Five peaks above a preserved Victorian mining town, with a Main Street of nineteenth century storefronts full of bars, restaurants and shops. It feels lived in rather than staged, and it is one of the busiest resorts in North America partly because of that.

The terrain spreads by character across the peaks, with gentle learning slopes low down, a great deal of intermediate cruising in the middle, and high alpine bowls above the treeline that take a hike to reach. Beginners are better served here than at almost any other large Colorado resort.

One thing to plan around. The town sits very high and altitude sickness in the first two days is common, so arrive gently, drink water and leave the hikes until day three.

Hotels, condos and rentals with a free bus between them, and Denver ninety minutes away.