Avon,
Colorado, a small mountain town of roughly 6,000 people, comes alive as
temperatures fall. Located roughly 100 miles from Denver, it offers a winter
wonderland to locals and out-of-towners alike. Known for its shopping, its
lodging, and, to no one’s surprise, its skiing, Avon is the perfect place to
spend a holiday vacation…or a snowy afternoon.
While
it can be hard to know where to go with so many activities available, the
following guide will get you started:
Hit
the Slopes
Most people venture to the Rocky Mountains for the ski resorts. Vail Resort is roughly ten minutes from Avon and Beaver Creek Resort is less than three miles away. While they’re some of the most
expensive resorts in Colorado, they’re also among the highest rated. Both places are known for their steady snowfalls and varied
terrains, but Vail is much more spacious while Beaver Creek is better-suited
for beginners.
Stay
in Town
One
of the biggest challenges of visiting Avon is the traffic: Interstate 70 moonlights
as a parking lot. Staying in town easily remedies this with eclectic options
available. You can find wallet-friendly places, like the Comfort Inn, luxury resorts like Ritz-Carlton, and plenty of Airbnbs geared toward a range of
budgets. Of course, you can just pack up and move to a local apartment, as well.
Enjoy
the Ambiance
The
charm of quaint mountain towns is palpable, particularly around the holidays. Downtown
Avon embraces this ambiance but doesn’t skimp on practicality. The streets are
easily walkable and feature a mix of chain stores and local merchants. If
you’re looking to shop, you can choose from winter gear, clothes, jewelry, and
everything in between. Dining is just as varied, with bakeries, breweries,
steakhouses, and more.
Explore
the Backcountry
Cross country skiing isn’t as popular as downhill skiing, but the
Avon backcountry makes the sore muscles worth it. The Apex Mountain School offers
private backcountry trips that range from easy trails for beginners to more
difficult outings. You can make a day of it or embark on a hut trip and stay
under the stars in a cabin in the middle of the San Isabel National Forest. It’s
off the grid and a great way to escape from work, social media, telemarketers,
and electricity.
Think
Outside the Ski Locker
If
you don’t fancy yourself much of a skier or you simply want to try something
new, consider opting from one of the many other winter activities. Snowshoeing
is especially popular in Avon, with well-kept mountainsides and spectacular
views. The Buck Creek Trail is
accessible from town and offers adventurers 3.5 miles and a 3,000-foot gain in
elevation. If you’ve never been snowshoeing before, bring a few granola bars
and tons of positive self-talk: it’s harder than it looks.
Whether you live in Colorado or you’re visiting from somewhere
else, Avon is the perfect place to embrace the beauty of Mother Nature. Use the
above as a guide and let the magic snowball from there.
The Piedmont Apartments in Avon, Colorado offers
luxurious, modern homes for residents that blend privacy with epic views of the
Rocky Mountains. Contact
us today to learn more
about mountain town living in our picturesque apartments.