Ouray, Colorado is one of those towns that you have either never heard of or you have and you have fallen in love with its mountain range and outdoor charm. The city prides itself on being "The Switzerland of America." Its name is quite fitting as this small mountain town is nestled between a spectacular peaks of the San Juan Mountains. There is just as much outdoor hiking and biking in the summer but I recommend visiting on your next winter vacation.

How To Get There

You can fly into Montrose which is about an hour a way or you can do what I did which was fly into Denver (because it was significantly cheaper) and take a fun road trip on the I-70 and sight see the amazing landscape for 5 1/2 hours. Road tripping from Denver to Ouray Colorado River

PIT STOP

Glenwood Springs

WHERE TO STAY

Ouray Victoria Inn - known as the 'Old Vic' to the locals. *Complimentary morning breakfast and Hot tub included in your stay! Old Victorian Inn

WHAT TO DO

OURAY ICE PARK

It is a man-made Ice Climbing park that has existed for 20 years! The original idea consisted of tapping into a major water pipe to form the Ice walls and it worked! With over a mile of vertical ice to climb in the gorge, Ouray Ice Park has become one of the premiere parks in the world to Ice Climb in. On the Cat Walk Memorial

THERMAL POOLS

Typically you would find yourself going to the Ouray Hot Springs which is a large outdoor thermal pool in the middle of Ouray. At this present time, it is going through a massive renovation project therefore it was closed. HOWEVER! we ended up going to the Wiesbaden Hot Spring. The Lodge was built over the cave in which the natural hot springs were discovered. The Rock "Vapor room' as it was dubbed, has no re-circulated water and boasts that its pure flowing water brings unrivaled rejuvenation/healing qualities. Enjoying the Thermal Pool

HANG OUT IN TOWN

Ouray Brewery - Grab a Pint at the local pubBuen Tiempo - the best Mexican Restaurant in TownBon Ton - Great for big groupsRoast and Toast Cafe - The best Sandwhich joint in townO'Brians Pub & Grill - Also doubles as a Karaoke Bar!Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee - You have to try the Scrap Cookie! Also known as the Switzerland of The US Ducketts Market

DAY TRIP TO TELLURIDE

Telluride has now become my favorite Mountain in the US to snowboard/ski on. The mountain is expansive in itself and with only having 1 day to ski- we did not even cover half of the trails. It is worth a weekend in the very least. One of my favorite things in the world to do is snowboard alongside my father. Telluride