Winter arrives early at Colorado's high altitudes. Here at Breckenridge, well before Summit County's calendar reaches the official first day of the season, a white winter coat blankets the countryside. Backcountry trails and well groomed slopes mean it's time for exceptional skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. The tree-lined slopes of Breckenridge, pictured here, are complimented with a backdrop of snow-coated majestic mountains peaks.
     The Colorado Rockies region offers some of the nation's most inviting winter recreation, with ski-in/ski-out lodging and world-class ski resorts. Resort towns of Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, and Telluride have garnered the nickname Beverly Hills of the Mountains. Less-famous ski areas nearby Durango and Crested Butte offer some of Colorado's best, yet lesser-known skiing resorts. The rugged Elk Mountains and the Victorian town of Crested Butte grabbed one of the top spots in Leisure's ski town picks.
     The state recognizes the economic impact of tourism and renewed its efforts back in 2000. Winter vacationers have returned in record numbers. At the beginning of this new season, optimism still lingers despite a sagging American economy.