Does it get any more rustic than this?  Colorado is packed with picturesque scenes like this quaint mountain barn.

Head up to Tabernash for a snowy stay at the Devil’s Thumb Ranch.  And for an extra dash of winter wonderland, take a horse drawn sleigh out to feed the livestock!

Inspired by the phrase “upon this rock I will build my church,” Monsignor Joseph Bosetti had the Chapel on the Rock built atop a rock formation just outside the Rocky Mountain National Park.  Stunning, isn’t it?

Stopping for homemade ice cream at the Blue Owl in Nederland is an absolute must.  Even when it’s 35°F and you lose the feeling in your hands.

Colorado is filled with small mountain towns where neighbors all know one another and still get together for festive town celebrations.

As a Montana girl I can never get enough of the mountains.  And Colorado certainly has some beauties!

What do you do when you see sheets of ice piled up along the edge of an alpine lake?  You pick them up for fun photos!  Obviously.

A stay in one of The Stanley Hotel’s eerie rooms inspired Stephen King to write The Shining, and the miniseries was later filmed there.   As beautiful as it is creepy, you can take haunted tours to learn about the Stanley’s supernatural residents and spooktacular past.

Coming down from the high country to avoid deep snows, elk are a common sight in areas like Estes Park.  Entire herds can be found strolling down main street (much to tourists’ snap happy delight!)

That view though!

Cold nights mean clear skies, which are perfect for stargazing!

If you’re in the Boulder area you absolutely must warm up with a cup of tea at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse!  The beverage menu is extensive, the food is delectable, and the interior is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Seriously.  The ceiling at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is so extravagant you won’t be able to take your eyes off of it!

For a truly unique mountain experience, head to Breckenridge for the International Snow Sculpture Festival.  Artists from all over the world compete in a week-long contest that culminates in the display of imaginative, larger-than-life snow sculptures.

My favorite sculpture from the 2015 International Snow Sculpture Festival – Day of the Dead by the Americans.  The size and detail were just incredible!

In addition to the competition’s snow sculptures, there are also numerous ice sculptures around town as well.  Both are even more impressive when colorfully lit up at night.

When you think of Colorado in winter you naturally envision powdery ski slopes.  And for good reason!  Colorado has some of the best ski resorts in America, offering unforgettable mountain memories.  Some of my favorite resorts include Breckenridge, Winter Park, and Aspen.

During the holidays many mountain towns are brilliantly illuminated with Christmas lights.  They will blind you with their festive cheer (in a good way!)

Two of the best places to eat in Denver – Linger and Little Man Ice Cream.  Housed in the former O’Linger Mortuary, Linger has mouth-watering food from every corner of the globe.  After your meal, head next door to Little Man for homemade ice cream with a philanthropic flair.  Win win!

Ho, ho, hope you stop by Denver’s Union Station on your Colorado winter visit!  The opulent lighting and lavish decorations are sure to get you in the holiday spirit!