Cabin in winter

Question

We are a family of 5. We are hoping to find a more secluded cabin vs busy ski resort where there is a high probability of snow. We are thinking about the first week in January. We are just wanting some r&r and beautiful views/play in the snow. We wouldn’t mind some hiking on our way from Denver and back. What are some areas that are recommended for us to stay? We were looking at FairPlay or Florissant. Are either of those good options or are there better places?

Answer

For a secluded winter cabin with a high probability of snow in early January, both Fairplay and Florissant are viable options, but they offer different experiences. Fairplay is located in South Park, a wide-open high-altitude basin surrounded by mountains. It’s more remote, so you’ll likely have the privacy you’re seeking and plenty of snow for play. There are also opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and scenic drives. The town itself is small, with a few local restaurants and shops, giving a charming small-town feel.

Florissant, near the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, is lower in elevation than Fairplay but still offers a peaceful, wooded environment. You’ll find more forested scenery here, which is beautiful for winter photography and snow play. Florissant has fewer amenities, but the area is very quiet and scenic, making it ideal if you want to fully unplug.

If you’re willing to explore other areas for a similar secluded winter cabin experience, consider:

Buena Vista – Slightly larger town with nearby hot springs, excellent mountain views, and easy access to snowshoeing and hiking trails.
Leadville – High elevation and lots of snow, historic town with charming cabins and easy access to winter activities.
Grand Lake – Located near the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, with stunning lake and mountain views, plus winter trails for hiking and snow play.
Estes Park outskirts – You can find cabins in wooded areas outside the main town for a quieter experience, with convenient access to snow-covered trails.

When traveling from Denver, all of these destinations provide scenic drives with opportunities to stop for short hikes or viewpoints. Fairplay and Buena Vista are both about 1.5–2 hours from Denver, while Florissant is slightly further, around 2–2.5 hours. Leadville is about 2 hours away, and Grand Lake/Estes Park is closer to 2.5–3 hours depending on your route and road conditions.

Overall, for snow play and seclusion:

Choose Fairplay or Leadville for high-altitude snow and wide-open spaces.
Choose Florissant or Grand Lake for wooded, scenic surroundings and a quieter feel.
Consider proximity to small-town amenities if you want occasional dining or shops without heading to a busy ski resort.

Be sure to check road conditions for winter driving and consider a cabin with heating, indoor space for downtime, and easy access to short trails if you have kids or want minimal walking in the snow.

Cabin in winter

More Colorado (CO) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions