TRIP ITINERARIES FOR A WINTER VACATION IN GRAND COUNTY, COLORADO
Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Grand County is a winter wonderland that beckons adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike. With its stunning snow-capped peaks, world-class ski resorts, and charming mountain towns, this picturesque region offers an unforgettable winter escape.
From the family-friendly slopes of Granby Ranch to historic charm of Grand Lake to the modern amenities of Winter Park, each corner of Grand County holds its own winter treasures. Visitors can experience everything from world-class skiing and snowboarding to peaceful snowshoe treks, from exhilarating dog sledding adventures to relaxing soaks in natural hot springs. The area's diverse winter activities cater to both adrenaline seekers and those looking for a quiet mountain retreat.
To help you make the most of your winter escape to Grand County, we've prepared several vacation itineraries to make your travel planning easier. Whether you're planning an extended week-long adventure or a quick weekend getaway, these carefully crafted itineraries will guide you through the best winter experiences our mountain paradise has to offer.
7-Day Winter Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Granby Ranch Exploration
Stop by City Market on your way to the condo and pick up groceries for your stay
Arrive at Sundog Condo and settle in
Prepare dinner in the fully-equipped kitchen
Take an evening walk around Granby Ranch to familiarize yourself with the area and enjoy the beautiful views
Relax by the indoor fireplace
Optional: Soak in the neighborhood jacuzzi to unwind from travel
Day 2: Granby Ranch Ski Day
Make breakfast at the condo
Get in a full day of skiing/snowboarding at Granby Ranch
Head to the Base Lodge and set your ski / snowboard gear outside on one of the storage racks
Grab a coffee to-go at First Chair Cafe. Take it outside and sit by the big fireplace while you watch people
Get lunch at the upstairs cafeteria or Bluebird Bistro
Enjoy après-ski at 8350 Lounge (complete with live music and drinks)
Cook a comforting dinner at the condo
Relax with a bubble bath and some reading in bed
Day 3: Winter Park Ski Day
Make breakfast at the condo complete with your coffee of choice. (Standard brew machine, French press, or Nespresso machine with milk frother)
Drive or take the local ski bus to Winter Park for a day on the slopes
Optional: Book a ski lesson or guided mountain tour
Take the free gondola up to the Sunspot Lodge for après-ski — with live music and drinks
Grab dinner in town (our favorites are: Randi's Grill & Pub, Big Trout Brewing Company, Pepe Osaka's Fish Taco, or The Ditch)
End your day with a relaxing soak in the neighborhood jacuzzi
Day 4: Fraser/Tabernash Cross-Country Ski Day
Make breakfast at the condo
Explore the cross-country ski trails at Devil's Thumb Ranch or YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch
Optional: Try fat biking on snow trails if conditions allow
Choose your afternoon relaxation:
Option 1: Visit Grand Park Community Rec Center to enjoy the pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and gym
Option 2: Return to the condo for a soak in the neighborhood jacuzzi
Drive to the “IceBox” in the Fraser Valley Sports Complex for some ice skating
Savor dinner & drinks at Fraser Valley Distilling (consider purchasing a bottle of liquor to take home as a souvenir)
Enjoy evening entertainment at Foundry Cinema + Bowl
Day 5: Grand Lake Adventure Day
Make breakfast at the condo
Drive to Grand Lake Nordic Center for snowshoeing with views of Rocky Mountain National Park
Alternative: Go ice fishing or snowmobiling in Grand Lake
Treat yourself to lunch at Sagebrush BBQ & Grill or One Love Rum Kitchen
Explore the town of Grand Lake and its shops. (No chains or big box stores here!)
Optional: Visit the Kauffman House Museum to learn about local history
Pick up dessert to bring home at Showboat Drive By Pie or Mary’s Mountain Cookies
Return home to prepare dinner at Sundog
Grab a blanket and head out to the outdoor firepit. Eat your pie with your favorite beverage while stargazing
Day 6: RMNP and Hot Springs Day
Make breakfast at the condo and pack sandwiches for lunch
Grab your morning coffee at Rocky Mountain Roastery
Join a ranger-led snowshoe walk in Rocky Mountain National Park
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park while taking in the stunning winter views
Optional: Consider wildlife viewing drive through RMNP
Drive to Hot Sulphur Hot Springs and enjoy an afternoon soak in the natural hot springs
Head back to the condo, grab a shower and head out to a nicer dinner in Granby at Brickhouse 40
Optional: End your evening with a cozy nightcap by either the outdoor firepit or indoor fireplace
Day 7: Winter Park Shopping and Relaxation
Make breakfast at the condo
Put your coffee in a to-go mug and head for a chill walk around Granby Ranch to get the blood flow moving
Drive to Winter Park for shopping at Cooper Creek Square
Peruse the shops (Some of our favorites: Altitude Jewelry, Mountain Shire Books & Gifts, Moose Hollow Trading Company, Uptripping)
Eat lunch at Casa Mexico or Durbar Nepalese & Indian Bistro
Grab a hot chocolate to-go at Monarch Lake Chocolate & Co
Walk through downtown Winter Park
Return to condo for a relaxing evening
Eat dinner at the condo
Enjoy a game/puzzle/movie night to conclude the trip
5-Day Winter Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Snowtubing
Drive over to the Fraser Tubing Hill for hours of fun (Plus a magic carpet ride so you’re not hiking up the huge hill)
Stop by City Market on your way to the condo and pick up groceries
Arrive and settle into Sundog Condo after the 4pm check-in
Prepare dinner in your fully-equipped kitchen
End your evening with board games or a movie night in the cozy living room
