Colorado Resorts Shape the 2021 Family Vacation Trend Landscape
Travel restrictions and heightened health protocols shrank the number of traditional U.S. family vacation destinations during the pandemic. In response, families turned to in‑state road trips, staycations, and outdoor movie nights. With vaccination rates climbing, summer 2021 is opening doors to fresh family travel ideas—many of which are being pioneered at Colorado’s premier resorts.
Colorado Family Resort Trends for Summer 2021
Colorado’s abundant natural scenery has always made it a leader in outdoor recreation, and its wide open spaces were a key factor in the state’s early reopening. Below are the newest resort concepts that exemplify safe, socially‑distanced family vacations.
Outdoor Activities
At the newly launched Gravity Haus in Breckenridge, the Cabin Juice Elevated Eatery & Bar features private cabanas, four indoor‑outdoor hot tubs, an emissions‑free coffee shop, and an outdoor Super Trampoline with dedicated booking windows for each stay. Pet‑friendly rooms are designed for families, offering bunk beds and multiple layout options.
Dryland Sports Breck, located on the resort’s lower level, provides an open‑air gym and fitness center for all ages. Outdoor classes focus on building sport‑specific strength for activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and ice skating.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH: Best Natural Hot Springs in Colorado
For children, a partnership with Colorado Adventure Guides—an outfit of ski patrollers, avalanche educators, and seasoned mountaineers—offers customized excursions. Last summer, the company expanded its portfolio to include private hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, and rafting adventures. One memorable outing involved a four‑mile mushroom‑foraging walk that engaged a family of five, nine, and eleven‑year‑olds. The youngest member spotted a morel mushroom on an old‑growth stump, a first for the guide in Summit County.
In addition to Breckenridge, Gravity Haus has locations in Vail and a new site in Winter Park slated for summer launch.
Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, hosts the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute, which offers hands‑on outdoor education for families. Popular programs include Early Wildflowers of RMNP, Kids’ Fly‑Fishing & Stream Ecology, and Sketchbook Journaling: Wilderness, Wildlife and Wonder in Watercolor.
Whether you’re a novice hiker or an experienced climber, Kent Mountain Adventure Center guides can lead you through high alpine trails, cliff faces, and the new Via Ferrata—a 600‑foot “iron path” secured by steel cables. The center welcomes all ages and skill levels.
Colorado Mountain School, the state’s largest guide service, provides one‑day and multi‑day courses in climbing, hiking, and mountaineering. Their highly trained guides ensure a safe and memorable experience for families.
Families seeking overnight accommodations can choose the YMCA of the Rockies, which sits on 800 acres adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park. The lodge offers swimming, archery, roller skating, and pet‑friendly cabins. Guest rooms start at $89 per night, including two breakfasts, while cabins begin at $109 per night.
Just outside Winter Park, Snow Mountain Ranch combines relaxation with year‑round outdoor activities. Accommodations range from hotel‑style lodge rooms (including new dog‑friendly rooms) to pet‑friendly cabins and mega family‑reunion cabins that sleep up to 44 guests. Lodge guests receive two complimentary breakfasts per night. On‑site amenities feature indoor archery, rock climbing, a pool, a craft shop, and weekly programming.
Teen Skincare Trends
Mask‑wearing has taken a toll on teenagers’ skin, and the stress of online learning adds to the challenge. Colorado resort spas are responding with specialized teen skincare programs.
In Colorado Springs, STRATA Integrated Wellness & Spa at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club offers a 60‑minute teen facial that combines treatment with educational guidance on a sustainable home‑care routine. “Masks demand extra skin care,” says Grant Jones, Vice President of Wellness, STRATA. “Teen skin is developing and benefits from gentle, nutrient‑rich organic products.”
Grand Hyatt Vail’s full‑service spa provides a “Teen Acne Facial” for ages 11‑18, using Comfort Zone’s Essentials line for deep cleansing and barrier protection. Estheticians also teach basic skincare steps, fostering healthy habits.
“While massages and facials may seem indulgent, they offer both physical and mental benefits that are essential to overall wellness,” notes Carly Oakland, spa director at Grand Hyatt Vail. “We’re committed to helping teens build early self‑care routines.”
Colorado Resort Food Trends
Variable dining regulations pushed Colorado resorts to innovate. This summer, safe and affordable dining options are more accessible than ever.
During ski season, The Westin Riverfront near Vail introduced food packs to replace limited slope‑side service. Options include a Breakfast Pack, a Fun Pack with Friends Pack, a Lunch Pack, and a Family Fun Pack—each delivered in a backpack that guests can keep for the day.
The Family Fun Pack contains Pirate’s Booty, Peter Rabbit pouches, Smashmallows, Pan Di Stelle, four waters, two fruit cups, four muffins or croissants, and four cupcakes or brownies.
Maya, the resort’s onsite restaurant, has adapted to new indoor‑dining rules by offering a mix of to‑go and tableside service. Executive Chef Angel Munoz notes that while large, shareable items fell in demand, tacos and smaller staples remain popular.
Mulay’s Sausage, a sustainable heritage pork company in Longmont, shifted from grocery‑market sales to direct‑to‑consumer shipping during the pandemic. Families now frequently book rooms with kitchenettes or full kitchens, making Mulay’s convenient for on‑site meal preparation.
Tiny Homes and Yurts
Trail & Hitch in northwest Colorado has become a pandemic‑era favorite, offering a 20‑acre RV park and tiny‑home village. Nine unique tiny homes accommodate four to six guests, featuring queen‑size loft beds, pull‑out futons, and twin nooks. All units include flat‑screen TVs, Wi‑Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and outdoor propane grills.
The community space offers a shaded picnic area, a faux‑grass play zone for children and dogs, and oversized board games such as Jenga and Connect Four.
River Run Resort in Granby, one of Colorado’s most sought‑after glamping destinations, features one‑ and two‑bedroom tiny homes with kitchens, Wi‑Fi, and outdoor grills. The resort debuted kayaking and stand‑up paddle boarding on its on‑site lake last year, and offers Airstream trailers, Conestoga wagons, yurts, and adventure tents.
Additional amenities include a pool, hot tubs, two restaurants, a dog park, golf cart rentals, a putting green, lawn games, an arcade, playground, jump pad, fitness center, and more. All lodging offers drive‑through check‑in and enhanced cleaning protocols.
