Atlas Obscura Itineraries

From the Big Screen to the Slopes: Your Cinematic Winter Getaway in Colorado

A winter trip to Colorado, with its cinematic mountainscapes, can feel like you’re in a movie. With such a variety of activities—fast-paced snowmobile rides, railroad adventures, scenic snow shoe treks—it’s no wonder so many great films, from snowy adventure flicks to buddy comedies, were shot there. In fact, Colorado’s long onscreen history is about to welcome a new era, with the Sundance Film Festival making its home in Boulder in 2027. Travelers seeking midwinter adventure can find feature-film vistas and plentiful thrills in these Colorado spots—the settings or inspiration for favorite snow-frosted films. Whether you’re exploring the state’s alpine scenery, gliding down its powdery slopes, or engaging its rich and colorful history, Colorado has something for everyone.