Ouray has many Swiss-inspired elements.
Emily Pennington
Ouray is one of few towns in the US that’s been nicknamed “The Little Switzerland of America.”
It’s easy to see why with just one wintery jaunt down its main boulevard — towering bluffs of rock and snow jut up in every direction, and historic buildings are everywhere.
There’s no need to fly to a mountain resort in Zermatt to get your adrenaline pumping, either. Ouray’s Ice Park and annual Ice Festival offer some of the best opportunities to dust off your crampons and go ice climbing in the US.
For a bit of higher-brow culture, stop at the Wright Opera House. It was established in 1888 and hosts a variety of live performances throughout the year, including an annual Yule celebration.
If you visit in the summer or fall, don’t miss the Million Dollar Highway, a scenic driving route that winds past cascading waterfalls and tall peaks.
When it’s time to refuel, check into the Victorian-era Beaumont Hotel in downtown Ouray. With its antique furnishings and historic architecture, it feels like it belongs in Europe.
Finally, soak your tired bones while enjoying outstanding mountain views at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool or the Historic Weisbaden Hot Springs Spa that give some of Switzerland’s a run for their money.
I’ve enjoyed many European vibes and eats in Telluride
Climbing Telluride’s via ferrata is bucket-list-worthy.
Emily Pennington
Apart from having an excellent ski and live-music scene, Telluride is also home to incredible European-inspired eateries and architecture.
If you want to recreate a classic Swiss tradition, try the extensive fondue menu at Alpinist and the Goat, which features imported Gruyère and French truffle.
If you’re staying slopeside, check out Timber Room, which offers fire-roasted meals and crudité in an elegant, living-room-style setting.
Telluride has an excellent ski scene.
Emily Pennington
For second-to-none Euro-style digs, head to the lavish Dunton Town House.
It’s designed to honor Tyrolean immigrants who came to the San Juan Mountains over 150 years ago — and Austrian ceramics and antiques can be found throughout the historic inn.
Telluride has many mountain views.
Emily Pennington
Of course, Telluride also has many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
To experience a quintessentially Alps-like mountain hut, visit High Camp Hut near the mountainous Lizard Head Pass. It puts guests at the center of the surrounding snowy peaks, with opportunities for backcountry skiing and sledding.
If you’re visiting in the warmer summer months, book a guided day trip along the Telluride’s via ferrata, which is reminiscent of similar gear-supported climbing routes in Switzerland.
Crested Butte feels like a mountainous escape
During some months, Crested Butte has lots of wildflowers.
Emily Pennington
Since it’s about a four-hour drive from Denver, Crested Butte’s wildflower-strewn meadows and powdery ski slopes tend to offer a crowd-free escape from Colorado’s busiest mountain towns.
During winter months, Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers fantastic groomed runs for all experience levels. It’s known for its “extreme inbounds skiing,” which is reminiscent of Chamonix’s famous side-country routes.
I’d also recommend a trip through the nearby town of Gothic, which offers car camping and opportunities to swim in sparkling alpine lakes throughout the sunny summer months. Its striking landscape reminds me of the beautiful and immense summits around Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen village.
After a day of sightseeing in and around Crested Butte, enjoy blistered baby carrots and dry-aged Piedmontese beef at Two Twelve, an elevated eatery in town.
Or, try a fine-dining experience at Magic Meadows Yurt, which diners can only get to by Nordic skiing or snowshoeing.
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Publish date : 2025-01-13 04:24:00
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