get switched out for skis and snowboards as the transition to winter begins.
The anticipation of ski season starts to build and many of the Resorts open, albeit with limited terrain and lifts. It starts to look like winter on the ski slopes but still autumn in town and at lower elevations.
Avg. High: 74°F
Avg. Low: 38°F
Avg. Precipitation: 1.93”
Avg. High: 58°F
Avg. Low: 26°F
Avg. Snowfall: 6-14”
Avg. High: 50°F
Avg. Low: 20°F
Avg. Snowfall: 20-26”
September brings excellent biking, hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, and golfing weather. Catch the aspens that cover the ski mountains with scenic gondola rides. Then come back down and raise a stein at the local Oktoberfest celebrations.
In October...The most brilliant colors tend to peak around the end of September into the first week of October. Hop in the car for some scenic drives. Then celebrate the end of the season with one of many festivals, and even haunted tours to get you in the Halloween spirit.
In November, it's time to...Eat! Thanksgiving dinner, of course, and our homes have large gourmet kitchens perfect for gathering friends and family together. If you can’t wait to get on your skis or board, there’s early-season skiing with some of the Resorts opening mid-month, all snow dependent.
The Moving Mountains Reservations and Guest Services Teams can not only find the perfect house for your group but can also steer you to the right season for the type of vacation you’re looking for.
*Data from the National Weather Service
