Colorado is big and beautiful. Not only does it offer some of the world’s finest ski resorts, you can also hike and bike through forests and white-water raft along miles of gushing rivers, become a cowboy on a dude ranch, explore gold rush ghost towns and Native American ruins or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

There are numerous lakes, streams and stunning national parks – like the 4,000 square miles of wilderness of the Rocky Mountain National Park, the dramatic Mesa Verde, Black Canyon, Pikes Peak, the amazing sandstone pinnacles of the Garden of the Gods and the astounding Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado.

Denver, the state capital, is a vibrant centre with numerous shops and restaurants. Larimer Square, a restored section of Denver’s oldest street, and the Tivoli, housed in an 1860s brewery, are magnets for shoppers and diners alike. Aspen, is famous for its skiing and exciting nightlife, and is a favoured resort of the rich and famous. You can also enjoy dog-sled rides, ice-skating and snowmobiling in winter, and the aprés-ski scene in the multitude of bars and restaurants. In summer, Aspen becomes the cultural capital of Colorado, with a packed diary of arts events.

Beaver Creek, Vail and Telluride are also internationally recognised ski resorts with great reputations for fun and challenging runs. Colorado Springs is one of the state’s most popular destinations as southern Colorado’s amazing scenery is all within a short drive.