Day 2: Granby Ranch Ski Day
Make breakfast at the condo
Get in a full day of skiing/snowboarding at Granby Ranch
Head to the Base Lodge and set your ski / snowboard gear outside on one of the storage racks
Grab a coffee to-go at First Chair Cafe. Take it outside and sit by the big fire place while you people watch
Optional: Take a ski / snowboard lesson if you’re new to the slopes
Get lunch at the upstairs cafeteria
Savor dinner at Bluebird Bistro
Wrap up your day stargazing by the outdoor firepit
Day 3: Winter Park Ski Day
Make breakfast at the condo complete with your coffee of choice. (Standard brew machine, French press, or Nespresso machine with milk frother)
Drive or take the local ski bus to Winter Park for a day on the slopes
Optional: Book a ski lesson or guided mountain tour
Take the free gondola up to the Sunspot Lodge for après-ski — with live music and drinks
Grab dinner in town (our favorites are: Randi's Grill & Pub, Big Trout Brewing Company, Pepe Osaka's Fish Taco, or The Ditch)
End your day with a relaxing soak in the neighborhood jacuzzi
Day 4: YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch Day
Prepare breakfast at the condo and pack a lunch
Go dogsledding in the morning at YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch
Find a scenic spot to enjoy your picnic lunch on the grounds
Explore the trails with afternoon cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
Return back and cook dinner at the condo
End your day with a family craft night or puzzle session
Day 5: Scenic Drive + Shopping To Grand Lake
Make breakfast at the condo
Drive to Grand Lake for scenic winter views + some souvenir shopping
Grab lunch in Grand Lake
Explore the town of Grand Lake and its shops. (No chains or big box stores here!)
4-Day Winter Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Condo Relaxation
Grab lunch on your drive up from Denver (Idaho Springs is a great place to stop)
Stop for groceries on your way in at City Market
Arrive and settle into Sundog Condo
Take an evening walk around the neighborhood
Grab dinner at the base lodge at Bluebird Bistro
Head back to the condo and ease those muscles in the neighborhood jacuzzi
Read at night by the fireplace
Day 2: Spa & Hot Springs Day
Make breakfast at the condo, pack a lunch
Get some morning yoga or gentle stretching in
Optional: Pay $10 for a day pass to use the gym at the Base Lodge of Granby Ranch for a more vigorous workout
Drive to Hot Sulphur Springs for a day of soaking
Take a break from soaking and eat your packed lunch
Optional: Enjoy an afternoon massage at the hot springs (Make sure to book in advance)
Return to condo for a homemade dinner
End the night with some stargazing by the outdoor firepit
Day 3: Scenic Drive and Shopping
Prepare breakfast at the condo
Take a scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park
Grab lunch in Grand Lake
Continue strolling in Grand Lake's unique local stores for souvenirs
Return to the condo to prepare dinner
End your evening with a movie night at home
Day 4: Gentle Outdoor Activity and Departure
Make breakfast at the condo
Go for a morning snowshoe at Granby Ranch (easy trails)
Take a break for lunch at Bluebird Bistro
Get an afternoon relaxation at the condo
3-Day Winter Itinerary
Day 1: Granby Ranch Ski Day
Get a nice and early start and hit the slopes first thing before check-in
Grab a quick lunch at the cafeteria
Continue skiing at Granby Ranch throughout the afternoon
Check-in at Sundog Condo
Enjoy après-ski drinks and live music at 8350 Lounge
Grab dinner at Bluebird Bistro or prepare a meal at the condo
Relax your muscles in the soothing neighborhood jacuzzi
Day 2: Winter Park Ski Adventure
Prepare an early breakfast at the condo
Go for a full day skiing at Winter Park Resort
Grab lunch at on-mountain restaurants
Take the gondola to Sunspot Lodge for après-ski festivities
Grab dinner in the town of Winter Park. (Our favorites are: Randi's Grill & Pub, Big Trout Brewing Company, Pepe Osaka's Fish Taco, or The Ditch)
End your evening with R&R at the condo or soak in the jacuzzi
Day 3: Mixed Ski Day and Departure
Prepare breakfast at the condo.
Take a morning ski session at Granby Ranch (if time allows)
Grab a quick lunch at Bluebird Bistro.
Stop by the Fraser Tubing Hill for some sledding
Tips For A Winter Trip To Grand County, Colorado
Make reservations in advance
Check snow reports and weather forecasts daily, including road conditions
Stay hydrated and acclimate to the altitude. Make sure to drink electrolytes (Gatorade + Liquid IV can be found at the local grocery stores)
Don't forget to use sun protection
Pack plenty of warm clothes + layers. The temperature can change quickly in both directions
Pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for relaxation
Consider bringing or renting snowshoes for gentle walks
Don't overplan - leave room for spontaneity and rest
Whether you're planning a week-long ski adventure, a relaxing long weekend, or a quick mountain getaway, Grand County, Colorado offers endless possibilities for winter fun. These itineraries serve as a starting point — feel free to modify them based on weather conditions, energy levels, or spontaneous discoveries. That's the beauty of Grand County – there's always something new to explore, whether you're seeking adventure on the slopes or tranquility in the snow-covered valleys.
Remember to stay flexible, as weather conditions can influence activities, and don't hesitate to add your own personal touches to make your trip uniquely yours. From exhilarating ski runs to peaceful moments by the fireplace, Grand County promises a winter vacation filled with unforgettable memories. So pack your warmest gear, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the winter wonderland that is Grand County, Colorado.
Safe travels, and we'll see you in Grand County!